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Red Light Cameras – Let Your Voice Be Heard To Ban Them Forever

May 17th, 2013

A red-light camera in use in Beaverton, Oregon...

The followers of Dayton DUI on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ and loyal followers of this blog have listened to me complain about red-light cameras and speed cameras in Ohio for over three years.  I have urged you to contact your local representatives and to let your opposition be known.  We are now in the final push and our concerns are being heard!

Ohio’s 130th General Assembly has introduced House Bill 69, which would eliminate red light cameras and speed cameras throughout Ohio.  The proposal reads, in pertinent part,

“No local authority or the state highway patrol, utilizing either its own employees, those of another public entity, or those of a private entity, shall use a traffic law photo-monitoring device to determine compliance with, or to detect a violation of section 4511.13 (red light violation) or 4511.21(speed violation) of the Revised Code or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance or county or township resolution.”

As reported in the Huffington Post and the linked Coshoctan Tribune story, State Rep. Ron Hood (R-Ashville) cited safety concerns as the main reason for introducing the ban on the cameras, the Coshocton Tribune reported. The Ohio proposal would ban use of the cameras for both red light and speed limit enforcement within the state, making Ohio part of a growing number of states to ban the usage of one or both types of cameras. Lawmakers seeking to enact such bans have also raised privacy issues as a point of concern. “Several recent studies, including a federal report, have confirmed that traffic photo-monitoring devices increase the number of rear-end collisions at intersections that are monitored by these devices,” Hood said in a statement to the Coshocton Tribune.

The Ohio legislation comes after a judge in Hamilton County said that a speeding ticket issued due to a photo enforced camera violated the state’s due process laws.  I have long cited the failure of due process and the dangers of using law enforcement as a revenue source (policing for profit) as my opposition to the cameras.   Your right to confront your accuser, your right to have the state prove the identity of the driver, the right to a trial in a criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding, and many other important American traditions have been trampled by greedy municipalities who see automated police as a means of taxation without representation.

I now call on you again to make your voice heard.  The readership of this blog and the “reach” of Dayton DUI on Facebook brings our collective voice to over 20,000 people. We have the ear of Rep. Rick Perales who has been amazingly attentive to our previous calls.  Call your State Rep at  1-800-282-0253 Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Visit the Ohio House of Representatives website to email your State Rep.  This is our time to ban these abominations once and for all.

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DUI on the Water and the Return of Boating Season

May 1st, 2013

Slalom skier

With the return of the summer boating season, many people will soon be enjoying Ohio’s beautiful lakes and rivers.  This is a reminder that Ohio is cracking down on captains who indulge in alcohol while on the water.  Boating Under the Influence is illegal in Ohio. 2001 Sub. S.B. 123, eff. 1-1-04 sought to unify the drunk driving provisions with Ohio’s boating laws.   O.R.C. 1547.11(A)(1)  to O.R.C. 1547.11(A)(6) prohibit a person from operating or being in physical control of a vessel underway or manipulating water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

O.R.C. 1547.11(A)(1) is the impairment provision of the law, preventing operation or physical control while under the influence.  The law also has a provision preventing operation with a prohibited level of alcohol which it sets at the same prohibited level (.08) as the DUI/OVI law.  Unlike the DUI/OVI law, there are no high-tier provisions which apply to boating. A third section of the law prohibits operation or physical control with a concentration of certain controlled substances (marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine, et al.) or metabolites of the same.  This section of the law is identical to the DUI-drug provisions found in O.R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(j).

Subsequent amendments to the law, 2007 Am. Sub. S.B. 17, eff. 9-30-08, allows for forced blood draws for persons with two or BUI offenses.  A BUI offense can be used to enhance a subsequent DUI/OVI  offense. O.R.C. 4511.181(A)(6)-(7).  Some important differences in Ohio’s BUI law, stem from the fact that Ohio does not require an operator’s license to operate a watercraft.  Therefore, no administrative license suspension provisions are in the law.  Instead, the chief of the Division of Watercraft gives written notice that you are prevented from operating or being in physical control of a watercraft (or from registering a watercraft) for one year from the date of the alleged violation.  Another key difference is that a fourth or subsequent BUI offense is not subject to felony enhancement.

Penalties for Boating Under the Influence offenses are set forth at O.R.C. 1547.99 and are similar to those provided for DUI/OVI offenses.  Boating Under the Influence is a first degree misdemeanor and is subject to a minimum 3-day jail sentence and a maximum 6 months in jail.  The 3-day jail sentence can be served in a qualified driver intervention program.  The minimum mandatory fine for a first BUI offense is $150.  A second offense within 6 years carries a mandatory 10 day jail sentence, but the minimum mandatory fine is still $150.  A third offense requires a minimum of 30 days in jail. NOTE: The Ohio legislature is constantly “tweaking” the Ohio DUI and BUI laws, so please check with an attorney as these laws may have changed.

Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (1-888-769-5263). For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting follow DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook and you can access updates by becoming a fan of Dayton DUI/OVI Defense.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@CharlesRowland.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.

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Posted in DUI & Boating, Physical Control, Reckless Operation

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License Plate Light Not Illuminated (O.R.C. 4513.05)

April 24th, 2013

Neon sign

In Ohio, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without a white light illuminating the rear registration plate. See O.R.C. 4513.05.  This law is often used as a pretext for a traffic stop which allows the officer to come into contact with the motorist.  Here is a full text of the law. 

4513.05 Tail lights and illumination of rear license plate.

(A) Every motor vehicle, trackless trolley, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one tail light mounted on the rear which, when lighted, shall emit a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear, provided that in the case of a train of vehicles only the tail light on the rearmost vehicle need be visible from the distance specified.

Either a tail light or a separate light shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate, when such registration plate is required, and render it legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail light, together with any separate light for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the headlights or auxiliary driving lights are lighted, except where separate lighting systems are provided for trailers for the purpose of illuminating such registration plate. 

(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

While this may seem like a trifling reason for a traffic stop, most states have similar laws.  The justification for the law is that a passerby or pedestrian who sees a car should be able to identify the car by its license plate.  Arguing that your car has reflective license plates is not a defense.  Once the officer comes in contact he can begin a full investigation for impaired driving if he establishes reasonable and articulable suspicion to continue the detention.

Why a white light?  Law enforcement does not want the light to be able to change the color of the license plate and thus enhance the possibility of misidentification of a vehicle.  We have also seen cases of individuals being pulled over due to neon flashing lights on their license plates.  Ohio Revised Code, section 4513.17 prohibits flashing lights on motor vehicles with the exception of emergency vehicles, turn signals, and hazard flashers.Lights must not rotate, oscillate, or flash, but state law does not prohibit the use of colored neon lights under your car as long as they do not interfere or blind other drivers.  As long as the neon lights are less than 300 candle power they are not in violation of any State law. If the lights are more than 300 candle power they must be directed to strike the pavement the vehicle sets upon at a distance of no more than 75 feet. The lights can not exceed 500 candle power. Colored lights, such as neon lights around a license plate, could be illegal if the light illuminates the plate and changes the colors of the plate. State law requires a white light to illuminate the rear license plate.”

If you have questions regarding the information provided above, please contact Charles M. Rowland II by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (1-888-769-5263).For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  Immediate help is available by filling out the CONTACT form on any of these pages. For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DaytonDUI or Get Twitterupdates via SMS by texting follow DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook and you can access updates by becoming a fan of Dayton DUI/OVI Defense.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324
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How To Fight Your Dayton Photo Speed & Red-Light Ticket

April 8th, 2013

Dayton City Hall.

We have often been asked about the procedure the City of Dayton employs to enforce its photo-enforcement scheme which encompasses both speed tickets and red-light tickets.  Here, taken from the Dayton Public Safety Photo Enforcement page is the procedure that the city has adopted.  If you need to speak to an attorney, we let you know how to contact us below.

View Video of Your Violation and Pay On-Line

If you receive a citation in the mail from the “SafeLight” Dayton Public Safety Photo Enforcement Program for running a red light at one of the City’s “SafeLight” camera-enforced intersections can view the video of the violation and pay the fine on-line.  To view the video, you must enter the “City Code” (DAY) and the “Citation Notice Number” that appears on your citation form. The video images will only be available to the viewer for 60 days . Clicking on the following link will take you to the website outside of the City of Dayton’s domain: www.photonotice.com

Citation Resolution

No points are imposed against the violator’s driving record under the SafeLight Photo Enforcement Program.

Tthere are three (3) options to resolve the citation:

  • Pay the fine within fifteen (15) days.  You can pay your citation fee online by credit or debit card, or by sending a check by mail as indicated on the citation notice (“Notice of Liability”).
  • Within fifteen (15) days, provide the information of the the person that was actually driving the vehicle, if it was not the registered owner, then mail the notorized ”Affidavit” to the adress shown on the citation.
  • Within fiteen (15) days, return the “Hearing Request” to have the dispute scheduled to be heard before a Hearing Officer.

Failure to act on the above options will result in default and a $25.00 late fee will be added to the fine amount.  The responsible party will then receive a “Default Notice.”

If the responsible party does not respond to the “Default Notice,”, the citation will be sent to a collection agency.

