Fail to Stop – Red Light
Drivers are always trying to beat the light and get to where they are going faster. While the installation of red light cameras has reduced instances and increased the likelihood that drivers will be caught, this traffic offence is still among the most common traffic violations.
Unfortunately, running a red light can cause an accident, and can also result in a traffic ticket that may be expensive both in fines and on your insurance. Running a red light has caused many serious vehicle collisions, including pedestrians being struck.
Definition of “Red Light – Fail to Stop”:
“Every driver approaching a traffic control signal showing a circular red indication, or red light and facing the indication shall stop his or her vehicle and shall not proceed until a green indication is shown.” Ontario Highway Traffic Act Section 144(18)
Exception: “Despite subsection 144(18), a driver, after stopping his or her vehicle and yielding the right of way to traffic lawfully approaching so closely that to proceed would constitute an immediate hazard, may, turn to the right; or turn to the left from a one-way street into a one-way street, without a green indication being shown”.
A conviction for red light – fail to stop carries:
- Set fine of $260.00 + surcharge.
- 3 Demerit Points.
Any conviction for red light – fail to stop will stay on your driving record for 3 years. Insurance companies tend to view failure to stop as a major offence, and your premiums could be affected as a direct result.