Running a red light might seem like a minor offence, but the consequences can be severe. Besides being a risk to road safety, it’s also a motoring offence in the UK that carries fines and penalty points. This article will explain what you need to know about the fine for running a red light, the process you’ll face, and how #1 Motoring Solicitors can help if you find yourself in this situation.
What to Expect if You Run a Red Light
Generally, the highway code dictates that drivers must stop at an amber light if it is safe to do so to avoid running a red traffic light. If you run a red light, the offence may be detected in one of the following ways:
Traffic light cameras: Advanced traffic lights with built-in radar technology and sensors detect vehicles crossing the solid white line while the traffic light is red. A traffic light camera is triggered and takes a photo of your vehicle’s number plate as evidence.
Police officers: If caught running a red light by a police officer, you’ll be stopped at the scene and warned about the offence. You may be given a notice of intended prosecution (NIP) at the roadside.
Video footage from other road users: In addition to images from red light cameras, other motorists can submit video footage or photographic evidence of the traffic light signal offence to the police. For example, Dash-Cam footage showing an alleged motoring offence can be uploaded to a specialist police website under operation ‘Operation Snap’ – this is designed to encourage other road users to submit video footage that shows drivers committing motoring offences.
Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
If a traffic camera or footage detects a red-light offence, an NIP is sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle. This must be received within 14 days of the alleged offence and requires the owner to identify the driver at the time of the offence.
Failure to respond within 28 days is a separate, often more serious offence that carries its own penalties, including up to six penalty points on your driving licence and a maximum fine of £1000.
If the NIP is issued late (after 14 days) and you are the registered keeper, you may have grounds to challenge the NIP which can prevent any prosecution for a red light offence, but we would suggest contacting legal experts such as #1 Motoring Solicitors to confirm the grounds for any legal challenge to the NIP.
Should you accept the NIP and the red light offence you are most likely receive a fixed penalty notice, offering three penalty points on your driving licence and a £100 fine. Any challenge to the NIP however could result in the case being referred to the Magistrates Court.
What are the Fines and Penalties?
The penalties for running a red light in the UK will be an initial offer of 3 penalty points and a £100 fine by way of a conditional offer of a fixed penalty. Typically, if you enter a guilty plea, you’ll face:
Fixed Penalty:
- £100 fine
- Penalty points on your licence
In certain cases where a fixed penalty is not offered you might be referred to court, firstly via the Single Justice Procedure. This is a Court procedure that encourages you to deal with the case via correspondence without the need for you to attend Court.
Caution should be exercised where you already have 6 or more penalty points upon your driving licence – having 12 penalty points on your driving licence will amount to you being considered a ‘totter’ and receiving a 6-month disqualification from driving. The only way to avoid a driving ban in when hitting 12 penalty points is to argue exceptional hardship.
If your case is dealt with under the Single Justice Procedure or referred to a full Magistrates Court hearing you can expect:
- Three penalty points on your licence (remains the same as a fixed penalty notice)
- A fine based on weekly income.
- A victim surcharge (a percentage of the fine)
- Prosecution costs (£85–£160)
Driver Improvement Course
Some red traffic light signal offenders may be offered a driver improvement course as an alternative to penalty points and a fine if they meet the following criteria:
- You hold a full UK driving licence.
- You haven’t taken a similar course in the past three years.
- The offence occurred less than 3 seconds after the traffic light turned red.
The course costs approximately £100, lasts half a day and can be taken online or in person. Successful completion means no points or fines.
Can Fines and Penalties be Avoided?
Yes, in certain cases fines and penalties can be avoided. Here are some common scenarios where reductions may apply:
Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty:
Accepting this offer means the case won’t go to court, saving you time, stress and potentially higher costs. You should bear in mind that if your case is referred to Court then any fine will almost certainly be higher than a fixed penalty.
This is because the Court will then consider your weekly or monthly income when deciding what fine top impose. Prosecution costs and a Victim Surcharge will also be added should your case be referred to court.
Late NIP Defence:
If the NIP is served outside the 14-day requirement then this could result in the prosecution for your red light offence being immediately halted. You should always carefully explore the 14-day time limit – one example is to check the date of the NIP and the ensure that the Notice was sent either via first class post or recorded delivery.
Mitigating Circumstances
If you feel you had mitigating circumstances that made running a red light unavoidable, you may be able to contest the ticket. For example, was there any emergency situation that you were experiencing at the time of the running of the red light? This could amount to a ‘special reasons argument’ which if successful could avoid both penalty points and a fine.
Challenging Evidence:
If the photo evidence from red light cameras, video footage or timeline used to issue the fine is inaccurate or insufficient, your case can be contested. This will result in the case being sent to the Magistrates Court for a hearing to determine the case.
Proving any one of the above legal challenges requires in-depth knowledge of motoring law and the ability to legally challenge the case in Court. We would recommend taking advice from an expert motoring lawyer where you are contemplating any legal challenge to a red light offence.
How Can #1 Motoring Solicitors Help?
Dealing with a red light offence can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. #1 Motoring Solicitors is a team of highly experienced legal professionals who specialise in red light motoring offences. Here’s how we can help:
Expert Legal Advice:
We provide bespoke advice based on your individual circumstances, explaining your options and helping you make informed decisions.
Building a Strong Defence:
Whether it’s proving the NIP was served late, challenging the evidence or mitigating penalties, we develop a strategic defence to increase your chances of the best outcome
Representation in Court:
If your case goes to court, we’ll provide professional representation, so your case is heard, and your legal rights are protected.
Reducing Stress:
Navigating legal complexities is our expertise so you can focus on the big picture. Choosing the right motoring solicitor can have a huge impact upon the outcome of your case. When you instruct us you get access to years of experience, expertise and a commitment to achieving the best possible result for our clients.
Final Thoughts
Running a red light may seem like a minor offence, but the consequences add up quickly and the ultimate cumulative impact upon hitting 12 penalty points is a 6-month driving ban.
From fines to court appearances, penalty points to a disqualification from driving, it’s important to know the possible penalties and your rights. If you’ve been caught running a red light and need help with the legal process, #1 Motoring Solicitors are here to assist. Get in touch with us today for a fixed fee consultation so that you can begin to understand how the outcome might impact you.