Should I tell my parents I accidentally ran a red light?

Question

Last night I was driving home because I just got out of work. I have 2 jobs so I worked one of them in the morning and then the other at night. I got out of work last night at around 12:45am so it is obviously pitch black. (For my jobs I have to be standing constantly so my legs and feet are always sore.) I’m driving like normal but then my leg gets a cramp while I’m at a red light (my mom calls them charley horse or something) then I accidentally press the gas. I then realized I was i the middle of the street so I obviously had to drive to get out of it. So I drove through and then that means I ran a red light! I immediately started crying and I was so scared I was going to get pulled over or something but I think the red light cameras might have gotten me. How do I know? Also I live in California so please tell me the laws and stuff. I feel so guilty and terrible I’m scared of how much trouble I’ll be when I tell them. Obviously if I do tell they I will say I will pay for the ticket! I’m only 18 and I literally just got my license 2 months ago! Does that mean I might have my license taken away? Please someone reply I feel so scared !

MrMysteryMan · Accepted Answer

I think you're way over thinking and being way too worried about something that was not your fault really. I don't know if they caught you or not. Usually you'll get a flash behind you from the camera light when it goes off. But if it didn't, then it might not have caught you or wasn't being used. At any rate, you'll find out later on in the mail when the ticket or summons comes. Then just explain your story to your mom then. You may only get a few demerits and also if you take it down to court, you may be able to get the fine reduced and no demerits. So just don't stress until if and when you get a ticket.

MadeInAmerica · Accepted Answer

You will get a hefty fine. I forgot how much they are as they keep increases on a yearly basis in Cali. I live in Sacramento. I think they are around 480 bucks. If it was indeed a red light street (not all have them) you were photographed along with the licnese plates and the car showing it going past the line and into traffic.

You won't lose your license. I would tell them though. Take your lecture and then be ready to pay the fine.

SarahsSummer · Accepted Answer

I’m glad you told your mom. That showed responsibility. Try to be more careful. The biggest problem with traffic violations isn’t the cost of the ticket but rather the raised auto insurance premiums. Every ticket stays on your record for 7 years and will make Your Car insurance extremely expensive for that length of time. If it happens too many times they’ll just cancel your insurance altogether and the state may revoke your license for a period of time. That happened to me when I was younger. 3 speeding tickets in a year. I haven’t had a single one since in 10 years of driving.

DracoAmpora · Accepted Answer

Tell your parents and explain everything to them, I'm sure they will understand. Things will be a lot easier if you just tell them upfront and don't wait for something to happen. Just calmly explain the situation and tell them you didn't mean to. Things will work out I'm sure of it

Girly1710 · Accepted Answer

It wasn’t even on purpose and no one was hurt so just tell them it was an accident and if a ticket comes you’ll pay for it and you’ll start drinking more water to prevent future Charlie horses haha

GingerGuy · Answer

Relax. You won't loose your licence. You may get a ticket in the mail if the camera was working and caught you (assume it's their car?)? You might want to just mention it (calmly) to them and just explain what happened. I don't know your parents but they'll probably appreciate the honesty. And if a ticket does come in the mail, they won't be surprised by it. But it shouldn't be a big deal unless your parents are extremely strict?

IdkSomethingRandom · Answer

Hahaha.. I ain't even got a license n have taken my bike n car further, I'd wager.

It ain't no big deal. Rules protect against the worst of us, not the best. The very fact that you feel bad means no harm done. This time. Just try to remember you cannot become complacent behind the wheel. Complacency has killed more in our world than all other forces combined.

StonedKitKat101 · Answer

It's a red light... No one was hurt or the world didn't blow up? You're fine, some people are aholes and do it intentionally so trust by accident you're fine

Friheten · Answer

Go back and see if there is a camera, monitor mailbox of your parents : you can try not to tell them if there is a chance they never know. Before traffic light, always be ready to stop : put your foot in front of brake command, you will be faster to brake if necessary

Yohaniz · Answer

I have to say I only read your title. But I think it should be good to tell parents stuff like that. It will be easier for them to help help and support you in all situations if you have that as a habit

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

If the camera caught your car going through a red light you may get a ticket all depends but your best to sit down and have a talk with your parents. Sorry you had to go through this situation.

Likes2drive · Answer

If you get a red light camera ticket the registered owner gets the ticket but no points on license so it’s the price that sucks you have to pay, should get in 10 Days in the mail but just explain what happened and don’t worry so much about it

Anon-ymous1 · Answer

You should if you got a ticket, yeah. Just say it was an honest accident and a ticket may be coming, and that you're sorry you'll try to do better. It happens. Also, if you do get a ticket, you pay for it. I don't see how they could be upset.

Iamaguy4real · Answer

Oh yeah Cali still has the intersection cameras on because they want to monitor everyone's life. You might get a ticket in the mail, pay it off, & don't go past red lights.

Kijo2001 · Answer

Don't worry, it wasn't your fault. Tell them what happened it'll be ok.

danyboiiiiii · Answer

If your worrying about it this much you don't really have to tell them

Rojaasu · Answer

If you used their car they are going to find out when they get the ticket in the mail so you might as well tell them

eagle1951 · Answer

well if the camera got you. not much you can do about that, except. pay the ticket. but I think I would wait until you get it in the mail. if nothing shows up your in the clear. Just be more careful.

Dinnye001 · Answer

You'll get fined if the camera caught you. First ever fine is low. Next time be more careful.

Dinnye001 · Answer

You'll get fined if the camera caught you. First ever fine is low. Next time be more careful.

hotstuff85 · Answer

dude its not ur fault obviously u were at a red light and ur legs had the TWITCH.. dont feel gulity for doing tbat

mattmanyah · Answer

best that you tell them instead of a camera

Ninene · Answer

The worse it can get is a fine

Anonymous · Answer

It might be a good idea to admit the truth

disgustingweebtrash · Answer

Yeah

Should I tell my parents I accidentally ran a red light?

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