How to Fight a Running a Red Light Ticket in Mississippi
If you got a running a red light ticket in Mississippi, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Mississippi does not publish a statewide uniform fine schedule for red light violations.
How to fight a red light ticket in Mississippi, step by step
Decide how to plead
Possibly — some courts allow first-time offenders to complete a defensive driving course in exchange for dismissal. There is no statewide program; this is entirely at the judge's discretion.
Check Mississippi's dismissal & mitigation options
Possibly — some courts allow first-time offenders to complete a defensive driving course in exchange for dismissal. There is no statewide program; this is entirely at the judge's discretion.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your running a red light citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Mississippi does not publish a statewide uniform fine schedule for red light violations.
Show up prepared
Mississippi does not publish a statewide uniform fine schedule for red light violations. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
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Start my free court prep →Mississippi Running a Red Light ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for running a red light in Mississippi?
MCA § 63-3-603 — Traffic-control signal legend. A driver facing a steady red signal must stop and may not enter the intersection. Right turn on red is permitted after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it. Running a red light is a misdemeanor traffic violation under MCA § 63-9-11.
What are the fines for a red light ticket in Mississippi?
Mississippi does not publish a statewide uniform fine schedule for red light violations. Under MCA § 63-9-11 (general misdemeanor traffic penalty statute), the statutory maximums are: first conviction — fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail; second conviction within one year — fine up to $200 and/or up to 20 days in jail; third or subsequent conviction within one year — fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in jail. Actual fines in most courts are well below the statutory maximum. Verify the specific amount with the court on your citation. Red light cameras (automated enforcement) operate in some Mississippi municipalities — these are typically civil administrative penalties handled separately.
Does a red light ticket add points to my license in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi has no demerit point system for traffic violations. A red light conviction appears on your driving record but does not add a point total. License consequences (suspension/revocation) come through the habitual offender framework under MCA § 63-1-51, not through accumulated points.
Can a red light ticket be dismissed or diverted in Mississippi?
Possibly — some courts allow first-time offenders to complete a defensive driving course in exchange for dismissal. There is no statewide program; this is entirely at the judge's discretion. Appear in court, plead not guilty, and ask whether a defensive driving course option is available for your citation. Camera-based red light tickets (automated enforcement) are typically civil and cannot be dismissed through a defensive driving course — consult the municipality's citation process.
What is a common defense for a red light ticket?
Common approaches: (1) challenge whether you actually crossed into the intersection on red vs. yellow; (2) for camera tickets, challenge whether the image clearly identifies the driver; (3) challenge whether the traffic signal was functioning properly; (4) emergency exception — if you entered to yield to an emergency vehicle. For court-officer-issued tickets, the officer must appear and testify — if the officer fails to appear, the case is typically dismissed.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.