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Pulled Over for Running a Red Light in Ontario: What Should I do?

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Pulled Over for Running a Red Light in Ontario: What Should I do?

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.
running a red light

Everyone at one point gets distracted when they are behind the wheel. It’s easier now than ever, given the amazing array of technology and gadgets that surround us. One brief lapse while driving can lead you to roll right through a red light. In some intersections, cities will have traffic cameras watching for violations. And if a police officer happens to be nearby when you do, the odds are good you’re getting pulled over for running a red light. So what do you do when you run a red light?

Traffic tickets in the province of Ontario aren’t as prevalent as they were a few years ago. Law enforcement in Toronto specifically has reined in the number of traffic citations they issue each year. This is especially true in cases involving running a red light. This effort has drastically reduced the number of traffic violations, with the number of tickets issued in 2016 representing barely 50% of the total number of tickets written just five years earlier. Still, if you are one of the thousands ticketed each year you might be wondering what happens if you drive through a red light? Is it possible to fight the charges against you?

Is Running a Red Light a Crime?

Running a red light in Ontario, much like speeding and other infractions, is not a crime. That means that even if you are found guilty, you won’t face the possibility of incarceration. But that doesn’t mean the consequences of a red-light ticket aren’t steep. If convicted, the costs and fees assessed could be in the hundreds of dollars.

What Should I Do If Pulled Over for Running a Red Light?

If you are pulled over for running a red light in Ontario, the first step you need to take is to comply with law enforcement. While it is not a crime to run a red light, refusing to pull over is. And if the police are forced to give chase, you could face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

With that in mind, if a police officer offer approaches you from the rear with their lights on, pull your vehicle over as soon as it is safe to do so and stop your car. Before the officer approaches, turn off your music, turn on your interior light, and roll down your window. And when the officer approaches, hand over the three things you are required to provide:

  • Your driver’s license
  • Proof of ownership
  • Proof of insurance

You should also take note of your surroundings right away. Are there any witnesses to the incident? Do you see any traffic cameras or private security cameras that cover the intersection? Taking stock of your surroundings can go a long way in proving your innocence at trial later.

Complying with the Officer May Help You with Your Red-Light Ticket

Being polite with the officer that pulls you over will go a long way in resolving your red-light violation. While there is no requirement that you act respectfully, the reality is that your best chance of avoiding a ticket is by being respectful when stopped. It is important to know your rights, but in most cases aggressively asserting those rights will only cause you more grief and hassle.

That said, being polite doesn’t mean you should comply with every request of the police. Ultimately, a police officer’s intent is to get you to admit to wrongdoing from the moment you roll down your window. That’s why when you are pulled over you should never admit to anything or discuss the potential charges against you when you are pulled over. While the officer will likely give you ample space to incriminate yourself, you are under no obligation to discuss your alleged infraction.

Not every traffic stop ends with a ticket when you run a red light. While some may wind up being unavoidable, the reality is that with the right attitude you stand a decent chance of avoiding a citation. And even if you are ticketed, you still have the right to fight the charge of running a red light in Ontario against you in court. The right lawyer can give you the help you need. If you would like to contact Himelfarb Proszanski, click here. An experienced lawyer can give you the help you need.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is a general guideline made available for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as legal advice for the reader’s specific situation nor in general. By reading our blog and website content, the reader acknowledges the above and understands there is no lawyer-client relationship created between you and Himelfarb Proszanski through this content. To get specific legal advice, we encourage you to book a free consultation with one of our lawyers to clarify the legal aspects of your situation.

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Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.

Timing is Critical. Help is Free.

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.

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Sherene AlySherene Aly
16:02 23 Mar 24
I was very pleased with my decision to retain David and his team for my case. Melissa Gizzo was simply amazing and was able to secure a fair settlement for me.
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Experienced and excellent law firm. Their lawyers are wonderful, articulate, dilligent, amicable, calm, respectful, responsible, resourceful and have good human and customer relationships Especially DAN HOLLAND 👌 He is an amazing lawyer as regards dealing with any of the Accident case.I was involvedIn an accident in 2019 February. He was God sent as he dutifully and relentlessly worked hard until the case was settled
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My mom was involved in an accident impacting her daily life and ability to work. Dan Holland has worked with us during the duration of our case and has been helpful in fighting for her and supporting us, and organizing the things we needed. Our family is incredibly grateful of the outcome Dan was able to obtain for us. I would highly recommend him!
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I'm so happy I chose Mena Brar and her team represet us . We could not ask for a better team she is so kind, loyal, and honest. she spoke to me as an equal and made me feel as if my case was definitely important and that I deserved to be fairly compensated. I appreciate you. Did it for me and how this will help me get back on track with my life. keep helping others. You are doing amazing works, Mena Brar. I wish you all the best.
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23:38 12 Dec 23
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15:52 06 Dec 23
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Andrew CoutoAndrew Couto
23:10 21 Nov 23
I'm so happy I chose David as my lawyer. I spoke to a few lawyers before finding David and I noticed majority of them spoke to me in a way that felt demeaning or that my case wasn't big enough or important enough to take. One phone call with David and my opinion on lawyers changed. He spoke to me as an equal and made me feel as if my case was definitely important and that I deserved to be fairly compensated. The whole process was wonderful. From dealing with David's law clerk Ingrid whom is an amazing and kind woman to his legal assistant Melissa whom is another amazing kind and talented young woman. I was so stressed about this case but from day 1 they helped ease that stress and always answered all my questions promptly and respectfully. I couldn't believe David got me to mediation within 6 months of being cut off my LTD and got me a settlement way beyond my expectations. I can't say enough good things about this law firm but I guarantee you that if you need a lawyer to fight for you David is your guy! . Believe me when I say this is the law firm for anyone dealing with personal injuries especially LTD denial claims. Thank you so much to David, Ingrid and Melissa you truly don't know how much I appreciate all you did for me and how this will help me get back on track with my life. Keep helping others you guys are doing amazing work! I wish you all the best!
Rose RegazziRose Regazzi
21:15 11 Oct 23
I sustained a relatively painful injury, affecting me long term.I wouldn't otherwise had pursued it, as it involved a relatively large corporation, but felt it necessary to do so. However, many lawyers were daunted, with one, who actually referred me to HIMPRO.I was connected with Dan Holland, who reviewed the case, provided with me realistic expectations, sound advice and had a willingness to move forward and represent me.His calm and professional demeanor, brought me to a place of reassurance. His ease in addressing all facets of this process, clearly demonstrated a wealth of experience. There was never any hesitation, when being challenged, and felt my best interest was always in the forefront.This case has since been resolved, to my complete satisfaction.Without reservation, HIMPRO (and Dan Holland, in particular), would be the only firm I would recommend for these type of cases.
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