FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
AUTOMATED RED
LIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
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)
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 two
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 with photo enforcement signs. The St. Louis
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 and the license plate.
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 a light turns red, will I get a citation?
No. Citations are
only issued when a vehicle enters the intersection AFTER the light has turned
red. If you enter the intersection a
green or yellow light you will not be photographed by the camera system.
Who
receives the citation?
Citations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
What is the amount of the fine?
The fine for a Red-Light camera violation in
How
can I dispute this citation?
If you wish to dispute this Notice of Violation do
not send payment. Contact the court to be assigned a court date to appear.
If you feel
that you received this Notice in error please send your supporting documents
along with the coupon printed on the back of your notice in the envelope
provided. The prosecutor will review your case and you will be notified in
writing of the outcome. If you fail to respond you will receive a delinquent notice
of violation and you may be charged with a new offense. The request must be
received before the due date printed on this notice.
How
do I pay my fine?
ONLINE PAYMENT: The
fastest and easiest way to pay your Notice is to pay online. Go to www.ViolationInfo.com and logon
with your Notice # and PIN shown in the red box on the front of this notice.
Click on the payment link and click on Violation Search. Enter your Case # also shown in the red box
on the front of this notice, and the last name of the entity on the
violation. Click on iPayCourt
Online Payment on the bottom of this page to pay your violation. A convenience fee will be added.
PAYMENT BY MAIL: Your Payment
must be received before the Due Date on the front of your notice. Mail your
check or money order (payable to City of
PAYMENT IN PERSON: You may pay your fine in person on or before the
Due Date on the front of your notice at the St. Louis City Court Building
located at 1520 Market Street in downtown St. Louis between the hours of 8:00
AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Your payment must be received on or before the due
date shown on the front of your Notice of Violation.
QUESTIONS:
If you have any questions regarding payments please contact the Customer
service at 1-866-790-4111.
Can
I receive citations for other offenses as a result of my red light camera
citation?
No. Drivers who
receive photo red light citations are cited for red light violations only.