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Judge: Cops Can No Longer Ticket Red Light Runners

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - A double standard has led a Broward judge to rule that police can no longer ticket drivers caught running red lights.

If a driver is caught running a red light by a police officer they are fined $260, but if they are caught on camera the fine is only $158. In his ruling Broward circuit court Judge Fred Berman said tickets for running red lights are unconstitutional when issued by an officer because the fine is higher than fines imposed on drivers caught running through lights on camera.

Attorney Ted Hollander says Berman's ruling sets a legal precedent for judges hearing officer-issued tickets in Broward County. He represented a driver cited by a Davie officer.

Officials say the ruling doesn't change the law just yet.

Florida's attorney general plans to appeal Berman's ruling.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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