Red light cameras have been installed at numerous intersections throughout New York City. Their critics claim they're nothing more than money grabs; while city officials firmly assert they save lives.
Cameras connected to traffic signals take two photos of vehicles entering an intersection after the light has changed from green to red, taking note of vehicle owners that enter after this point in time. A citation will then be mailed directly to them.
What are they?
Red light cameras provide cities with an effective tool to change driver behavior by taking photographs of your license plate if you pass through an intersection when red lights are illuminated, then reviewed by an NYC DOT employee and, if the law was broken, you will receive a ticket in the mail. This program was established to prevent red-light running crashes - which can often be deadly - as well as reduce rear-end and right-angle (T-bone) collision injuries by encouraging drivers to slow down or stop before the red light turns green.
Since 1994 when red-light cameras were first implemented by the City, they have proven their worth in reducing both collisions and violations. Since 1994, red-light runners have decreased by 77%, right-angle crashes have reduced by 80% and rear-end collisions by 61%.
New York is equipped with 150 cameras spread throughout its five boroughs that detect cars that pass over sensors at intersections when the light turns red, taking pictures of their license plate numbers and sending violation notices directly to their registered owners.
Red-light cameras can also be found in other areas across the nation. Boulder, Colorado uses red-light cameras at several intersections as part of their photo radar program while red-light cameras operate in certain neighborhoods and school zones. Neither program are meant to generate revenue; any fees collected must go toward improving traffic safety or education purposes instead.
How do they work?
Staten Island features red light cameras at numerous intersections. When vehicles cross over the stopline after traffic signal turns red, sensors take photos of both their license plate and vehicle - if a violation has taken place then Department of Transportation employees review these images to determine if any violations took place; should a violation occur then a Notice of Liability is sent directly to their registered owner, regardless of who may have been driving at the time.
Cameras are strategically positioned well back from the stop line to capture pictures of vehicles entering after the light has turned red and are photographed. Images from these cameras are then reviewed to confirm whether or not any red lights were run and confirm whether the vehicle registered owner-operated vehicle. A 12 second video footage is also recorded.
Proponents of the program claim that cameras encourage safer driving in intersections by prompting drivers to slow down or pull over when the light turns red. Supporters also cite how this program has decreased right-angle (T-bone) accidents as well as rear-end crashes caused by running red lights.
How do I get a ticket?
Red light cameras are activated by sensors that detect vehicle movement across a specific point, typically the edge of an intersection. Cameras then capture both still images and video footage of this vehicle with its license plate number captured along with any violations noted by a Department of Transportation employee who reviews the images, sending out notice of liability notices if violations have taken place via mail to their owners - regardless of who was driving at the time. It should also be noted that owners remain responsible even if someone else was driving their car at the time of violation.
Red light camera tickets can be managed similarly to parking tickets; they are sent directly to the registered owner of their vehicle and do not incur points. Drivers may opt to contest such violations just like any traditional traffic ticket if they disagree with its results of review.
Red light camera locations can usually be found by searching a city's website or looking out for signs at intersections, though in some cities their locations remain hidden from view. Blogger Angela Buffington and videographer Jonathan Melby have created a map which includes every red light camera nationwide.
How do I appeal a ticket?
Immediately upon being issued a red light camera ticket, it is wise to review your local red-light laws in order to understand how best to contest it. Information can often be found either on their page or with your citation itself; additionally, penalties for red light violations should also be thoroughly understood prior to making decisions about how best to fight your ticket.
When appealing a red light camera ticket, begin by reviewing photos and videos taken from its red light camera. Your notification usually contains links to these files; alternatively, they can also be requested when attending court. If the photos clearly depict someone else's car, an obstruction of view defense may apply; additionally, evidence from technicians testing your camera could help prove its potential defectiveness on that date of violation.
If there are other valid arguments against your ticket, collect them and present them to the judge during your hearing. Depending on state law, these could include proof of innocence or technical arguments such as suggesting the yellow light was too short to allow safe driving conditions.
