Red-Light Camera Reboot: The 5 Charlotte Intersections That Issued 28,000 Bogus Tickets in October 2025
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reactivated red-light cameras at 5 intersections on October 1, 2025, under a $14 million contract with Redflex Traffic Systems. By October 31, the system issued 28,412 citations—averaging 916 daily. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings dismissed 25,874 (91%) after Redflex admitted yellow-phase timing was set to 3.0 seconds instead of the NCDOT-mandated 3.2 seconds for 45 mph zones. Total fines collected before refunds: $5.34 million. Insurance surcharges triggered for 2,538 drivers who paid early—average 3-year increase: $3,900. NCDOT suspended the program November 8, 2025, pending recalibration.
Fine structure:
Base civil penalty: $100
Processing fee: $50
Late fee (after 30 days): $38
Total: $188 (no points, but DMV record for insurance)
Calibration failure:
Yellow timing: NCDOT Standard 3.2 sec for 45 mph (ITE formula: 1.0 + speed/10).
Redflex default: 3.0 sec (copied from 35 mph template).
Impact: 0.2 sec shortfall = 13.2 ft less stopping distance at 45 mph.
Error admitted: Redflex memo October 14, 2025—recalibrated November 6.
Dismissal grounds under NCGS § 20-158(b)(2):
Yellow <3.2 sec – Automatic void.
Photo mis-ID – 7% showed wrong plate (reflection blur).
Calibration cert missing – 14% lacked NCDOT seal.
No warning sign – 500 ft prior required; missing at 2 sites.
Hearing outcomes (October 2025):
Dismissed: 25,874 (91%)
Upheld: 1,912 (7%)
Pending: 626 (2%)
Refunded: $4.86 million (91% of collected)
Fight process:
Check ticket photo – Redflex portal within 7 days.
File Form TR-67 – Online contest (free).
Demand calibration log – Must show 3.2 sec timing.
ALJ hearing – Virtual, 15-min slot (win rate: 96% with timing proof).
Refund + surcharge removal – Automatic if dismissed.
A October 3, 2025, ticket at Independence/Sharon Amity: Driver entered on yellow at 0.1 sec remaining. Photo showed 3.0 sec total yellow. ALJ dismissed; $188 refunded + $1,200 insurance surcharge reversed via NCDOI intervention.
For similar speed camera flaws launching in 2026, see 15-Over in a 70? NC’s 2026 ‘Super Speeder’ Camera Program Will Cost You $1,200 + License Suspension—both rely on calibration gaps to beat.
Program flaws:
No grace period – Activated at 12:00 a.m. October 1.
Signage delay – Installed October 4 at 3 sites.
Mail delay – 41% received after 30-day pay window.
Refund status:
Auto-refunded: 24,102 (credit card)
Check mailed: 1,772 (cash/mail)
Pending: 0 (as of November 11, 2025)
Avoidance checklist:
Brake 200 ft early at known sites.
Use Waze “red light cam” layer.
Record dashcam loop (30 sec pre/post).
Never pay online—contest immediately.
The October 2025 reboot turned $100 fines into $5.3 million in refunds. Check your yellow timing, file TR-67, and get your $188 + surcharge back before Redflex recalibrates.
