FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Red Light Photo Enforcement Program
Q: What is the City of Knoxville Photo Enforcement Program?
A: This is a traffic safety program in which the City of Knoxville utilizes state-of-the-art digital cameras and violation detection systems for the purpose of decreasing violations of the traffic control regulations and reducing collisions. If this violation is a red-light infraction, please be aware that a vehicle may not be present in an intersection when the traffic control light is in the red phase. In the absence of a right turn on red restriction, a vehicle may make a right turn on the red, but only after making a complete stop, and assuring that it is safe to proceed.
Q: How do Red Light Cameras work?
A: Red Light Cameras: Each intersection is outfitted with a high-resolution high-speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors which are located at the intersection. The cameras are activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light has turned red. The camera takes two digital photos which document the violation. 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. All intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked. The Knoxville Police Department reviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations contain an image of a violating vehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection, and the license plate of the vehicle.
Q: Why did I receive a Notice of Violation/Citation?
A: A Notice of Violation/Citation for a red-light infraction is issued when your vehicle fails to stop at a clearly marked stop line or at any other stopping point described in the ordinance when facing a steady circular red signal.
Q: What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation?
A: The registered owner of a vehicle will be mailed the Notice of Violation/Citation. If your vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation, you may submit a copy of the police report to that effect to rebut the presumption that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. The registered owner may submit information and supporting documentation to that effect by mailing an Affidavit located on page 3. The Affidavit must be received by the due date of your Notice/Citation. If an Owner furnishes satisfactory evidence pursuant to this paragraph, the Hearing Officer may terminate the prosecution of this Notice of Violation/Citation issued to the Owner, and if appropriate, issue a Notice of Violation/Citation to the person identified in the evidence as the operator of the motor vehicle at the time of the violation.
Q: What is the amount of the fine? Is there a late fee?
A: The fine amount is $50.00. Yes, there is a $68.00 fee for delinquent payments after the Final Notice of Violation/Citation is issued. An infraction detected through the use of an automated traffic safety camera is a non-criminal offense for which you cannot go to jail. Like a parking ticket, an infraction detected by a traffic camera is NOT part of the violator's driving record. Therefore, a finding that the infraction was committed, either by payment or after a hearing, will not be reported to the Department of Licensing. However, failure to respond to a Notice of Violation/Citation, failure to appear for a requested hearing, or failure to pay a penalty imposed after a hearing may result in collection proceedings being instigated against you for the enforcement of such penalty.
Q: Are Photo
Safety Enforcement Programs effective?
A: Yes. Red Light
cameras have been proven to be effective in reducing Red Light Infractions 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.
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: TO CONTEST THE VIOLATION: You must complete and sign one of the
options on page 3 and mail it in the envelope enclosed with the notice. If
Option C: HEARING REQUEST is chosen, a hearing will be scheduled and you will
be notified of the location, date and time of your hearing. Mail the hearing
request directly to the Court. Once a hearing is scheduled a fee of $8.50 will
be added for processing. The total
amount due will now be $58.50 if the violator pays prior to their court date.
Failure to pay a civil penalty or to contest liability in a timely manner
is an admission of liability in the full amount of the civil penalty assessed
in the notice of violation and constitutes a waiver of the right to
appeal. If you are found liable at the
administrative hearing or you request a hearing and thereafter fail to appear
at the time and place of the hearing, you will also be liable for
administrative hearing costs in the amount of $59.50 for a total of $118.00.
A: No. Drivers who receive photo enforcement
citations are cited for red light violations only.
A: There are 4 ways to pay your 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 the
notice. Click the Pay button
PAYMENT BY PHONE: 8:00 AM to
5:00 PM Toll Free at: 1-866-790-4111.
PAYMENT BY MAIL: Mail your check
or money order (payable to Knoxville Red
Light Photo Enforcement) in the envelope enclosed with the notice, with the
coupon printed at the bottom of the of the notice. DO NOT MAIL CASH. Be sure to put the Notice # (see the red box
on the front of the notice) on the face of your payment. If you have any questions, please call
Customer Service at 1-866-790-4111.
PAYMENT IN PERSON: You may pay your violation in person at the Knoxville Red Light Photo Enforcement Program, 900 East Hill Avenue, Suite 255, Knoxville, TN, 37915. NO CASH PAYMENTS ACCEPTED. You may also pay at Knoxville Municipal Court, 1650 Huron Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Court Service Counter: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Mon, Wed and Fri) and 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Tues and Thurs).
Your payment must be received on or
before the due date shown on the front of your Notice of Violation. If you have any
questions regarding payments please contact the Customer Service at 1-866-790-4111.
Q. What is the Refund Policy?
A: A refund
check may be issued under the following circumstances:
Duplicate
and/or overpayment of a Notice of Violation
Overpayment
of the Notice of Violation as a result of a Hearing
Overpayment
of the Notice of Violation as a result of an Appeal
If you
feel as though you are entitled to a refund, please contact Customer
Service at
1-865-525-9511.