Red Light Camera Traffic Lawyers Sydney
We provide expert legal defence to challenge red light camera fines, helping you avoid demerit points and severe penalties.
- Challenge Unfair Red Light Camera Fines
- Avoid Demerit Points & Keep Your Licence
- Expert Defence to Avoid Heavy Fines
- Secure a Section 10 Dismissal or Leniency
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Expert Defence To Protect Your Licence & Record
Receiving a red light camera fine can feel automatic and final, but it doesn’t have to be. With a significant fine and demerit points threatening your licence, it’s crucial to understand your options.
At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our experienced traffic lawyers are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome, whether that’s having the infringement notice withdrawn, successfully appealing the penalty, or persuading a magistrate to grant leniency and protect your driving record.
We provide specialist legal advice and representation for all matters related to this traffic offence, including:
- Appealing for Leniency & Section 10
- Defences to the Charge
- Challenging a Red Light Camera Fine
- Penalties & Demerit Points
What is a Red Light Camera Offence in NSW?
In NSW, a red light camera offence is a strict liability traffic offence governed by the Road Rules 2014 (NSW). This means the prosecution only needs to prove that your vehicle crossed the white stop line after the traffic light turned red, not that you intended to do so.
Receiving an infringement notice for running a red light can have immediate and serious consequences for your fine history and driver’s licence.
Red light camera systems in NSW use sensors that are activated when a vehicle travels over the stop line while the light is red. The camera then takes two photographs to record the time of the offence, your vehicle’s details, and its position in the intersection.
Being caught by a red light camera will result in a significant fine and the loss of 3 demerit points. This penalty increases to 4 demerit points if the offence occurs in a school zone, and double demerits apply during holiday periods, placing your licence at immediate risk.
While the law presumes these camera systems are accurate, challenging a red light camera fine is possible.
Penalties for a Red Light Camera Offence in NSW
The Standard Penalty
If you are caught by a red light camera, the infringement notice will typically include:
- A significant fine
- 3 demerit points
Penalties are more severe if the offence occurs in a school zone, increasing to 4 demerit points and a larger fine. During holiday periods, double demerit points apply, putting your licence at even greater risk.
It Is Possible To Avoid The Fine and Demerit Points
An expert traffic lawyer from Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers can prepare a thorough and persuasive case to appeal a red light camera fine or argue for leniency in court.
We frequently achieve outcomes like a Section 10 dismissal or a Conditional Release Order. This allows the magistrate to find you guilty but dismiss the traffic offence without recording a conviction, saving you from the fine and the loss of demerit points.
Pleading ‘Not Guilty’ to a Red Light Offence
If you believe you did not commit the offence, you have the right to plead ‘not guilty’ and have the matter heard in court. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove every element of the red light camera offence beyond a reasonable doubt. A robust criminal defence, prepared by an expert traffic lawyer, can often reveal weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, leading to the charges being dismissed.
At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, we explore every possible defence available to you. A successful defence may be based on:
- You were not driving the vehicle:Â If you can prove someone else was driving at the time of the offence.
- Technical malfunction:Â Arguing the red light camera was not operating correctly or its calibration was inaccurate.
- Necessity or Duress:Â Demonstrating you had to run the red light to avoid a serious accident or due to an immediate threat.
- Making way for an emergency vehicle:Â Providing evidence that you moved into the intersection to allow an ambulance, fire truck, or police vehicle to pass.
Our lawyers will provide clear legal advice on your prospects of success and build a compelling case to defend you in court.
Pleading ‘Guilty’ to a Red Light Offence
Even if you accept that you committed the traffic offence, it doesn’t mean you have to accept the full penalty. Pleading guilty and asking a magistrate for leniency can be a powerful strategy to avoid the loss of demerit points and a heavy fine. This is especially critical if accumulating more points will result in a licence suspension.
Our experienced traffic lawyers specialise in preparing persuasive leniency pleas. We can present your case to the court, highlighting your good driving history, your need for a licence for work or family commitments, and any other extenuating circumstances.
By making strong submissions on your behalf, we frequently convince the court to grant a Section 10 dismissal or a Conditional Release Order. This outcome means that while you are found guilty, no conviction is recorded, and you do not receive a fine or lose any demerit points.
How Red Light Cameras Work in NSW
In NSW, these cameras are connected to sensors embedded in the road surface. A camera is triggered to take two photographs only when a vehicle crosses the white stop line more than 0.3 seconds after the traffic light has turned red. The first image shows your vehicle at the stop line, and the second, taken moments later, is designed to show you proceeding through the intersection.
While the law presumes these camera systems are accurate, they are not infallible. Technical errors, incorrect calibration, or issues with the camera’s operation can lead to a flawed or wrongly issued fine.
Our experienced traffic lawyers meticulously review the evidence from Revenue NSW, including maintenance records and the digital images of the alleged offence, to identify any inconsistencies that can be used to challenge the infringement notice and protect your licence.
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What Our Clients Say
- Ironclad Defence
We build a powerful & proactive defence from the very beginning. We prepare & identify every weakeness in the prosecution’s case to secure your defence.
- Fierce Advocacy
Our lawyers are your fierce advocates, both in & out of the courtroom. We are committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your peace of mind with fearless representation.
Have Sydney's Best Criminal & Traffic Lawyers On Your Side
When you face a criminal or traffic charge, having a formidable legal team in your corner is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our reputation for relentless advocacy and strategic excellence is why we are consistently involved in significant, high-profile cases.
