Don’t Let a Red Light Ticket Derail Your Record: Understanding and Defending Against a “Ran Red Light at Clearly Marked Stop Line” Offense in Texas
Lawyer for Ran Stop Sign
Few traffic violations are as common, or as frustrating, as a “ran red light” ticket. While it may seem like a straightforward infraction, a conviction can carry significant penalties that impact your driving record, insurance rates, and overall driving privileges. At the Beltz Law Group, we are a premier traffic ticket defense firm in North Texas, dedicated to vigorously defending clients against these and other traffic offenses.
The Offense Defined: Texas Transportation Code § 544.007(d)
In Texas, the specific offense of running a red light is primarily governed by Texas Transportation Code § 544.007, “Traffic-Control Signals in General.” Subsection (d) of this statute clearly outlines a driver’s obligation when faced with a steady red signal:
- “An operator of a vehicle facing only a steady red signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. In the absence of a stop line, the operator shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. A vehicle that is not turning shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown.”
This section mandates a complete stop before the clearly marked stop line. If there is no stop line, the stop must occur before entering the crosswalk. If neither is present, the stop must be made before entering the intersection itself. The law also specifies that a vehicle not turning must remain stopped until the light changes to green. (It’s important to note that the law generally allows a right turn on red after stopping, and in some limited cases, a left turn on red onto a one-way street, unless prohibited by a sign.)
A violation of this statute can result in a Class C misdemeanor, leading to fines and convictions on your driving record. These convictions can accumulate, potentially triggering a driver license suspension and increased insurance premiums, costing you far more in the long run than the initial ticket amount.
Possible Defenses: It’s Not Always as Simple as it Seems
Traffic Ticket Lawyer
While the law appears explicit, there are often viable defenses to a “ran red light” citation. The experienced attorneys at the Beltz Law Group understand that circumstances at an intersection can be complex, and we meticulously investigate every detail to build a strong defense on your behalf. Here are some potential defenses we might explore:
- Stop Line Not Clearly Marked Due to Wear and Tear: One of the most common and effective defenses arises directly from the language of the statute: the requirement to stop at a “clearly marked stop line.” Over time, due to vehicle traffic, weather, and general wear and tear, painted stop lines can become faded, chipped, or completely obliterated. If the stop line was not sufficiently visible or legible to an ordinarily observant person at the time of the alleged violation, you may have a strong argument that the requirement to stop at a “clearly marked” line was not met. We can gather photographic evidence or even revisit the intersection to document the condition of the stop line.
- Obscured or Malfunctioning Signal: Was the traffic signal itself obscured by foliage, a large vehicle, or harsh sunlight? Was the light malfunctioning, flashing erratically, or perhaps not displaying a red signal at all? If the signal was not “in proper position and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person” as required by Texas Transportation Code § 544.004, this could also be a defense.
- Emergency or Necessity: In very rare circumstances, an emergency situation might compel a driver to proceed through a red light (e.g., to avoid an immediate collision). This is a difficult defense to prove but can be considered.
Why Choose the Beltz Law Group?
Ticket Defense Attorney
A red light ticket is not something to take lightly. A conviction can lead to significant financial burdens and a blemished driving record that follows you for years. The Beltz Law Group is a premier traffic ticket defense firm in North Texas with a deep understanding of traffic laws and court procedures. We consistently work to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients, whether that means getting the ticket dismissed, securing deferred disposition to keep it off your record, or negotiating for reduced penalties.
Don’t let a red light ticket impact your future. Contact the Beltz Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you, protecting your driving record, your insurance rates, and your driving privileges.
