Hurricane Isaias relief for drivers, more red-light cameras, and what to do about a right-turn-on-red camera ticket
What’s New
Hurricane Isaias: Relief for Storm-Affected Drivers
Hurricane Isaias hit Northwest Florida this week, and the state of emergency now covers 27 counties. According to the Governor’s October 10 update, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued an emergency order that waives certain state fees and late-renewal penalties for storm-affected motorists. Several Panhandle courthouses closed on October 9 and plan to reopen Monday, October 12.
What this means for you: If a storm disrupted your plans to renew, pay or appear, contact the clerk’s office handling your case right away. Don’t assume a deadline has moved.
Source: Executive Office of the Governor — https://www.flgov.com/eog/
More Red-Light Cameras Coming to Florida Intersections
Lakeland’s city commission voted on October 5 to add four red-light camera approaches, bringing the city to 27 cameras at 16 intersections. It’s a reminder that red-light cameras are still spreading across Florida, alongside the school-zone and school-bus cameras already running in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
Source: LkldNow — https://www.lkldnow.com/city-
Driver’s Guide
Can a Red-Light Camera Ticket You for Turning Right on Red in Florida?
Florida allows a right turn on a steady red light, but only after you come to a stop and yield to pedestrians and other traffic, unless a sign prohibits the turn (Fla. Stat. 316.075(1)(c)1.). The red-light camera law adds an important limit: a camera notice of violation may not be issued for failing to stop if the driver is making a right turn “in a careful and prudent manner” at an intersection where right turns are permitted (Fla. Stat. 316.0083(1)(a)).
Local rules matter too. In June 2026, Miami Beach suspended red-light camera enforcement of right turns on red at its camera intersections. The exception is 17th Street and Alton Road, where right turns on red are always prohibited. Police officers can still write tickets for unsafe or illegal turns.
What this means for you: A camera notice for a right turn isn’t automatically valid. Watch the video that comes with the notice before you pay, and check whether the intersection bans right turns on red.
Source: City of Miami Beach — https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/
Common Questions
Does a red-light camera ticket put points on my Florida license?
No. Florida law says points may not be imposed for a red-light violation enforced by a traffic infraction enforcement officer, which is how camera violations are handled. A ticket handed to you by a police officer at the light is different and can carry points.
Source: Fla. Stat. 322.27(3)(d)6 — https://www.leg.state.fl.us/
How long do I have to respond to a red-light camera notice?
You have 60 days from the notice date to pay the $158 penalty, submit an affidavit, or request a hearing. If you do nothing, a uniform traffic citation is mailed to the registered owner by certified mail. In Miami-Dade, that citation is listed at $277 and comes with its own deadlines.
Source: Fla. Stat. 316.0083(1)(b)–(c) — https://www.leg.state.fl.us/
What if someone else was driving my car?
The owner can submit an affidavit naming the person who had the vehicle, with that person’s name, address and date of birth, plus their driver license number if known. Other exemptions include a stolen vehicle (a police report is required) and yielding to an emergency vehicle. A false affidavit is a crime.
Source: Fla. Stat. 316.0083(1)(d) — https://www.leg.state.fl.us/
Is there a cost to contesting a camera ticket at a hearing?
Possibly. If the hearing officer upholds the notice, you may have to pay county or city costs of up to $250 on top of the penalty. Weigh that before you request a hearing.
Source: Fla. Stat. 316.0083(5) — https://www.leg.state.fl.us/
Got a ticket? Talk to us before you pay. Traffic Ticket Team handles traffic tickets in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Call (954) 967-9888 or visit trafficticketteam.com for a consultation.
Sources
- https://www.flgov.com/eog/
news/press/2026/governor-ron- desantis-issues-updates-state- response-and-recovery-efforts- hurricane - https://www.lkldnow.com/city-
hall-scoop-10-5-police-ai- fewer-billboards-more-cameras/ - https://www.leg.state.fl.us/
Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode= Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/ 0316/Sections/0316.075.html - https://www.leg.state.fl.us/
Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode= Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/ 0316/Sections/0316.0083.html - https://www.leg.state.fl.us/
Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode= Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/ 0322/Sections/0322.27.html - https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/
miami-beach-suspends-red- light-cameras-for-right-turns/ - https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/
yourmbpd/services/camera- enforcement-violations/
This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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