Judge: Red light tickets unconstitutional

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 10 (UPI) -- A Florida judge says red light tickets issued by police officers are unconstitutional because they impose more severe penalties than red light camera citations.

Broward County Judge Fred Berman noted last week police write tickets for $260 when they observe a motorist blowing through a red light while $158 citations are issued to motorists caught by the red light cameras, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Friday.

Berman said the police-issued tickets, which also impose points on driver's licenses, violate equal protection provisions in the U.S. and Florida constitutions.

The ruling eliminated a ticket issued to a motorist by a Davie police officer.

"A driver who is observed by an officer committing the violation (in the traditional manner) is subjected to more severe penalties and ramifications than a driver who is fortunate enough to have committed the infraction at a 'red light camera' intersection," Berman wrote.