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

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.