Red light in Tacoma

Running a red light in Tacoma, Washington, might seem like a small mistake on the surface, but it can have serious consequences for the driver and others on the road. This kind of violation, which carries severe legal and safety implications, occurs when a driver enters an intersection after the traffic signal has already turned red. It is often a disregard for the traffic laws that were put into place to help ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic on Tacoma’s streets.

These red lights are used to regulate traffic and provide a safe space for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to move through each intersection. Disregarding these traffic signals can lead to an accident and increase the risk of collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians who have the right of way.

Again, the consequences of running a red light in Tacoma can be severe. You can face traffic citations and fines that vary depending on the circumstances. For example, if the violation resulted in an accident, you can face additional charges, including reckless driving or negligence. These can lead to much higher fines and an increase in your insurance premiums. If the accident was more severe, like a vehicular assault or manslaughter, criminal charges could be brought against you if someone was seriously injured or killed as a result of you running a red light.

Law enforcement actively enforces these traffic rules, including using red light cameras at certain intersections. These automated systems take pictures of vehicles running red lights and then issue citations to the vehicle’s registered owner. The cameras are meant to serve as a deterrent and to help reduce the number of violations.

For all these reasons and more, you should consider consulting an experienced Tacoma defense attorney who can help you navigate the complexities that can accompany more serious charges related to your red light running violation.

Running a red light in Washington state is a traffic violation governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and local ordinances, designed to maintain road safety.

RCW 46.61.050 states that drivers are required to obey all traffic control devices, including traffic lights and all other traffic signals and signs. Violating this law, like running a red light, can end in a citation.

RCW 46.61.055 specifically addresses running a red light and outlines when you must stop when facing a red light, except when turning right or when otherwise directed by an officer or other authorized personnel.

Under RCW 46.63.020, a red light violation is classified as a traffic violation, not a criminal offense. Local jurisdictions will determine how much the violation is, but it generally falls from $100 to $200.

According to RCW 46.63.170, automated traffic cameras can be used to capture images of vehicles running red lights in Tacoma. This system has proven to reduce the number of red light violations and enhances traffic safety by discouraging drivers from running red lights.

Tacoma, Washington, is located in Puget Sound. It offers a great mix of urban living with untethered access to nature. While well-known for its industrial past, it has now turned into a place where modern businesses can coexist alongside historical landmarks. The city is also home to many parks, waterfront areas, and hiking trails, so there is never a shortage of things to do.

Despite all of its appeal, Tacoma’s streets can get busy, and traffic congestion is a common concern in some areas. The city has adopted measures like red light cameras to help promote road safety and reduce violations. However, with the roads becoming more and more heavily used, drivers still need to be aware of and follow all traffic laws, or it can lead to costly consequences and even more traffic disruptions.

Running a red light can seem like a minor traffic violation but in certain circumstances, it can lead to serious consequences. When there is an injury or death, a simple infraction turns into something much more severe, like reckless driving, negligent driving, or vehicular assault. Hiring a criminal defense attorney in these cases is important for ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive a fair trial.

A skilled attorney will look at your case as a whole, help negotiate with prosecutors, and work toward reducing your penalties or even having the charges dismissed altogether if the evidence isn’t sufficient or the circumstances warrant a bit more leniency.

An attorney can also help with red light camera tickets or other automated violations. They can challenge the validity of the evidence or how the citation was issued, which can lead to a reduction or dismissal of the fine or other penalties. Even if the violation was unintentional, the defense attorney can present your case in a way that puts you in the best light possible. When facing more serious charges related to running a red light, having a criminal defense attorney at your side can be the difference between a minor penalty and much more severe consequences.

At our law firm, we believe that every case involving a red light in Tacoma can be challenged with the right approach. Our attorneys have been defending people charged with traffic violations throughout Western Washington for over 20 years.

So if you or a loved one are facing a charge related to running a red light, it’s time to consult a legal professional. Our dedicated and aggressive Tacoma traffic attorneys have the experience needed to help protect your rights, keep you out of jail, and maintain your driving privileges.

Red light tickets have many similarities to stop sign tickets. When facing a red light you must stop at the proper location just like with a stop sign. That means at the stop line if there is one, otherwise the nearest point of a cross walk if there is one, otherwise the nearest point where you can see approaching traffic. You also have to come to a complete stop and cannot do a “California” roll on a right turn.

There are actually two different types of red light tickets – the ticket when you are stopped at the scene and are given a ticket by the officer and the ticket you receive in the mail from a camera. If you get a ticket from the officer, then that type of red light violation is a moving violation and it will go on your driving record if found committed. Instead, if you receive the ticket in the mail due to a camera seeing your car not stopping, then that is treated like a parking ticket. While the government knows who the car is registered to, it does not know who was actually driving the vehicle. The previously mentioned “California” rolling right turn above is the most common reason for individuals to receive a camera ticket. If you receive a camera ticket, make sure you read the ticket’s instructions and watch the video online of the alleged failure to stop.

The Law Offices of Jason Newcombe are here to answer your questions and protect your record. Give us a call.