Where Are The Red-light Cameras in Tampa?
To start with, they discontinued red-light cameras in about half of all surrounding communities. Yet, Tampa still has its red-light cameras. Thus, victims of the cameras haven’t found them to be cheap either. In fact, red light tickets start out at $158, and if a motorist fails to pay the fine after their first notification, the fine increases to $262.
Consequently, red-light camera tickets are mailed to the person that the offending vehicle is registered. So, if somebody else is using your car, you’re the person who gets the ticket. However, you can contest the ticket. But, proving that you weren’t the driver of the vehicle at the time that the alleged offense was committed can be difficult.
Granted, if you pay the ticket on a timely basis, no points are going to be tacked onto your driver’s license. Yet, if you fail to pay it within the time prescribed, you’ll be paying the increased fine, and you’ll receive the points on your license. So, if a person wishes to contest his or her ticket, he or she must appear in court.
Red-light Cameras in Tampa
In fact, there are a total of 55 red light camera controlled intersections in Tampa. Here are all of their locations:
- Eastbound E. Fowler at N. Nebraska Avenue.
- Westbound E. Busch Boulevard at N. Nebraska Avenue.
- Southbound N. Nebraska Avenue at E. Busch Boulevard.
- Northbound N. Nebraska Avenue at E. Fowler Avenue.
- Westbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. Nebraska Avenue.
- Northbound N. Nebraska Avenue at E. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Eastbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. 40th Street.
- Westbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. 40th Street.
- Northbound N. 40th Street at E. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Eastbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. 22nd Street.
- Westbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. 22nd Street.
- Eastbound W. Waters Avenue at N. Florida Avenue.
- Southbound N. Florida Avenue at E. Waters Avenue.
- Northbound N. Florida Avenue at E. Waters Avenue.
- Southbound N. Florida Avenue at E. Busch Boulevard.
- Eastbound E. Busch Boulevard at N. Florida Avenue.
- Westbound E. Busch Boulevard at N. Florida Avenue.
- Westbound W. Waters Avenue at N. Armenia Avenue.
- Southbound N. Armenia Avenue at W. Waters Avenue.
- Eastbound W. Waters at N. Armenia Avenue.
- Northbound N. Armenia at W. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Southbound N. Himes at Avenue at W. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Northbound N. Lois Avenue at W. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Eastbound E. Adamo Drive at S. 50th Street.
- Northbound S. 50th Street at E. Adamo Drive.
- Eastbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at E. Adamo Drive.
- Eastbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at N. Ashley Drive.
- Eastbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Northbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Southbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Gandy Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Dale Mabry Highway.
- Eastbound N. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Columbus Drive.
- Westbound N. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Columbus Drive.
- Southbound S. Manhattan Avenue at W. Gandy Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Manhattan Avenue.
- Westbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Manhattan Avenue.
- Westbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Westshore Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Westshore Boulevard.
- Northbound S. Westshore Boulevard at West Gandy Boulevard.
- Eastbound E. Busch Boulevard at N. Nebraska Avenue.
- Northbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Gandy Boulevard.
- Southbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Eastbound E. Fowler Avenue at N. 30th Street.
- Westbound E. Fowler at N. 30th Street.
- Northbound N. 30th Street at E. Fowler Avenue.
- Southbound N. 30 Street at E. Fowler Avenue.
- Northbound S. Howard Avenue at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at S. Howard Avenue.
- Westbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. Florida Avenue.
- Southbound N. Westshore Boulevard at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at N. Westshore Boulevard.
- Westbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at N. Westshore Boulevard.
- Westbound W. N. Dale Mabry Highway at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
- Southbound W. N. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Boulevard.
- Westbound W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at W. N. Dale Mabry Highway.
Finally, a bill in the state legislature is presently being pushed to eliminate all red-light cameras in Florida. In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has released its study on red light camera intersections. However, it found that minor accidents increased at red light camera controlled intersections, major accidents decreased. Thus, recommendations were published in the study on how to decrease accidents at these intersections.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
In short, RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Thus, having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team know what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
Read MoreDoes Tampa Still Use Red Light Cameras?
