Red light cameras can help communities enforce traffic laws by automatically photographing vehicles whose drivers run red lights. A red light camera system is connected to the traffic signal and to sensors buried in the pavement at the crosswalk or stop line. The system continuously monitors the traffic signal and the camera itself is triggered by any vehicle passing over the sensors above a pre-set minimum speed and a specified time after the signal has turned red. A second photograph is taken that typically shows the red light violator in the intersection. The camera records the date, time of day, and time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal and the speed of the vehicle. Electronic flash produces clear images of vehicles under all light and weather conditions. Tickets are typically sent by mail to owners of violating vehicles, based on review of photographic evidence.
What is red light running?
A violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red. Motorists inadvertently in an intersection when the signal changes to red – when waiting to turn, for example – aren’t red light runners.
Isn’t conventional police enforcement sufficient?
Enforcing traffic laws in dense urban areas by traditional means poses special difficulties for police, who in most cases must follow a violating vehicle through a red light to stop it. This can endanger motorists and pedestrians as well as officers, and police can’t be everywhere at once. The cameras allow police to focus on other enforcement needs in the community.
Do the cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection?
No. The cameras typically are set so only those vehicles that enter an intersection after the light has turned red are photographed. Drivers who enter on yellow and find themselves in an intersection when the light changes to red aren’t photographed. This technology is intended to catch vehicles driven by motorists who intentionally enter an intersection well after the signal has turned red.
Does someone review the photographs before motorists are ticketed?
Yes. Trained police officers or other officials review every picture to verify vehicle information and ensure that the vehicle is in violation. Tickets are mailed to vehicle owners only in cases where it’s clear the vehicle ran the red light.
Do red light cameras violate motorists’ privacy?
No. Driving is a regulated activity on public roads. By obtaining a license, motorists agree to abide by certain rules – to obey traffic signals, for example. In addition, red light camera systems are most often designed to photograph only a vehicle’s rear license plate, not the vehicle’s occupants.
Isn’t red light camera photo enforcement designed to make more money, not protect the public?
No. More than half the deaths in red light running crashes are other motorists and pedestrians, so there should be no debate about the fact that red light runners are dangerous drivers who put other road users at risk. Additionally, the objective of photo enforcement is to deter violations, not to surreptitiously catch violators. The more public the enforcement is the better. Photo-enforcement cameras are in plain view, not hidden.
