COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ABOUT THE ORLANDO STOPS PROGRAM

1) Why has the City of Orlando decided to implement the Orlando Stops Safety Program? According to the Insurance Institute for Safety, annually nearly 2 million crashes occur in intersections. In 2005, red light running resulted in 800 fatalities and over 165,000 injuries. It is believed that an automated program will reduce the number of red light crashes and injuries associated with such crashes. The purpose of this program is to increase safety in the City of Orlando. 2) How does the red light camera system work? The cameras are activated by sensors which are located at the . The system is only activated when a vehicle fails to stop for a red light before entering the intersection. The camera takes digital photos and which record the event. The cameras operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and in all weather conditions.

3) What is the Traffic Infraction Officer’s job? A Traffic Infraction Enforcement Officer reviews the captured event in order to determine if in fact the vehicle violated the traffic law. The officer’s job is to view the images and video and determine if the vehicle entered into the intersection while the vehicle was faced with a red traffic signal. Entering the intersection while faced with a red traffic signal constitutes an infraction. A Notice of Violation is approved by the officer and sent by the City of Orlando to the registered owner of the vehicle.

4) May I speak with the Traffic Infraction Officer that issued my violation? Yes, call 407-246-2060 and provide your NOV number.

NOTICE OF VIOLATION QUESTIONS

5) What are the images shown on my Notice of Violation? Notices of Violation contain three images; A) The vehicles license plate/tag indentifying the vehicle and its registered owner. B) The vehicle--- before it enters the intersection vehicle is faced with a red signal. C) The vehicle--- is in the intersection and still faced with a red traffic light signal.

6) Where do I go to view the images and video of my violation? Go to www.violationinfo.com Enter your NOV# and Pin #

7) I received a Notice of Violation, and I viewed the images and video online. What are my options? The owner has 60 days to take one of four options: (a) Pay the $158 statutory penalty; (b) Submit an affidavit transferring the liability to the driver at the time of the violation;

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If the owner submits an affidavit establishing the liability of another driver, the driver identified in the affidavit will be sent a Notice of Violation. (c) Establish one of the other statutory exemptions from liability; (d) Request a hearing before a local hearing officer. If the owner does not take one of the four options specified in (a) through (d) within the 60-day notice of violation period, a Uniform Traffic Citation will be issued to the owner in the amount of $262.00. UTC’s are payable to Orange County Courthouse.

8) How is the Notice of Violation sent to the vehicle owner? -The Notice of Violation is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle by first class mail. NOV envelopes are scanned and logged in order to record its delivery date.

9) Why did I receive this Notice of Violation? Based on the Traffic Infraction Enforcement Officer’s review of images and video, your vehicle failed to stop before entering the crosswalk when faced with a red traffic light signal. 10) Where can I go to view the best quality images? Go to www.violationinfo.com and enter your NOV number and Pin number. 11) Where can I view the video recording of the violation? Go to www.violationinfo.com and enter your NOV number and Pin number. 12) Where can I find the Notice of Violation number and Pin number? Both numbers are located on the lower shaded half of the Notice of Violation. 13) Can I set up a payment plan for the civil penalty indicated on the Notice of Violation? No. The civil penalty must be paid in full. 14) How many days do I have to pay the Notice of Violation? -You have 60 days from the date the Notice was issued. The due date is indicated on the Notice. 15) How many days do I have to request an administrative hearing on a Notice of Violation? You have 60 days from the date the Notice was issued. The due date is indicated on the Notice. 16) What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation? A Uniform Traffic Citation will be issued in the amount of $262.00. 17) Does the Notice of Violation affect my driver’s license?

No points are assessed against your driver’s license in the state of Florida for red light camera violations. Also, payment of this violation will result in no record entry linked to your driver’s license. However, the issuance of a Uniform Traffic Citation may result in a record entry linked to your driver’s license.

18) What will happen if I forget to pay the Notice of Violation? Once the due date on the Notice expires, a Uniform Traffic Citation will be issued in the amount of $262.00.

19) What is the difference between a Notice of Violation and Uniform Traffic Citation? - A Notice of Violation is handled by the issuing municipality as a local civil violation. It’s an opportunity to pay a lesser amount of $158.00. It never shows up on your driving record, or County Courthouse Traffic Record.