Our work, often highlighted by the media, demonstrates our commitment to every client. We apply the same level of tenacity and expert skill to your case, ensuring you feel protected and have a clear path forward.
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Why Choose Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers
A Winning Record
We have a proven history of successfully defending clients against red light camera fines. We focus on having infringement notices withdrawn, securing 'not guilty' verdicts, and protecting our clients' licences by avoiding the loss of demerit points.
EXPERT RED LIGHT CAMERA LAWYERS
A red light camera offence requires deep knowledge of traffic law. Our senior lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience exclusively in this area, giving you a critical advantage in challenging camera evidence and navigating the complexities of the Road Rules 2014 (NSW).
Free Strategy Session & 24/7 Help
A red light camera fine and the loss of demerit points can put your licence at risk. We offer a free initial Strategy Session to assess your case and outline your options. Our team is available 24/7 because immediate legal advice is crucial when your licence is on the line.
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FAQs
What is a red light camera offence in NSW?
A red light camera offence is a strict liability traffic offence under the Road Rules 2014 (NSW). This means the prosecution only needs to prove your vehicle crossed the white stop line after the traffic light turned red, not that you intended to do so.
What are the penalties for running a red light?
The standard penalty for a red light camera offence is a significant fine and the loss of 3 demerit points. This increases to a larger fine and 4 demerit points if the offence occurs in a school zone. Double demerits also apply during public holiday periods.
How do red light cameras work?
Red light camera systems use sensors in the road that are connected to the traffic lights. The camera is triggered to take two photographs of your vehicle if it crosses the white stop line after the light has turned red, capturing the details of the offence.
Can i lose my licence for a red light camera fine?
Yes. If the loss of 3 or 4 demerit points from the red light camera fine causes you to exceed your demerit point limit, Transport for NSW will issue a licence suspension.
What if i wasn't driving the vehicle at the time of the offence?
If you were not the driver, you must nominate the person who was driving by completing the statutory declaration form provided with the infringement notice and submitting it to Revenue NSW. It is a serious offence to make a false nomination.
Can i appeal a red light camera fine?
Yes, you have the right to appeal. You can elect to have the matter heard in court to either plead ‘not guilty’ and defend the charge, or plead guilty and seek leniency from the magistrate to reduce the penalty.
What are the main defences to a red light camera charge?
A defence may be available if you can provide evidence that you were not driving the vehicle, there was a technical error or malfunction with the camera, or you acted out of necessity or duress, such as to avoid a serious collision or to make way for an emergency vehicle.
What does it mean to seek leniency in court?
Seeking leniency involves pleading guilty to the offence but asking the magistrate for a reduced penalty. This is often done to avoid the fine and the loss of demerit points by obtaining a Section 10 dismissal or a Conditional Release Order.
What is a section 10 dismissal?
A Section 10 dismissal is an order where the court finds you guilty of the traffic offence but dismisses the charge without recording a conviction. This means you do not have to pay the fine and you will not lose any demerit points.
How can a traffic lawyer help me?
An experienced traffic lawyer can provide expert legal advice, review the evidence for errors, negotiate with the police on your behalf, and represent you in court to build a strong defence or a persuasive plea for leniency to protect your licence.
Do red light cameras also detect speeding?
Yes. Many intersections are equipped with red-light speed cameras, which enforce both red-light running and speeding offences. These cameras can detect a vehicle’s speed regardless of the colour of the traffic light.
Are red light camera systems always accurate?
No, they are not infallible. Red light cameras in NSW require regular calibration and maintenance to ensure they are accurate. A failure to properly maintain the camera systems can be a valid reason to challenge a fine.
What happens if i just pay the red light camera fine?
Paying the fine means you accept guilt for the offence. The fine amount will be debited, and the corresponding demerit points will be deducted from your licence, which could trigger a suspension.
Will i get a criminal record for a red light offence?
A red light camera infringement notice is a traffic offence, not a criminal one, and paying the fine does not result in a criminal record. However, if you elect to go to court and are convicted by a magistrate, it will be recorded on your traffic history.
What if the traffic light was yellow when i entered the intersection?
Red light cameras are designed to trigger only after the light has turned red. They are not triggered by vehicles that cross the stop line while the light is amber (yellow).
How can i prove a red light camera was faulty?
Proving a camera was faulty is a complex process that typically requires your lawyer to subpoena maintenance and calibration records from the authorities. An expert witness may also be needed to interpret the data and give evidence in court.
Can i request a review of my fine from revenue nsw?
Yes, before electing to go to court, you can request an internal review from Revenue NSW. You can do this if you believe there was a mistake or if you have extenuating circumstances that explain why the offence occurred.
What is a conditional release order?
A Conditional Release Order (CRO) is another type of lenient sentence where the court finds you guilty but does not record a conviction. This means you avoid the fine and demerit points, provided you adhere to certain conditions for a specified period.
What is a 'strict liability' offence?
A strict liability offence is one where the prosecution does not need to prove you intended to commit the offence. For a red light camera fine, they only need to prove that your vehicle crossed the stop line after the light turned red.
How much time do i have to challenge a red light camera fine?
Strict time limits apply. You generally have 28 days from the date the penalty notice is issued to either pay the fine, nominate another driver, or elect to have the matter decided in court. It is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as you receive a notice.
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