Other than a few people at Tampa City Hall, it’s hard to find anybody else who lives in the city that likes red light cameras. They’re beyond controversial, and tickets issued for alleged red light violations aren’t cheap either. They can cost you $158 with no points on your license if you make a timely payment. However, they will cost $262 with points added to your license if you pay late. Floridians first started seeing red light cameras in 2010, and they’ve proliferated across the state. Tampa has them positioned at about 54 locations now.
Florida House Bill 6003
Florida House Bill 6003 is presently pending in the Senate. Its proponents want to ban red-light cameras across the state. The cameras are in about 50 Florida communities now. Bill 6003 passed overwhelmingly in committee. An opponent of the cameras has remarked Florida municipalities have become addicted to the revenue that red light cameras produce.
One company that manufactures and operates the cameras has retained 26 lobbyists. They do not want the cameras discontinued or the revenue generated from them. Proponents of the cameras rely on public safety grounds. In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMC) says that the cameras resulted in a five percent decrease involving drivers running a red light.
Opponents of red-light cameras
Opponents argue that proponents are using red-light cameras to support the FDHSMC’s numbers and disregarding the unfavorable data. They also argue camera controlled intersections have a shortened time frame for yellow lights. Opponents also maintain that the cameras are a violation of a person’s 6th Amendment right to confront witnesses against them. It’s impossible to cross-examine a camera.
Even if a police officer testified on behalf of the prosecution in a red light camera case; he or she could only testify to the fact that such a camera is in place at a certain intersection. Any testimony about a specific driver, installation of the cameras, functionality, or maintenance is based on speculation and hearsay. The cameras also have a highly limited field of recording. They don’t show their own errors or traffic conditions on their sides or ahead of them. Consequently, that might explain an alleged violation or a defense of necessity.
Previous attempts at legislatively discontinuing red light cameras have failed in Florida’s Senate. The lawmakers who voted against discontinuing the cameras maintained that it is less expensive to rely on the red light cameras than to have police officers patrolling problematic intersections. It’s likely far more profitable too. A House staff analysis has estimated that local participating governments who discontinue the cameras could see an estimated $80 million loss in revenue per year.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
Lastly, if you received this type of ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers. We are a tough, thick-skinned law firm offering a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
Read More
Felony Speeding in Florida?
We’ve probably all received a ticket for speeding. Yet, it’s highly unlikely that we’ve received a charge of felony speeding. That can happen in Florida though.
If a person who is operating a motor vehicle at 50 mph or more over the posted speed limit on a third or subsequent violation, he or she can expect to be charged with felony speeding. Or, a third-degree felony. Felony speeding is punishable by up to five years in a state prison, a driver’s license revocation for 10 years and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
There are also likely to be consequences in employment, educational and housing opportunities along with a person’s eligibility to own or possess a firearm and vote.
Always remember that the prosecution has the burden of proving you guilty of a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Don’t give the state any additional evidence to try and convict you with. If a police officer asks you if you know how fast you were going, politely reply that you don’t know. However, you must produce your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Yet, the law does not require you to answer any questions without an attorney being present on your behalf.
Invoke your right to an attorney as soon as possible by asking to speak with us. Law enforcement will take you into custody and place you under arrest for going 50 mph or more above the speed limit. Not to mention, posting a cash bond is often required for release. Rather than answering any questions, ask to be able to contact our offices at your earliest opportunity.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers. We are a tough, thick-skinned law firm offering a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
Read More
Can a Reckless Driving Charge Be Dismissed in Florida?
Reckless driving is a serious offense in Florida. It’s the closest offense to drunk driving that exists. We have seen drunk driving charges reduced to a lesser charge of reckless driving. In fact, under those circumstances, they often refer to the offense as a “wet reckless.”
A person shows a willful and wanton disregard for the person and property of others when they drive recklessly. A conviction for a first charge of reckless driving will carry a possible sentence of six months in jail and a fine not to exceed $500. A second conviction carries up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The Florida court system hears reckless driving cases daily. In some cases, they actually dismiss the charges. Such a dismissal is sometimes based on evidentiary grounds in return for a plea of guilty to a lesser offense like careless driving. It might also occur pursuant to a negotiated plea of guilty to reckless driving. Yet, the dismissal would be contingent upon payment of fines and court costs and compliance with any terms of probation. On a straight plea or finding of guilt, it’s unlikely that the ultimate dismissal of a reckless driving charge would be available.