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- A Uniform Traffic Citation is a charging affidavit and is identical to a citation issued by a law enforcement officer if you were pulled over for a red light traffic violation. It will show up on the County Courthouse Traffic Record and may show up on your driving record. 20) Can I pay the Notice of Violation by telephone? -Yes, call toll free 855-536-8259 (must call on or before the due date). There are no processing fees

21) I was not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. -Go to our website and fill out a sworn Affidavit of Defense. You will need the driver’s; A) Full Name B) Full Address C) Full Date of Birth and D) Driver’s License Number (if known). This form must be completely and properly filled out and signed in front of a Notary Public. This form must be submitted on or before the due date indicated on the Notice of Violation. 22) How does a Notice of Violation become a Uniform Traffic Citation? -When an individual fails to take any action within the sixty (60) days from the date the Notice of Violation is issued. Once an individual requests a hearing, pays the penalty, or submits an Affidavit of Defenses, a Uniform Traffic Citation will not be issued to that individual.

PAYING THE NOTICE OF VIOLATION

23) What are my payment options for the Notice of Violation? A) Pay in person at Orlando City Hall, 400 South Orange Ave, Orlando Florida 32801. B) Pay online: www.violationinfo.com C) Pay by mail: City of Orlando, P.O. Box 4990 Orlando, Florida 32802-4990. D) Pay by Phone: call 1-855-536-8259. (Have NOV number and Pin number available). 24) Can I set up a payment plan on a Notice of Violation? No. The $158.00 civil penalty must be paid in full. 25) Can I pay the civil penalty of $158.00 at the Orange County Court house?

-No. The courthouse does not have any knowledge of the violation since the Uniform Traffic Citation has not been issued yet. Please make payment to the City of Orlando, Orlando Stops 400 S. Orange Ave Orlando, Florida 32802.

26) Why is payment not accepted via or phone once it is past the due date on the Notice of Violation? -Because a Uniform Traffic Citation is about to be issued for the amount of $262.00.

27) Can I pay the Notice of Violation by credit card or debit card? -Yes, if the Notice is not past due. There are no processing fees. 28) Can I pay the NOV with a personal bank check?

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-Yes, please include the NOV number on the check. 29) What if I lost the Notice of Violation that was mailed to me? -Call 407-246-2060 and have the license plate/tag number of the vehicle available.

30) What happens when I pay the Notice of Violation penalty amount of $158.00? If the penalty amount is paid on or before the due date indicated on the Notice of Violation, the Uniform Traffic Citation will not be issued and the case will be closed. TRANSFERRING THE NOTICE OF VIOLATION

31) Why is the Notice of Violation sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, and not to the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the violation? Pursuant to Florida Statute, the registered owner of the vehicle is deemed responsible for their vehicle since the vehicle is the property of the owner. Much like a ticket, there is no need to identify the driver of the vehicle. 32) What if I am the registered owner of the vehicle, but not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation? The registered owner may fill out a sworn Affidavit of Defense; you will need the driver’s. A) Full Name B) Address C) Date of Birth and Driver’s License Number if known. This form must be completely and properly filled out and signed in front of a Notary Public. 33) Where can I find an Affidavit of Defense form in order to transfer the violation? Go to www.violationinfo.com or www.cityoforlando.net/orlandostops Have your NOV number and Pin number available.

34) If I transfer the violation to the driver of the vehicle, will the driver be issued a new Notice of Violation or a Uniform Traffic Citation? The driver will be issued a new Notice of Violation. 35) How long would the new driver have to pay the Notice of Violation? The new named driver will have 60 days to pay $158.00 from the date the Notice of Violation was issued. 36) How long does the new driver have to request a hearing and contest the violation? The new named driver will have 60 days from the date the Notice of Violation was issued to request a hearing.

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CONTEST THE NOTICE OF VIOLATION

37) How can I schedule a hearing for a Notice of Violation? -To schedule a hearing go to www.violationinfo.com or www.cityoforlando.net/orlandostops, print and fill out the Request for Administrative Hearing Form and send it to City of Orlando Clerk of Administrative Court 400 S. Orange Ave Orlando, Florida 32802.

38) How will I be notified of my hearing date? -You will be sent an Administrative Hearing Notification letter by first class mail.

39) Can I reschedule my hearing once a hearing date has been issued? -Yes, you are allowed to reschedule one time by submitting a Request to Reschedule Hearing form at least five days before the hearing. The form can be found at www.cityoforlando.net/orlandostops

40) How many times may I reschedule a hearing? -You may reschedule a hearing only one time.

