Bellmore and Red Light Cameras: Debunking the 5-Second Rule

Both Nassau and Suffolk counties have installed a “Red Light Camera” program which they say is aimed at changing driver behavior by capturing drivers that run through red lights at busy intersections. 

The cameras take an instant photo of a vehicle when it passes through a red light and traces the owner of the vehicle through the license plate information. Owners whose cars have been photographed going through the red light receive a ticket with the photographic evidence in the mail.

But what is considered a violation? We asked our readers on Facebook: “You can get a ticket from a red light camera if you ___________”

The responses we got from readers were sometimes accurate, sometimes sarcastic, sometimes hilarious. Here are some samples:

Michael McQuillan: ever try to beat the light on Newbridge Road and Bellmore Avenue.

Selena Eve Borrero-Taranto: breathe.

Fran Cioffi-Monello: don't come to a complete stop before turning right where right on red is allowed.

Mary Nolan: Stop for less than five seconds at red when turning right, even when no cars or pedestrians are present. Yes, at Newbridge and Bellmore. Happened to me... I was told if I fight it I would lose and then get points because I said it was me. Bummer!

Sal DelGiudice: You actually have to wait 10 seconds before you make a right on red...according to the judge.

Deanna Cantasano Ewer: Have to stop and wait five seconds or something like that. Not worth it though. Gotten too many tickets to keep chancing it.

Robert Lyman: Way to many accidents at Newbridge and Bellmore from people stopping on a yellow light. Can the green light be any shorter? Its all done on purpose for $. Has nothing to do with safety.

Mike Sheridan: try to beat a light and are stuck behind a lincoln town car, a mercury sable, buick, old cadillac, ford taurus or any beige colored car.

So...what’s the answer to our quiz? You can get a ticket from a red light camera if you:

• Enter the intersection and turn left after the light turns red

You will NOT be ticketed if you pass beneath a light that is green to make a left turn and while waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, the light turns red.

Ever get caught with a red light camera? Guilty as charged, or did it make you see red? Share your thoughts on our open blog “Road Rage.”

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