Always remember that even if they dismiss the reckless driving case against you, that charge will remain on your record. However, the record of that arrest will stay with you for the rest of your life unless you have it expunged. Having the charged expunged is another process. It involves the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the courts in the county the arrest occurred. Without that expunction, you can expect the prosecution to take a harsher approach to the disposition of a second reckless driving charge.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket or a careless driving ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers.
As a tough, thick-skinned law firm we offer a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Lastly, disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
Can I Move My Car After an Accident in Florida?
To begin with, many people wonder if the law allows them to move their cars after an accident. As well as moving the cars before the police arrive. In a typical case, two cars hit each other on the freeway causing light damage to both cars. But then instead of pulling over, just sit in the lane to wait for police to arrive. Common sense might tell them to move to avoid getting hit. Yet, many motorists aren’t sure if they must stay in that spot or move their cars. They don’t want to do something illegal if they can help it.
Florida Law
In Florida, the law actually requires you to move your cars out of traffic. And, to a safe location after a wreck. This is common in most states. Thus, the purpose of the law is the safety of the people involved in the crash and to those in traffic vulnerable to secondary crashes.
Florida Motor Vehicle Code Section 316.061 and 316.071 require that anyone involved in a crash must attempt to move the vehicle out of the flow of traffic if possible, and if they are unable, then get help to do so.
This means if two cars get into an accident and come to a rest in traffic, then they need to drive the cars to the side of the road. If the vehicle won’t run, then they need to get help. This means that if needed, call a tow truck to move the car out of traffic.
The penalty for violating these sections is a fine and court costs which vary over time in amount. Historically, it’s rare that the Florida Highway Patrol will give out fines. However, they are out on the highways every day. As a result, they see small wrecks end up leading to a secondary with serious damage and injuries.
In a rear-end accident in April 2019, a Florida Highway Patrol Helicopter spotted two cars that collided. The cars stopped in one of the middle lanes on Brandon Boulevard approaching the onramp to I-75. A video shows several near misses that could have caused serious injuries, especially one near-miss involving a motorcycle. This poignantly illustrates how important it is to remove the cars from traffic.
What if I’m Injured?
The law requires the driver of the wrecked car to make “every reasonable effort” to move the car out of traffic. This language means that if the driver suffers injury or just incapable of moving the car, or if moving the car would actually cause more risk of injury or secondary crashes, then it’s not a violation of the law to leave it there.
In most cases, the courts will allow the driver to use common sense. However, moving the vehicle when its unreasonable to leave the vehicles there could avoid an accident, the police have the option of issuing a ticket.
Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a crash, contact the Tampa Car Accident Lawyers at RHINO Lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. The personal injury team at RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!”
Read More
Can Reckless Driving Be Reduced in Florida?
The State of Florida takes reckless driving charges seriously. Even a conviction on a first offense is punishable. You could face up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Under certain circumstances, a felony could result from a reckless driving charge. Other long-term consequences can follow a reckless driving conviction that might affect a person’s employment, educational and housing opportunities. You can even expect car insurance premiums to rise significantly.
As per Florida Statutes section 316.192, a person is guilty of reckless driving if he or she drives a vehicle in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Speed alone does not constitute reckless driving. There needs another unlawful behavior coupled with it. The most common example of reckless driving might be when a driver willfully and wantonly disregards a stop sign and causes a crash when blowing through that stop sign at 50 mph. Under those circumstances, there is a high likelihood of a reckless driving charge. However, they are unlikely to receive a reckless driving charge if they rolled through that same stop sign at one or two mph and hit another vehicle.
When charged with reckless driving, it’s perfectly within the discretion of the prosecution to offer to reduce that charge to a lesser offense in return for a plea of guilty. If that is acceptable to the defendant. It’s still within a judge’s discretion to accept that plea of guilty with the terms and conditions of it. For example, they can reduce the charges from reckless driving to careless driving or failure to yield the right-of-way in return for a plea of guilty along with payment of a fine and court costs. If a judge accepts that plea of guilty, they order the terms and conditions of the plea.
Every case stands on its own set of facts. There are times when a reckless driving charge might be excessive under the circumstances. If seeking a reduction in charges you will need an experienced and effective Florida traffic attorney.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket or a careless driving ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers.
As a tough, thick-skinned law firm we offer a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
