I ran through a red light! So ashamed of myself

[MilkyCoffeeAndSkinnySyrup]

I've been driving for 7 years and I ran through a red light for the first time... I am utterly mortified! It was at a junction, it was completely empty and I just drove through it! I thought what the hell was I thinking! I just wasn't thinking... I couldn't see any cameras, and nothing flashed but I hate being dishonest and I am thinking of going to the police station to tell them... will I get disqualified from driving? I'm so stupid! There might have been cameras I will be going back later to check but it's done now :( what should I do?! I've admitted I made a mistake I won't be making any excuses cos it's my own fault

I did the same a few months back but even worse as it was a pedestrian crossing. I slammed the breaks on and managed to stop but I was on the actual crossing. Like you I have no idea what happened but I think as there was no one waiting to cross I just dismissed it in my head and carried on. People had pushed the button but crossed before it went red.

I was mortified and really shaken up by it from what might have been. You will get over it, lesson learned. At least I am now concentrating much more on the road, you will too.

@Beckywiththebadhair
I do hope that is not true

I got flashed through a red light about 9 years ago. 3 points and a £60 fine in the post. That was it.

Everyone has really put my mind at ease! I feel much better thank you everyone. I've been panicking and sweating since it happened! I'm still worried but I'm pretty sure there's no cameras so I'm just crossing my fingers! I just hope that the penalty (if I do get it) is only a fine and 3 points! I'm still panicking cos I have anxiety anyway and worry about everything I've done wrong despite it being a genuine mistake

I honestly wouldn't worry...I doubt anything will happen.

🙄

I did it a few months ago too. I panicked for a second then got over it because no one was hurt. Although the person trying to cross wasn't too impressed with me.

There is one red light with a camera in my area and it wasn't that one.

It happens.

Googling gives current fixed penalty as £100, with 3 points on license. But that's if you were caught on camera, which is unlikely (especially given the number of drivers who deliberately jump red lights at busy junctions). If you were caught, letter will arrive within two weeks, and more likely in about 3-4 days. So you've got 14 days to worry, and then move on, and just feel grateful that you had a reminder of the importance of concentration.

(And if I sound smug, it's because there's no way I'd admit (even anonymously) in public to any momentary lapse in concentration while driving).

It happens try not to overthink it, all drivers make mistakes at some point. Even my driving instructor jumped a red light when he was driving me back from sitting my test, I don't think he even clocked he'd done it!

I drove down a buses only street a few weeks ago. Only realised when I went to do the same route a few days later and spotted the signs (then understood why it had been such a nice clear, convenient route!!)

I waited for the fine to come through the post but nothing did do, I assume, thankfully, the cameras were not switched on that day.

It was a complete mistake and I won't do it again as I'm sure you won't either. If you were spotted, you'll get a letter in a week or so - they are usually pretty quick, so, if nothing in the next fortnight, you can breathe easy. No need to confess otherwise.

Don't worry yourself overly. If you were caught then just accept the fine and points.

I do a lot of H&S work, if it helps can you rationalise this as a 'near miss'? Accept that it happened, know that it was a mistake and then think if there is anything you could do to prevent it happening again. If your mind was elsewhere then I think your level of shock will make you more aware in future and hopefully it won't happen again. I think people would be shocked if you had the attitude of 'yeah, it was fine I might do it more often' but you don't so don't beat yourself up about it.

I did this too, accidentally drove through a red light on my way home from work.

I was offered a drivers awareness course instead of points and it was the same cost as the fine.

The good news is I have been extra vigilant ever since!

Don't worry. My husband did it about 10 years ago, in Sheffield at a roundabout with a million lights and my mother telling him to go as the lights were green (they werent)

Turns out a police car was close and saw him. He got a £60 fine and 3 points. But his license is clean now.
Judging by this thread and my local road it's quite common!

I did it about 4 years ago when I was newly driving and I misunderstood a junction and turned left when I shouldn't have. Right in the path of a police car. Got pulled over and I was mortified, I was so upset with myself that I'd made such a stupid mistake. The police officer was very nice and just told me off, and then tried to be complimentary about my driving because I was so upset! I was totally expecting a ticket, points and a fine, and was amazed that he was happy just to talk to me.

It made me a much more careful and aware driver, so I'm weirdly glad that something like that happened early on in my driving experience.

You made a mistake, thankfully it didn't have any consequences for anyone else, and you know now to concentrate more and be aware of what you're doing. If by some very small chance there was a camera and you get a ticket it will just be the points and the fine, really nothing else would come of it.

You made a stupid mistake it’s not ideal but it’s done now. You’ve owned up to your mistake and are taking it seriously and next time you’ll be more careful. There is no need for you to do anything else or punish yourself further. All of us have moments of inattention the important thing is to learn and not make the same mistake again.

OP I did this too by accident a few months ago and there was a camera. I had to pay £90 to go on a course (similiar to speeding but for loads of minor things like redlights) and didn’t get any points. The letter was the course for £90 and no points or £100 fine and 3 points.

I drive straight through a roundabout, it wasn’t until I was actually on it that I realised. There is no sign and you can’t see it before you reach it. My dad did the same but he was pulled over by the police.

I had to jump a light one night as it was stuck on red and the junction was empty, small village at 2am and eventually after 25 minutes I just went through and treated it as a junction despite no seeing any other cars on my whole journey.

If it makes you feel better op I reversed into a pedestrian once. I was turning right and the lights went red. I was too far out to stay where I was so I checked my mirror and reversed. However the pedestrian (who technically jaywalking as no crossing) didn't notice nor expect me to do this..
I was devastated and pulled over. Pedestrian gave me a mouthful. I rang the police who didn't seem that interested. They had no complaint. I can't remember whether they took my details or not because it was so long ago.
I also ran a red light once.

I just checked google street and as far as I can see there's no cameras on the traffic lights or anything like that so I'm hoping and praying that it's still up to date and they haven't installed any since!

I wouldn't worry, I've done it before, my DP has when I've been in the car with him, and a bloke once had a go at me for pulling out in front of him on an island until I pointed out that it was traffic light controlled and he was the one that had run a red light!
It's very common

If you went to the police station no doubt they will tell you not to worry. Nobody was hurt and you’ve given yourself a firm talking to. We all do daft stuff.

I did it a few years ago - 3 points, £100 fine and a hike on my insurance. My front wheels went over the line when the lights were red.

I did it a while ago. A road I often travel on with a pedestrian crossing that is rarely used. Always green so think I just blocked it out in my head. Was red but no one crossing (must have already gone). I realised just before I went through but at speed so couldn't stop. Car behind me beeped and I was mortified. Have been more careful since.

No consequences.