On the ticket this prints as: FAILURE TO STOP AT RED LIGHT
Automated red-light camera: the vehicle crossed the stop line after the signal turned red. Owner liability, $50.
11.7%
of contested cases are dismissed outright — and 34.7% end dismissed or reduced. From 157,431 decided hearings in the city's own records.
Is it worth fighting?
~12% dismissed. The images and video are usually decisive; winnable cases are plate misreads, ownership changes, funeral processions/emergency direction by police, and notice defects. Check the video the city provides before deciding.
What actually wins
Review the event video: entered on yellow? directed through by an officer?
Plate misread or cloned
Vehicle sold/stolen before the event
Service/notice defects
Evidence to gather
The city's own event photos/video
Transfer or police documents where relevant
Fighting it is free. New York lets you dispute online, by mail, or in person — no fee, no lawyer required, decision from a hearing officer. Start at nyc.gov → Dispute a ticket. Check the response deadline printed on your ticket, and answer before it to avoid late penalties.