Will I get a ticket for obstructing traffic?

Question

I basically have two questions:

What are the consequences of obstructing traffic and do redlight cameras catch traffic obstructing?

So it was really trafficy and at the 4-way intersection. The light turned green so I went but on the other side of the road the cars were stopped. There wasn't room for me to get to the other side of the intersection causing me to be stopped in the middle of the intersection. I was geting honked at a lot. I wasn't in the middle but like right under the stoplight on the other side. So basically a car away from being on the other side. It was an accident and I'm a new driver. I know what I did was illegal but would the traffic cameras catch that?

Here's a picture to show what happened.

http://i28.tinypic.com/2pzy1c8.png

And if I will get something in the mail how long will it take?

Also, will this offense raise my insurance?

Just to add on. I'm 16 and I've had my license for about 6 months. I haven't gotten a ticket yet.

Answer 1

It is illegal to enter an intersection, green light or not, If you see no way to clear it.  You should have remained at the stop line until the way was clear, even if it meant sitting out the light.  No, the camera does not catch that, the light has to be red when you enter the intersection for the camera to catch it.  However, if an officer was on the scene, he likely would have ticketed you.

Answer 2

You could have moved your car to the left since there was still space there according to your picture. Then you wouldn't have blocked the cars on the right.

Answer 3

As a driver, it's your responsibility NOT to block an intersection. If you leave 3 to 4 seconds between you and the car in front of you, you would know that the vehicle in front of you is braking and stopping BEFORE you enter the intersection.

If there are traffic cameras at that intersection, the city would know exactly what happened and if damages to city property (signs, power poles, light standards, etc.), or to another vehicle to the tune of $1,000. (that may vary according to where you live), or there is personal injury, then you MUST report it. Personally, I think it's always good to report any crash to the police, just in case you develop an injury a few days after the event took place.

You'll have to check with your local jurisdiction as far as what happens to your licence and whether you get a fine.