FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AUTOMATED CAMERA ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Q: Are Photo Safety Enforcement Programs effective?

A: Yes. Red Light cameras have been proven to be effective in reducing red light violations and right-angle collisions. Cities using these systems consistently report safer roads with fewer collisions.

Q: Why are cameras used?

A: 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.

Q: Who receives the ticket?

A: Complaints are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Q: Will “points” be assessed to my driving record?

A: This violation is considered a non-moving infraction and no points will be assessed.

Q. If I am already in the intersection when a light turns red, will I get a citation?

A: No. Citations are only issued when a vehicle enters the intersection AFTER the light has turned red. If you enter the intersection on a green or yellow light you will not be photographed by the camera system.

Q. How can I dispute this citation?

A: THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO CONTEST THIS VIOLATION:

(1) You may contest the imposition of this civil penalty by signing and mailing the coupon below to request a hearing. Your request must be received by the Due Date stated on the front of this Notice and must include a written notice of why you feel you were issued this citation in error. Upon receipt, you will be notified of the date, time and location of your Hearing. You must also mail a deposit in the amount of $50.00 along with your request. This deposit constitutes a bond. If the citation is upheld, the $50.00 deposit will satisfy your payment obligation and no additional funds will be due. If the citation is dismissed, your deposit will be refunded to you.

(2) If the basis of your contest is one of the affirmative defenses outlined in the Wilmington City Code Section 5.46.3, you may complete an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility and attach supporting documentation. Your affidavit and supporting documentation will be reviewed and will result in either dismissal of this violation or scheduling of an administrative hearing. You will be notified in writing of any action taken.

Q. Can I receive citations for other offenses as a result of my red light camera infraction?

A: No. Drivers who receive photo enforcement citations are cited for red light violations only.

Q. How do I pay my fine?

A: There are 4 ways to pay your fine:

ONLINE: The fastest and easiest way to pay your Notice is to pay online. Go to www.ViolationInfo.com and log on with your Notice # and PIN. Click the Pay button. There may be a convenience / service fee for this service.

PAYMENT BY PHONE: Call 1-910-343-4762 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST. There may be a convenience / service fee for this service.

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 Wilmington) in the envelope enclosed with your Notice. Include the coupon at the bottom of the Notice. DO NOT MAIL CASH (Cash payments will not be accepted). Be sure to put the Notice # from the front of your Notice on the face of your payment. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at 1-910-343-4762.

PAYMENT IN PERSON: You may pay in person by check or money order at City of Wilmington, 305 Chestnut Street, 1st Floor, Wilmington, NC 28401, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST.

Your payment must be received on or before the due date shown on the front of your Notice of Citation. If you have any questions regarding payments please contact the Customer service at 1-910-343-4762.