Failure to Stop at Red Light in Washington

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Washington

So, I received a red light violation at the infamous intersection of 54th Ave and 20th St E in Fife for $124. I watched the video online and sure enough I did not make a full and complete stop while turning on a red light.

For a little back story, I bought a new car the day before the violation (Saturday) and traded in my old car. It was late in the afternoon when we closed the deal and the dealer could not ready the new one for me that night. The dealer "loaned" me my old car for the night and I was to pick up the new one Sunday morning.

The next morning (Sunday) I was driving back to the dealer and I guess I was all excited about buying my new car, I rolled through the right on red at 11 mph. There was little traffic and I clearly slowed down and made sure there was none coming my direction.

Now, I'm not disputing the violation. But my question is, since I have a report of sale dated for the day prior to the violation, should I just send that in and chance it if the city goes after the dealer they just pay it off?

I just hate to give over $124 to wash my hands of it cause that is clearly what the city counts on people doing with these violations.

Should I pass it on to the dealer or pay my random road tax?

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Quoting eric1050

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But my question is, since I have a report of sale dated for the day prior to the violation, should I just send that in and chance it if the city goes after the dealer they just pay it off?

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Way to accept responsibility for your actions!

But, let's look at it in detail. You are planning on signing a form -- under penalty of perjury -- that says you were NOT driving the car, that you sold the car the day before the infraction and include a copy of the sale form. When the court sends this to the dealer, THEY will inform the court that they "loaned" the car back to you. NOW when the court comes after you, you can add a charge of perjury (which is a CRIMINAL offense, punishable by massive fines or even imprisonment -- along with a criminal record).

If you want to risk that, go ahead. Me, I'd ask for a mitigation hearing, explain my excitement over a new car to the judge and -- probably (assuming you have a relatively "clean" record) -- get the fine reduced to about half. Since it won't go on your driving record, you won't have to worry about an insurance increase.

Barry

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Quoting blewis

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Way to accept responsibility for your actions!

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Thanks for the proverbial slap upside the head. :o

I plan on dealing with it. I just wasn't sure if I could let the paper work do the talking. I'm going to request a mitigation hearing and at least try to reduce the fine as you suggested. There wasn't any potential for a safety issue, so I'm hoping that will play in my favor.