A Texas man received a ticket from a red-light camera. He could’ve paid it and moved on with life. But then he remembered that red light cameras are illegal.
In a TikTok about the situation, Rick (@sifurickb) says he was recently mailed a notice for an illegal right turn that was caught by a red light camera.
"Oh look, what’s this? Notice of violation from the city of Leon Valley. Yeah I got hit by their traffic cameras," he begins.
But then he notes that Texas made these cameras illegal in 2019.
"Well in 2019, right light cameras were deemed illegal. The city of Leon Valley has a contract and they have to fulfill their contract. So they are still hoping that you’re gonna send them their $75. I’m sorry, no," Rick says.
Rick then crumbles up the paper and throws it off camera.
"That’s what I say to you [Leon Valley] and your red light cameras," he concludes, shooting a middle finger at the camera
Rick told Motor1, "I didn’t pay. It’s not a ‘ticket.’ The state deemed these cameras illegal."
Are Red Light Cameras Illegal In Texas?
The Texas State Law Library reports red light cameras were banned in 2019. While most cities have taken down these red light cameras, some still have them up.
Texas lawmakers did indeed ban red light cameras in 2019. However, there is a loophole. Per the Texas Department of Transportation, cities with preexisting legislation and contracts to operate red-light cameras may continue to do so until the contracts expire.
Currently, four cities in Texas still have red light cameras operating. This includes the San Antonio suburbs of Leon Valley and Balcones Heights. Additionally, Amarillo and Humble, Texas, continue to operate red light cameras.
Do You Have To Pay For A Red Light Camera Ticket In Texas?
Getting any sort of fine from a parking ticket, speeding ticket, or running a red light ticket is never ideal. Especially when the state you drive in prohibits the use of red-light cameras.
But that doesn’t mean you can simply not pay it. Multiple commenters agreed that Rick should pay the ticket.
"Sir the contract doesn’t end til 2039," one said. Leon Valley is under contract with American Traffic Solutions until 2039, Texas Standards reports.
"They are illegal now. But since Leon Valley had a contract on them before that law went into effect, they are still legal for Leon Valley. Once the contract is done, then they have to take them down," a second added.
Others disagreed.
"You are not legally required to pay red-light camera tickets in the way you would a standard traffic ticket. These are civil penalties that cannot impact your license, vehicle registration, or credit score, nor result in warrants," one said.
"I didn't bother replying. That was several years ago. Nothing has happened," another added.
Given that the state banned red light cameras in 2019 and most cities took theirs down, Texas drivers are irritated that Leon Valley is still issuing red light camera tickets.
"I literally avoid Leon Valley tbh," one commented on Rick’s post.
Comments on a Facebook post from last summer about red light camera tickets in Texas suggest that their enforceability is debatable.
"I am an attorney. It’s not enforceable. I received one myself, didn’t pay it, and nothing has happened after several years," one said.
"Tell her if she doesn’t pay it and they come after her for it in Collections I’ll represent her for free. They’re not going to collect on these because they can’t," another added.
@sifurickb Leon Valley can suck it!! #tiktokcampaign #basketball #leonvalley #sanantonio #redlight ♬ original sound - SifuRickB
