In many jurisdictions, cameras are used as a tool to enforce traffic laws. Cameras are also sometimes used to catch drivers who fail to pay tolls, don’t stop for school buses, or disobey railroad crossing signals. But this article discusses two of the more common examples of traffic cameras—red light and speed cameras.
How Do Traffic Ticket Cameras Work?
Traffic ticket cameras basically detect and record traffic violations. The most common types of traffic ticket cameras are red light cameras and speed cameras.
How Red Light Cameras Work
Red light cameras are set up at intersections to catch drivers who run the signal. A sensor estimates the speed of the vehicle as it approaches the intersection. If the vehicle is going a certain speed and won’t be able to stop when the light turns red, the camera is triggered to take a picture and/or video. The red light camera captures the date, time, and location of the violation and the vehicle’s license plate number.
How Speed Cameras Work
Speed cameras—which utilize radar equipment that is linked to the camera—are usually set up near school zones or areas where drivers often exceed the speed limit. When the radar detects a vehicle that is exceeding the speed limit, the camera is triggered to take a picture of the vehicle. Speed cameras record the speed of the vehicle, along with the details of the violation (date, time, and location) and the vehicle’s plate number.
How States Use Traffic Enforcement Cameras
Traffic ticket camera laws vary by state. But most states allow traffic ticket cameras in some form or another.
State Driving Laws Related to Traffic Ticket Cameras
Laws regarding the use of traffic enforcement cameras vary by state: Some states prohibit their use entirely, the laws of other states don’t address the use of traffic enforcement cameras at all, and many states allow traffic cameras but impose certain restrictions and requirements for their use.
For example, Texas allows red light cameras by city ordinance, but speed cameras are prohibited. Many other states allow the use of traffic enforcement cameras but limit their use to certain areas, such as school or construction zones.
Signs Warning Drivers That Cameras are in Use
In states that allow the use of traffic enforcement cameras, typically, there must be warning signs posted indicating that compliance with traffic laws is enforced with cameras. Generally, these signs must be placed in conspicuous areas, within a certain distance of the signal or along the route where the camera is located.
Minimum Duration of Yellow Light When Red Light Cameras are in Use
In states that permit the use of red light cameras, the law normally requires yellow traffic lights to remain yellow for a specific minimum length of time.
How Will I Know If I Get a Traffic Camera Ticket?
The procedures for camera tickets vary by jurisdiction. However, in most areas, the processes are fairly similar.
Someone Reviews the Camera Footage to Verify Violation
Traffic cameras take photos and/or video footage of violations that it detects. However, the ticketing process isn't entirely automated. A person—typically, a police officer—reviews the photos and videos and makes the final call on whether a violation occurred and whether to issue a ticket.
So, even if you think you're going to receive a ticket because you saw a camera flash or something like that at an intersection, the officer who reviews the footage might decide not to issue a citation. Many officers will throw out tickets if they think it was a close call.
Camera Tickets Go to the Registered Vehicle Owner
Traffic camera citations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within a certain period of time after the alleged violation. The registered owner will typically receive the citation within ten to 90 days. The citation is sent to the address associated with the vehicle on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”).
The registered owner then has a period of time (usually 30 days) to respond to the citation.
Fighting a Camera Ticket When the Registered Owner Wasn't Driving
Typically, there’s a presumption that the registered owner of the vehicle was the driver when the citation was issued. However, the laws of most states give the registered owner an opportunity to provide evidence that he or she was not the driver.
For example, the registered owner might provide an affidavit stating the name and address of the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. Or, if the vehicle was stolen prior to the alleged violation, the registered owner might provide a police report of the theft.
In some jurisdictions, sending a sworn affidavit to the court is sufficient to have the citation dismissed. Other states require the defendant to appear in court to dispute the ticket.
Traffic Camera Citation Penalties—Fines and Points
The penalties for a red light or speed camera ticket are typically less severe than for a non-camera traffic citation. Generally, a traffic violation conviction based on a camera enforcement system will result in a fine of $100 or less. And in most states, no demerit points will be added to an offender’s driving record.
However, in some states, a camera citation carries the same penalties as a citation issued by an officer in person.