When should I challenge a traffic fine?

Adelaide man David Woolmer's successful appeal against a fine for running a red light has thrown South Australia's expiations system into chaos. Key points: SA's red light expiations have been put on hold after a court judgement Challenging a fine in court is considered risky by lawyers Many legal challenges are unsuccessful, with applicants forced to cover extra costs on top of the initial fine Red-light expiations have been suspended and more than 100 intersections will have to be closed temporarily so police can test their cameras. President of the Law Society of South Australia Tim White said that in most situations, most people are better off accepting the expiation notice, paying a fine and getting on with their lives. "So the strength of your case is really not known at the time you're making a decision to challenge the expiation," Mr White said. Karen Stanley, the lawyer who won the red-light fine case last week, said it is in some cases worth going through the courts system to challenge an expiation notice.