Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

I was driving down the road and it's a decline leading to a light on a Saturday morning. The light ahead (about 30 feet or so) turns yellow. I think, maybe I can make it through, but then decide to press the brakes. My car starts skidding (it had been raining the night before and was still drizzling at that time) and the brakes lock up as I cruise through the intersection (probably going 5mph and came to a stop right after the stop light).

Yesterday, I receive a red light camera ticket. Do I protest it, or pay it?

In the picture, it shows I'm going 0mph and my brake lights are lit in the middle of the intersection.

Thanks


Asked on 11/10/09, 2:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

While you have the right to protest, camera offenses should go against the owner without points. It is unlikely the judge would believe that you did not run the red light, because the law requires you to be driving slowly enough that you can stop safely regardless of the conditions. By testifying you would give evidence against yourself that you were in fact the driver.

About the only ways to beat these is to prove that the light did not remain yellow for at least 3 seconds as required by law or to prove that the car was stolen.

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Answered on 11/15/09, 5:27 pm


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