DC Red Light Camera - 18 DCMR §3500 Defenses
DC red light cameras under DC Code §50-2209.01 issue NOIs based on automated photo evidence. Defenses include: yellow-light timing below MUTCD minimum (3 seconds for low speeds, more for higher), inability to safely stop (intersection defense), turning on red where permitted, calibration failures, and emergency vehicle yielding. Where signal yellow-time is shorter than MUTCD, cameras frequently issue erroneous citations.
Legal basis
DC Code §50-2209.01; 18 DCMR §3500; MUTCD signal-timing standards; DC Code §50-2302.06 (defenses)
Sample appeal wording
[DATE] DC DMV Adjudication Services RE: NOI #[NUMBER] - Red Light Camera Defense I contest NOI #[NUMBER] on the following ground(s): ☐ Yellow Light Below MUTCD Minimum: I have submitted FOIA requests for the yellow-light timing at intersection [LOCATION] on [DATE]. The MUTCD requires a minimum yellow of 3.0 seconds at lower speeds, scaling up. [Cited intersection's yellow time per FOIA / measurement was X seconds, below MUTCD minimum]. ☐ Safe Stop Defense: At the moment the light turned yellow, my vehicle was [DISTANCE] from the stop bar at [SPEED]. Stopping safely would have required [emergency braking / a stop in the intersection / endangered the vehicle behind]. The 'reasonable motorist' defense applies. ☐ Turn on Red: My vehicle was making a right turn on red where signage permits the maneuver, and I came to a complete stop before turning. Photo evidence shows [confirmation]. ☐ Calibration: FOIA records show the camera was [not calibrated within window / malfunctioning]. Dismissal respectfully requested. [NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
Beat It writes this argument automatically
Scan your PCN — our AI checks if this ground applies to your specific ticket, drafts a properly-cited appeal letter, and submits it to the council on your behalf. Only pay if you win.
Scan my ticketSources
- DC Code §50-2209.01
- 18 DCMR §3500
- MUTCD §4D
- DC Code §50-2302.06