Traffic and Red Light Cameras in Boca Raton, FL
Gregg Hollander | March 3, 2023 | Car Accidents
When you approach an intersection and see the light change from green to yellow, you have a decision to make: Do you slam on your brakes, or do you press the accelerator and try to beat the light?
If you opt for the latter, you may notice a sudden flash as you pass through the intersection. That flash might be followed up a few days later by a notice in the mail: You have been ticketed by a red light camera.
First introduced in 2012 in New York City, red light cameras were quickly rolled out across the country, ostensibly to promote safety at dangerous intersections. It was argued that an extra set of eyes at intersections would discourage people from taking unnecessary risks and would encourage drivers to remain aware and cautious, preventing car accidents.
But red light cameras have also been lucrative for many municipalities, becoming a significant revenue source for these cities. This controversy has led some Florida cities, including Boca Raton, to suspend the use of red light cameras to enforce traffic laws.
Five Things To Know About Boca Raton Traffic Cameras
Even though Boca Raton has not used red light cameras for several years, you may still see cameras scattered along roadways and at intersections throughout the city. Here’s what you need to know about these cameras:
The City of Boca Raton Uses Traffic Cameras for Non-Enforcement Purposes
You may see traffic cameras within Boca Raton. According to the city, these cameras are used to monitor the flow of traffic. They allow city personnel to observe traffic issues as they occur in real time and take immediate corrective measures.
You Should Not Receive a Red Light Camera Ticket for Driving Around Boca Raton
If you receive a red light ticket from the city of Boca Raton, it is likely fake and a scam. Before sending any money, contact Boca Raton Police Services to verify the ticket’s authenticity. Do not pay any tickets with gift cards or prepaid cards; requests to do so are always fraudulent.
Red Light Camera Tickets Are Still Legal in Florida
The Florida Supreme Court has upheld the legality of red light cameras, so communities in the Sunshine State can use these devices if they choose to do so. This means that if you live in Boca Raton but drive through another city with these cameras, you may find yourself receiving a red light camera ticket through the mail.
You Should Not Ignore a Red Light Ticket
The worst thing you can do when you receive a red light ticket through the mail is nothing. These tickets can easily cost hundreds of dollars, and the violation can be reported on your driving record. The ticket should come with instructions for contesting it if you believe it is erroneous.
Red Light Camera Tickets Can Be Beat
Just because you receive a ticket does not mean you have no defenses. Someone else may have been driving your car when the violation occurred, or the camera may have captured the wrong license plate information.
Red Light Cameras Are Here To Stay in Florida — For Now
Although Florida’s Supreme Court has green-lighted the use of these devices, Boca Raton has not reintroduced red light cameras within the city limits.
However, other communities have not abstained from red light cameras. Boca Raton drivers who travel to other cities in the state should be alert for these devices and exercise judgment before paying a suspicious-looking red light camera ticket.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in South Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced car accident lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873