Most common Questions about Red Light Camera Violations:

Question:  Why did I get a red light notice of violation?

Answer:  The stop line is the large white line at the intersection just before the crosswalk.  You most likely received the citation because your vehicle;

A.  Failed to come to a complete stop before the front bumper crossed the stop line at the intersection, or

B.  Stopped past the stop line, or

C.  Slowly rolled past the stop line without coming to a complete stop. 

Question:  The picture I received in the mail shows that my vehicle's brake lights were on, why was my vehicle cited?

Answer:  The picture on your violation notice is a still photo taken of your vehicle as the front bumper passed the stop line.  Your vehicle was moving forward at 10 M.P.H. or more when the photo was taken.  Look at the top of the photo it will show your approximate speed when the still photo was taken.  Even better, following the instructions on the notice you can go on line and view your video using the PIN number provided.  Please note that video is not always required.

Question:  Can I make a right turn on a red light?

Answer:  Yes, but remember that each vehicle must come to a complete stop behind the stop line before making a right turn on a red light. 

Question:  Will paying the civil penalty for a red light camera violation go on my driving record?

Answer:  No, It is a civil penalty.

Question:  Will paying the civil penalty for a red light camera violation increase my insurance rates?

Answer:  No, It is a civil penalty.

Question:  I was not driving the vehicle, am I liable?

Answer:  The registered owner of the vehicle is liable regardless of who was driving.

Question:  What if I sold the vehicle before the violation occurred?

Answer:  It is the responsibility of the registered owner of the vehicle to follow the instructions on the notice for transferring liability and provide evidence that the vehicle was sold before the violation occurred.  The evidence must be submitted before the due date on the notice and include the date of sale, the name, address, and zip code of the buyer.  (See below, How to Sell a Car in Texas) 

Question:  Can you explain the appeal process?

Answer:  The appeal process consists of two stages.

1.  ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION HEARING:

You must first request an administrative adjudication hearing before the due date on your violation notice by following the instructions on the notice.  Your due date is then re-set to the date of your adjudication hearing and you are notified by mail of the date, time, and location of your adjudication hearing.

During your Adjudication Hearing the Adjudication Hearing Officer will review any evidence you provide, along with the still images and the video when applicable.  The Adjudication Hearing Officer will then make a determination as to whether your vehicle committed a violation.  If the adjudication Hearing Officer finds that your vehicle did not commit a violation he/she will enter a finding of not liable and dismiss the violation.  If the adjudication Hearing Officer finds that your vehicle committed a violation he/she will enter a finding of liable.  If a finding of liable is rendered there will be an additional administrative cost of $25.00 added to the civil penalties and you will receive a written Notice of Determination by the Adjudication Hearing Officer.  You then have 31 days to either pay the full amount of the civil penalties or appeal the decision of the Adjudication Hearing Officer to a Municipal Court Judge.      

Question:  What happens if I do not appear at the Administrative Adjudication Hearing?

Answer:  Failure to pay the civil penalty or contest liability by the due date of your notice is an admission of liability in the full amount of the civil penalty stated on the notice and constitutes a waiver of your right to appeal under Section 66-165 of Ordinance No. 2008-06.  

2.  APPEAL:

To appeal a finding of liable by the Adjudication Hearing Officer you must contact the City of Jersey Village Municipal Court Administrator within 31 days of the due date listed on the Notice of Determination.  The Court Administrator will collect applicable administrative fees and set up an appeal date.

Question:  What will happen if I do not pay?

Answer:  The matter will be submitted for collection, and the City of Jersey Village may place a registration hold on your vehicle until the civil penalties are satisfied.