If a traffic light is red, you must stop. That is a traffic rule that young and old know. But what if you accidentally run your car through a red light? What fines do you risk? And does the speed camera also go off when the light is still orange? We asked the VIAS traffic institute.
“As everyone knows, it is forbidden to drive through a red light. According to the traffic regulations, you must then remain at the stop line or at the traffic light itself,” says Stef Willems of VIAS. “Even if the light turns orange, you are obliged to stop. You may only continue driving if you can no longer come to a stop in safe conditions and you do not endanger other road users.”
What is the fine if you run a red light?
“Drunning a red light is a third-degree violation. If you pay the fine immediately, and therefore agree to an immediate collection, it will cost you 174 euros. Do you not agree with the fine, or do you already have other traffic violations on your record? Then there is a chance that you will be summoned before the police court. The judge can then impose a fine of 240 to 4,000 euros, or a driving ban of 8 days to 5 years. Young drivers who have held a B driving license for less than two years will in any case be banned from driving.”
A speed camera will not fire when the light turns orange. But a police officer can determine that you accelerated.
Do you also get a fine for orange?
“To be clear, a speed camera will not go off when the light turns orange. But a police officer can determine that you accelerated and drove unlawfully through the orange. If so, you will receive a second-degree fine. It is 116 euros.”
What if you drive through a red light at a level crossing?
“It is absolutely forbidden to enter a level crossing when the sound signal is sounding, the red flashing lights are on or the barriers are moving or closed. Are you doing that anyway? This is a fourth-degree felony. After all, you have directly endangered the safety of yourself or other persons. In principle, you must always appear before the police court. You risk a fine of 320 to 4,000 euros, and you will normally also receive a driving ban from 8 days to 5 years.”
Read also
Placing a self-made speed camera in front of your house to scare off speed demons: is that allowed?
Cycling with your dog on a leash? Watch out for fines: “The legal rules are clear”
From 179 to 16,000 euros and even imprisonment: this is how much fine you have to pay if you blow positively (+)
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.
