Maine Red Light Laws

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December 27th, 2005

"ACLU Says Minneapolis Red-Light Camera Laws Violate Rights"

The ACLU is targeting the state of Minnesota and in particular the city of Minneapolis over what the civil rights group says is a gross violation of a person''s constitutional rights. The case centers on Minneapolis area red-light runner cameras that have been installed on several intersections in order to photograph drivers who do not heed red stoplights.

The drivers who violate the Minneapolis red-light laws are then automatically ticketed and then must prove their innocence before a court of law. The drivers also face criminal charges, rather than civil charges like all other states and cities have. These criminal charges bring with them the possibility of further punishments and larger car-insurance rate hikes than other common traffic violations.

Minnesota ACLU Executive Director Chuck Samuelson says the city is in violation of American''s constitutional rights to be innocent until proven guilty, especially when involved in criminal charges. While red-light cameras are controversial around the entire country, it is only in Minneapolis that drivers face criminal charges because of the cameras.

The matter may reach the US Supreme Court, which has a long history of protecting any individual''s rights when facing criminal charges. Minneapolis police suggest that people who face possible charges stemming from the red-light cameras can possibly get out of the charges by either showing proof that the car is no longer theirs or by signing a statement saying who was driving their car during the time of the violation.

Critics contend that these laws go against the US constitution. The city of Minneapolis has about a month before it must reply to the charges by the ACLU and a special hearing has already been set up to commence in April of 2006.