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About Red-Light Cameras/Automated Enforcement

More and more States are allowing communities to utilize automated enforcement of red-light-running through the use of cameras mounted at specific hazardous intersections via legislation or other means (i.e., an Attorney General’s opinion is allowing local governments in Florida to use cameras and Missouri’s “Home Rule” law permits localities to conduct automated enforcement without a State law). Photo enforcement 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 to receive the indication (red, yellow, green) from the controller. The system continuously monitors the traffic signal, and the camera itself is triggered by any vehicle traveling above a preset minimum speed near the stop bar at 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, time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal and the speed of the vehicle. The electronic flash produces clear images of vehicles under most light and weather conditions. Tickets are typically sent via mail to owners of violating vehicles, based on a review of photographic evidence.

For more information on existing camera legislation in your state, contact your state representative's office. The more you can make your local media aware of camera legislation in your state, the more you increase your chances of media attention regarding red-light running. Click here to review recent studies on automated enforcement.

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