What is
a Red Light Camera Enforcement Program?
This is a
traffic safety program in which a city uses a state-of-the-art digital camera
and violation detection system installed at intersections for the purpose of
decreasing the number of red-light runners and reducing collisions.
Why are
they used?
According
to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety red light running is a leading
cause of urban crashes and often causes injury and death. Cities install the system to improve public
safety by deterring red light running.
What is
a red light violation?
A red
light violation occurs when a vehicle crosses the legal violation point and
proceeds through the intersection after the traffic light has turned red.
It is not a violation if the vehicle has entered the intersection prior to the
signal turning red (such as to complete a left hand turn).
In Arizona
the point of violation is defined as the “Prolongation” of the Curb Line.
Simply stated this is a line from the curb face on one side of the street to
the curb face on the opposite side of the street. If a vehicle crosses this
point after the traffic control light has turned red, they are in violation of
running the red light. On right turns on red signal, the vehicle must make a
complete and discernable stop, prior to the point of violation, and then may
proceed through when traffic has cleared and it is safe to do so.
How
does it work?
Each
intersection is outfitted with a high resolution high speed digital camera. The
cameras are activated by sensors which are located at the intersection and are
only activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light has
turned red. The cameras take four digital photos which document the violation
and are mailed with a citation to the registered owner of the vehicle. The
program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and operates in all weather
conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle runs a red light and
all intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked. The Chandler
Police Department reviews every violation before the citation is issued.
Citations contain images of the violation vehicle before it enters the
intersection, while it is in the intersection the license plate and a image of the driver.
Are red
light cameras effective?
Yes. Red
light cameras have been proven to be effective in reducing red light violations
and right-angle crashes. Cities using these systems consistently report safer
roads with fewer intersections collisions.
If I am
already in the intersection when the light turns red, will I get a citation?
No. If your
vehicle is traveling the speed limit and enters the intersection before the
light turns red, a citation will not be issued.
Citations are only issued when a vehicle enters the intersection AFTER the
light has turned red or is traveling in excess of the posted speed limit.
How do
the speed cameras work?
Chandler
has implemented intersection speed enforcement cameras. The intersection speed
cameras are the same units that record red light violations. However they are
specially programmed to also register the speed of a vehicle as it enters the
intersection. If the speed of the vehicle is excessive the cameras will
initiate and record the speed violation.
Who
receives the citation?
Citations
are mailed to the registered owner or the driver (if identified) of the
vehicle.
What is
the amount of the fine?
Please
refer to www.ChandlerAZ.gov for sanction amounts.
What if
the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the citation?
The owner
should read and submit the Affidavit of Non-Responsibility (Option “B”) found
on page one of the citation received in the mail, within 30 days of the violation
date. The owner should submit the name and address of the person responsible
for the violation and return it to the Chandler Police address shown on the
citation. If the information is acceptable, the violation will be taken out of
the registered owners name and the citation will be re-issued with the
information provided on the affidavit. If the car has been reported stolen at
the time of the violation, the owner must submit a copy of the filed police
report with a signed Affidavit of Non-Responsibility.
Where
do I mail my payment?
Mail your
check or money order, payable to the Chandler Municipal Court, along with the
tear-off coupon (Section "A") in the enclosed envelope, making sure
the payment side shows through the envelope window. Do not mail cash. Write
your Notice Number on the check.
CHANDLER
MUNICIPAL COURT
MAIL STOP 302
PO BOX 4008
CHANDLER, AZ
85244-4008
Can I
pay my fine in person?
Yes, you
can pay in person at the Chandler Municipal Court, located at 200 East Chicago
St., Chandler, AZ. Payment by phone is
also accepted by calling 480-782-4700.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday,
from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, excluding holidays.
Where
do I mail my Affidavit of Non-Responsibility?
Sign the
front and mail "Section B," which has the notice number on the back,
along with a clear copy of your driver's license to:
CHANDLER POLICE
DEPARTMENT
PHOTO ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE MAIL STOP 303W
PO BOX 4008
CHANDLER AZ 85244-4008
What if
I want to request a hearing or attend Defensive Driving School?
Sign the
front of Section "C" and "D" and then, on the back, place a
check mark by option C or D. Mail this section to:
CHANDLER MUNICIPAL COURT
MAIL STOP 302
PO BOX 4008
CHANDLER AZ 85244-4008
Where
can I get help with my photo safety citation?
Customer
service can be reached toll free: Monday thru Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00
P.M. CALL: (866) 790-4111
AZDPS #1675900