I've been cited for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device - Red Light Photo Enforcement (WA state, RCW 46.61.050). I did not go straight ...

Question

I've been cited for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device - Red Light Photo Enforcement (WA state, RCW 46.61.050). I did not go straight through the intersection; I was turning right on a red, but it was a rolling stop. Does that fall into that category?

Answer

I'm afraid so.

RCW 46.61.055 (Traffic control signal legend).

(3) Steady red indication

(a) Vehicle operators facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection control area and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown. However, the vehicle operators facing a steady circular red signal may, AFTER STOPPING proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn; or a left turn from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn; unless a sign posted by competent authority prohibits such movement.

(emphasis added)

That doesn't mean there might not be some other way to beat the ticket. But generally the camera tickets don't go on your driver's record anyway, so for many people it makes more sense to just pay it than to take time off work, or hire a lawyer, to fight it.