Often drivers become very surprised when they get charged for failing to stop for amber light. Because they are sure that they can always pass through it.
Section 144(15) of the Highway Traffic Act states that approaching a traffic light with an amber signal every driver should stop his/her car if it’s possible to do it safely. If you cannot stop your car safely you can proceed through the amber light with caution.
This ticket is a bit more tricky, compared to a red-light traffic ticket. Why? Because “to do safely” can be a kind of subjective judgment. Police officer views the car/vehicle from a distance, and he could have a different opinion. Whereas a driver (being on the road) feels and checks the overall traffic and road conditions, the proximity to the traffic light, and, considering his driving skills, can estimate if he can stop safely or not.
Accordingly, if you received a failure to stop at an amber light ticket – you should definitely fight it with the help of an experienced amber / red light ticket lawyer.
Penalties for failure to stop at an amber light ticket:
3 demerit points;
Fine from $110 to $500.
Same as passing a red light ticket, upon conviction it can affect your insurance rates and demerit points will stay on your driving abstract for 2 years. Moreover, if you accumulate a certain quantity of demerit points, you may face licence suspension or get it revoked.