Red Light Camera Questions (Houston, Howe: vehicle registration, assess, moving)

[wubbie]

I don't know much about the red light cameras in Houston, but I did recently receive a ticket from one. They didn't send a notice/ticket until 3 months after the incident happened (which was right-turn, rolling through a red).

It could have been me or a couple of other people in our household based on the date/time, but because we didn't get the ticket for 3 months, we really can't figure it out.

Can they really wait that long to issue these citations? Or is there some time limit they must act within(I know other cities/states that must send a notice within a certain amount of time)

Thanks for any information.

[LostInHouston]

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.u...07.htm#707.011

According to section 707.011(b):

"
Sec. 707.011. NOTICE OF VIOLATION; CONTENTS.

(a) The imposition of a civil penalty under this chapter is initiated by the mailing of a notice of violation to the owner of the motor vehicle against whom the local authority seeks to impose the civil penalty.
(b) Not later than the 30th day after the date the violation is alleged to have occurred, the designated department, agency, or office of the local authority or the entity with which the local authority contracts under Section 707.003(a)(1) shall mail the notice of violation to the owner at:

(1) the owner ’s address as shown on the registration records of the Texas Department of Transportation; or
(2) if the vehicle is registered in another state or
country, the owner ’s address as shown on the motor vehicle registration records of the department or agency of the other state or country analogous to the Texas Department of Transportation.

"

[HoustonRonnie]

Originally Posted by wubbie

I don't know much about the red light cameras in Houston, but I did recently receive a ticket from one. They didn't send a notice/ticket until 3 months after the incident happened (which was right-turn, rolling through a red).

It could have been me or a couple of other people in our household based on the date/time, but because we didn't get the ticket for 3 months, we really can't figure it out.

Can they really wait that long to issue these citations? Or is there some time limit they must act within(I know other cities/states that must send a notice within a certain amount of time)

Thanks for any information.

Just to be clear, this isn't a moving violation and doesn't count toward any person's "points" on a driver's license. It's like a fine.

LostInHouston's info is handy, but it doesn't address what happens if it IS issued more than 30 days afterward. I doubt you're completely off the hook.

Que tenga suerte!

Ronnie

[wubbie]

Thanks for the info-- I'll see if I can find what happens if it is issued after that time. The fine isn't huge, but I would like to know the rules, and of course now I'll be extra careful when making right turns on red.

[desertsun41]

Statute of limitations for them mailing out extortion demands? That is a really good question and I think LostinHouston covered it.

But there is something else that few will ever admit. Those who make the laws enforce it in any way they see fit to suit themselves. It is up to we the pizz ants to fight it and spend our hard earned money and time to do so.

Many people feel it's just easier to pay the extortion fees. This is what big brother the monster counts on. And someone said it is not a points violation. Yes it is, it's called running a red light even though all you did was roll the turn on red. Usually with the extortion letter you get they also send pictures of your car showing the license plate as well as a close up of the occupants of the car. Without a photo THEY HAVE NO PROOF IT'S YOU!!!!!!!! You win by default (after you take a day off from work to sit in court) When you tell the Court Clerk you are contesting the charge they automatically put you on the end of the docket.

[HoustonRonnie]

Originally Posted by desertsun41

Statute of limitations for them mailing out extortion demands? That is a really good question and I think LostinHouston covered it.

But there is something else that few will ever admit. Those who make the laws enforce it in any way they see fit to suit themselves. It is up to we the pizz ants to fight it and spend our hard earned money and time to do so.

Many people feel it's just easier to pay the extortion fees. This is what big brother the monster counts on. And someone said it is not a points violation. Yes it is, it's called running a red light even though all you did was roll the turn on red. Usually with the extortion letter you get they also send pictures of your car showing the license plate as well as a close up of the occupants of the car. Without a photo THEY HAVE NO PROOF IT'S YOU!!!!!!!! You win by default (after you take a day off from work to sit in court) When you tell the Court Clerk you are contesting the charge they automatically put you on the end of the docket.

That all sound well and fine, and I understand your taking issuer here. However, the fine is assessed against the owner of the vehicle, not the driver. It doesn't matter if they have no proof it's you or not. You car, photo taken, you get the fine notice. It's not a moving violation.

If someone stole your car, well then maybe you contest it. I assure you they don't just drop it if you contest it for any wild-hare reason.

Just sayin'...

Ronnie

[bluelion_ms3]

someone help me understand how they can tell it was a "rolling turn" and that he didn't stop, THEN, turn on red. that would be my argument.

[kreeyax]

Weren't those red light cameras found to be unconstitutional by the state supreme court a while back?

[HoustonRonnie]

Originally Posted by bluelion_ms3

someone help me understand how they can tell it was a "rolling turn" and that he didn't stop, THEN, turn on red. that would be my argument.

My son got one of these, it isn't just a photo, there's a video that comes along with it. You can view both at the website once you get the notice and a citation #. My son and I watched it and, after denying it vehemently, he said "Damn, I guess I did run it."

Just sayin'...

Ronnie

[HoustonRonnie]

Originally Posted by bluelion_ms3

someone help me understand how they can tell it was a "rolling turn" and that he didn't stop, THEN, turn on red. that would be my argument.

No.