We all know that driving through a red light does not comply with the traffic code of conduct. However, from time to time, it can happen. There is never really a great excuse for doing failing to stop.
If you didn’t notice that you drove through a red light, it could be argued that you were not paying enough attention to the road. Alternately, if you did so because you were running late, it could be argued that you did not prioritize safety over punctuality.
However, there can be situations where driving through a red light can be successfully defended. A cliche but very realistic example could be a situation when you are driving a critically ill person to the hospital in an emergency. It is likely in this situation that the law would acknowledge the urgency and the reasons for your actions.
What are the situations in which a person can be found guilty of this offense?
If a person did not come to a complete stop at a stop sign and instead conducted a rolling stop, they may be picked up by traffic cameras. As a result, they driver may face the consequences of a traffic violation. A more serious version of this offense is driving through a stop sign at higher speeds.
If a red turn light or red arrow is presented, failing to stop at such signals can also result a traffic ticket. If you have been accused of driving through a stop sign or through a red light, it is important that you take action as soon as possible in order to get the best possible result.
Source: FindLaw, “Running a Red Light / Stop Sign,” accessed March 30, 2018
