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What is the penalty for driving through a red light?

I was pulled over for driving through a red light—totally by accident, and the police officer gave me a $150 ticket! Is this an accurate penalty for what I did?

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Mary Cahill · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We’re sorry to hear about your ticket! The truth is, driving through a red light can result in a pretty harsh penalty.
While ticket fines and the number of points against your license vary from state to state, you can expect to be fined anywhere from $10 to $350 and receive between 1 and 50 demerit points for a first offense.
The circumstances under which you ran the light will also affect the penalty. For example, if it’s your second or third offense, the ticket fine could skyrocket upwards of $575 in states such as Delaware. If you run the light while speeding, it could go even higher.
While most states use a single-digit points system, Utah employs a double-digit points system—which means running a red light could cost you a whopping 50 points. Keep in mind, each traffic violation carries a designated point penalty. Accumulating an excess of points could lead to having your license suspended.
You always have the option to contest a traffic ticket in court, but to avoid the hassle of a ticket altogether, it’s best to take your time and give the road your full attention when you drive.
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