41) Can I cancel a hearing after it has been scheduled? -Yes, you may cancel your hearing any time prior to the hearing time upon payment of $158.00 plus $50.00.

42) What happens if I fail to appear at a scheduled hearing? Your case will be adjudicated in your absence and may result in the violation being upheld and the assessment of costs of up to $250.00 in addition to the civil penalty of $158.00.

43) What if I fail to prove my case before the Hearing Officer, will there be administrative cost assessed on top of the $158.00 penalty. Yes, the Local Hearing Officer can impose up to $250.00 in administrative cost on top of the $158.00 penalty.

44) What happens if I fail to pay the penalty and costs assessed by the Local Hearing Officer? Within ten (10) days after your failure to pay the amount indicated on the final administrative order, the Clerk of the Administrative Court will notify the Department of Health, Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Department shall place a hold on your license plate or revalidation sticker until the amount have been fully paid.

45) If I am dissatisfied with the Local Hearing Officer’s ruling, may I request the issuance of a UTC in lieu of a final administrative order upholding the violation? -No. If you are dissatisfied with the Local Hearing Officer’s ruling, then, upon receipt of the final administrative order, you may appeal it to the Orange County Circuit Court pursuant to Florida Statute Section 162.11 and the Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.190.

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COMMON DEFENSE CLAIMS TO THE NOTICE OF VIOLATION

46) Why did I receive a Notice of Violation when I know the traffic signal was yellow? -The camera only turns on when the traffic signal is red. If you look closely at the images on your Notice of Violation you will notice the traffic signal is red. 47) What if the traffic light was not working properly or was defective at the time of the violation? -The traffic signal will automatically go into flash mode, meaning the light will continue to flash over and over. Also the video camera(s) located at the intersection, which run continually 24 hours a week for 7 days a week, would capture any irregularity with the traffic signal. 48) What if the traffic camera was not working properly or was defective at the time of the violation? -The cameras routinely perform a diagnostic test as Florida Department of Transportation requires. If the system fails any part of the test the camera(s) will shut down. 49) Where can I go to view the best quality images and the video? -Go to www.violationinfo.com and enter your NOV number and Pin number ready. 50) I moved and did not do a change of address with the Dept of Motor Vehicle; Will I still get the violation at my new address? -No, unless you have provided forwarding address to the United States Postal Service. 51) When I moved I changed my address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), why didn’t I receive the Notice of Violation? -You must change your vehicle registration address with the DMV in order to receive mail relating to your vehicle. 52) My vehicle was stolen prior to the violation? -Fill out an Affidavit of Defense and include a copy of the police report showing it was reported stolen prior to the violation date. 53) My vehicle tag/license plate was stolen or lost prior to the violation? -Fill out an Affidavit of Defense and include a copy of the police report showing it was reported stolen prior to the violation date. 54) What if the Uniform Traffic Citation was issued by another Law Enforcement Officer for the same violation? -Fill out an Affidavit of Defense and include a copy of the Uniform Traffic Citation issued by the law enforcement officer. 55) What if there was an emergency vehicle behind me and I had to go through the red light? -Fill out an Affidavit of Defense and include a letter of explanation.

-Please Note: The law requires a vehicle to yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle and to immediately proceed to a position parallel to, and as close as reasonable to the closest edge of the curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection and stop and remain in position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by any law enforcement officer.

56) What if the emergency vehicle turned off before it reached the intersection and I had to go though the red traffic light?

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-Fill out an Affidavit of Defense and include a letter of explanation. Be advised the video camera on the opposite side of the intersection may capture the event if there was an approaching emergency vehicle. 57) What if I sold the vehicle and I left the license plate/tag on the vehicle, and now the new owner committed a violation? -Fill out an Affidavit of Defense and include a letter of explanation along with any supporting documents, i.e. Bill of Sale. 58) What if I sold the vehicle and I left the license plate/tag on the vehicle, and do not have the necessary information on the person to whom sold the vehicle. -You are deemed responsible for the violation since the vehicle is still under your name. 59) Why is the violation being sent to me when I only co-signed for the vehicle? -If you are in the first position according to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ record, you are deemed the registered owner of the vehicle. The Notice of Violation is sent to all first position registered owners. 60) What if someone else was driving the vehicle? -Go to our website www.violationinfo.com or www.cityoforlando.net/orlandostops and fill out an Affidavit of Defense. You will need the following information of the driver: E) Full Name F) Full Address G) Full Date of Birth and H) Driver’s License Number (if known). This form must be completely and properly filled out and signed in front of a Notary Public. 61) What if there was a large vehicle in front of my vehicle and I could not see the traffic light when I entered the intersection. Your vehicle is still in violation of the law. Your vehicle entered into the intersection when faced with a red signal. Your vehicle was following too close and it entered the intersection without knowing the color of the traffic signal.