If the responsible party chooses to have an administrative hearing to appeal the citation, the $85.00 citation fee must be paid prior to the notice due date.  If the citation is paid, the following will occur:

  • An appeal hearing will be held before a Hearing Officer.
  • If the hearing Officer finds in favor of the City that a violation did occur, the $85.00 will be retained by the City to satisfy the citation amount.
  • If the Hearing Officer finds in favor of the responsible party, the $85.00 citation fee will be refunded.
  • If the responsible party fails to show for the hearing, the $85.00 citation fee will be retained to satisfy the fine amount.

For questions involving camera-enforcement citations or the administrative appeals process, please call Officer Carol Johnson at 937-333-1142 or Officer Dyan Thomas at 937-333-1104.

DUI attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver in Fairborn, Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Miamisburg, Huber Heights, Beavercreek, Centerville, Springboro, Franklin, Lebanon, Troy, Piqua, Oakwood and throughout Ohio.  He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself the Miami Valley’s choice for DUI defense.  Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263).  For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter@DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook,  and on the DaytonDUI channel on YouTube.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.

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Dayton’s Red Light & Speed Cameras: Where Are They?

April 1st, 2013

A red-light camera in use in Beaverton, Oregon...In 2003, the City of Dayton installed its first “SafeLight” public safety photo enforcement cameras to help reduce accidents at key intersections in the City by detecting vehicles running red lights.  Today, 20 red light cameras are in use at 10 intersections.

Locations with SafeLight (Red Light) Public Safety Cameras:

  • S. Smithville Rd. @ Patterson Rd.
  • W. Third St. @ Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
  • Troy St. @ Stanley Ave.
  • Stanley Ave. @ Valley St.
  • Third St. @ James H. McGee Blvd.
  • Gettysburg Ave. @ Cornell Dr.
  • Main St. @ Hillcrest Ave.
  • US 35 @ Abbey Ave.
  • Salem Ave. @ North Ave.
  • Salem Ave. @ Hillcrest Ave.

Locations with Speed Enforcement Public Safety Cameras:

  • S. Smithville Rd. near E. Fourth St.
  • S. Smithville Rd. near Marimont
  • W. Third St. near Hatfield
  • E. Third St. near Clinton
  • Stanley Ave. near Kuntz
  • S. Keowee near E. Fourth St.
  • N. Keowee St. near Stanley Ave.
  • N. Gettysburgh near Fairbanks and N. Gettysburg @ Cornell Dr.
  • US 35 @ Abbey Ave.
  • Salem Ave. near Otterbein

View Video of Your Violation and Pay On-Line

If you receive a citation in the mail from the “SafeLight” Dayton Public Safety Photo Enforcement Program for running a red light at one of the City’s “SafeLight” camera-enforced intersections can view the video of the violation and pay the fine on-line.  To view the video, you must enter the “City Code” (DAY) and the “Citation Notice Number” that appears on your citation form. The video images will only be available to the viewer for 60 days . Clicking on the following link will take you to the website outside of the City of Dayton’s domain: www.photonotice.com

Citation Resolution

No points are imposed against the violator’s driving record under the SafeLight Photo Enforcement Program.

Tthere are three (3) options to resolve the citation:

  • Pay the fine within fifteen (15) days.  You can pay your citation fee online by credit or debit card, or by sending a check by mail as indicated on the citation notice (“Notice of Liability”).
  • Within fifteen (15) days, provide the information of the the person that was actually driving the vehicle, if it was not the registered owner, then mail the notorized ”Affidavit” to the adress shown on the citation.
  • Within fiteen (15) days, return the “Hearing Request” to have the dispute scheduled to be heard before a Hearing Officer.

Failure to act on the above options will result in default and a $25.00 late fee will be added to the fine amount.  The responsible party will then receive a “Default Notice.”

If the responsible party does not respond to the “Default Notice,”, the citation will be sent to a collection agency.

If the responsible party chooses to have an administrative hearing to appeal the citation, the $85.00 citation fee must be paid prior to the notice due date.  If the citation is paid, the following will occur:

  • An appeal hearing will be held before a Hearing Officer.
  • If the hearing Officer finds in favor of the City that a violation did occur, the $85.00 will be retained by the City to satisfy the citation amount.
  • If the Hearing Officer finds in favor of the responsible party, the $85.00 citation fee will be refunded.
  • If the responsible party fails to show for the hearing, the $85.00 citation fee will be retained to satisfy the fine amount.

For questions involving camera-enforcement citations or the administrative appeals process, please call Officer Carol Johnson at 937-333-1142 or Officer Dyan Thomas at 937-333-1104.

DUI attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver in Fairborn, Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Miamisburg, Huber Heights, Beavercreek, Centerville, Springboro, Franklin, Lebanon, Troy, Piqua, Oakwood and throughout Ohio.  He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself the Miami Valley’s choice for DUI defense.  Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263).  For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter@DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook,  and on the DaytonDUI channel on YouTube.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.

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