Red Light Tickets Attorney on Long Island

Representing Drivers in All of the Towns and Villages Within Suffolk and Nassau Counties

Red light violations are a common occurrence on Long Island, often resulting from automated enforcement cameras or police stops at intersections. The consequences vary significantly depending on how the ticket was issued, making it essential to understand whether you're facing points on your license or simply an administrative fine. This distinction determines your defense strategy and the potential long-term impact on your driving record and insurance.

At All County Traffic Defense Group, we help drivers navigate these different scenarios. Led by Zan Sheikh, our firm offers clear and practical advice on how to handle red light citations.

If you are looking for a red light tickets attorney in New York City, Long Island, Rockland County, or Westchester County, call All County Traffic Defense Group at (516) 440-2348 or contact us online.

Red Light Tickets in NY: Officer-Issued vs. Camera Violations

It’s important to distinguish between a red light ticket issued by a police officer and one generated by a red light camera. 

A ticket written by an officer is a moving violation under the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). If convicted, it results in 3 points being added to your license and will appear on your driving abstract, which can impact your insurance rates.

In contrast, red light camera tickets are administrative violations issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. They generally do not carry points and do not appear on the driver’s abstract (for non-commercial drivers). However, they come with significant fines and can prevent registration renewal if left unpaid.

Understanding this difference is critical. While camera tickets are often just a financial inconvenience, officer-issued tickets can impact your driving privileges and require a stronger defense in court.

Defending Against Red Light Tickets from Police Officers

When an officer issues a red light ticket, the defense often focuses on the officer’s position and observation. The law requires that the vehicle enter the intersection while the signal is red. If the vehicle entered the intersection on a yellow light and the light turned red while the vehicle was still in the intersection, a violation may not have occurred.

Defense strategies may involve questioning the officer’s line of sight or the timing of the yellow light. If the yellow light duration was shorter than federal or state guidelines for that speed limit, it can sometimes be grounds for dismissal.

Plea bargaining is also a common approach. These negotiations often aim to reduce a 3-point violation to a non-moving offense, such as a parking ticket, to help avoid point accumulation and insurance surcharges.