UNIFORM TRAFFIC CITATION HAS BEEN ISSUED

62) How is a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) sent out to the vehicle owner? -All UTC’s are sent out by certified mail. 63) How does a Notice of Violation become a UTC? -The only way that a Notice of Violation becomes a UTC is if an individual who is issued a Notice of Violation fails to take action within the sixty (60) days after the Notice of Violation was issued. Once an individual acts on the Notice of Violation by requesting a hearing, paying the penalty, or submitting an Affidavit of Defenses, a UTC will not be issued to that individual for that violation. 64) Can I make installment payments on a UTC? -No, for any further questions on UTC call the Orange County Courthouse at 407-836-2000

65) Can I get an extension of the due date on a UTC? -Yes. You may request two (2) thirty-day extensions from the Orange County Courthouse?

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Go to www.myorangeclerk.com and proceed as if you are going to pay the citation and look for the option to extend the due date on the citation. (Note: there is a fee to extend the time period) 66) Where can I go to view the best quality images and the video? -Go to www.violationinfo.com and have your NOV number and Pin number ready. 67) What if I am the registered owner of the vehicle, but not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation? -The registered owner may fill out a sworn Affidavit of Defense, which can be found at the City’s website. You will need the following information of the driver: A) Full Name B) Full Address C) Full Date of Birth and D) Driver’s License Number (if known). This form must be completely and properly filled out and signed in front of a Notary Public. 68) What are my payment options for the UTC? A) Pay in person at Orange County Court House, 4250 N. Orange Ave Orlando, Florida 32802. B) Pay online: www.myorangeclerk.com C) Pay at any Amscot payment center. 69) How can I contest the UTC? -On the front of the citation check off option B, REQUEST A HEARING. Mail the citation to the Orange County Courthouse. The courthouse will mail you a Hearing Date to Appear. 70) Can I pay a UTC at Orlando City Hall or do I have to pay at the Orange County Courthouse? -All payments are made to Orange County Courthouse located at 425 North, Orange Ave Orlando, Florida 32801 71) What happens if I do not pay or schedule a hearing for the UTC? -A request for suspension of your driver’s license will be sent to the Department of Health Safety and Motor Vehicles.

PROBLEM VIEWING THE VIOLATION ON THE INTERNET

72) I do not have an internet connection so where can I view the video and images? -You can view them at a public library or at Orlando City Hall. 73) Why is the video of the violation not playing? -There can be many reasons, but one possible reason is a video driver is not loaded on the computer you are using.

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Appeal Local Administrative Hearing Order

Appeal

74) Can I appeal the final ruling of the local Hearing Officer? Yes, if you wish to appeal the ruling of the Local Hearing Officer, you must file a Notice of Appeal with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida within 30 days of the date of the execution of the order, pursuant to F.S. 162.11 and the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.190.

Extension after Local Hearing Officer Ruling

75) Can I get an extension of time for payment after the Administrative Hearing Officer has made a ruling? No, once the final order is made by the Local Hearing Officer the order may not be changed.

Failure to Pay after Ruling/Vehicle Tag Withhold

Registration Tag/Plate Holds

76) What happens if payment is not made on time as ordered by the Administrative Local Hearing Officer? -The Administrative Local Hearing Clerk will request a tag withhold on your vehicle(s) registration. You will be unable to renew your vehicle registration tag/plate and/or revalidation sticker.

77) Does the registration tag/plate hold only affect the vehicle that committed the violation? No, the vehicle tag/plate hold affects all vehicles that are owned or co-owned by the petitioner.

78) How do I get a tag/plate registration hold removed? Go to the City of Orlando, City Hall first floor cashier and pay all outstanding assessed amounts in full. Note that it takes two (2) business days to remove a vehicle tag hold.

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