FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AUTOMATED INTERSECTION SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
Q: Do red light running
cameras really reduce crashes at intersections?
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: If ticketing drivers
reduces crashes, why doesn't the Police Department enforce more red light
running violations?
A: Cameras reduce the danger of
red light enforcement to officers and the public.
Officers trying to enforce red
light violations may have to travel against traffic, increasing the likelihood
of a collision. The police department does not have enough officers to enforce
every intersection 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The camera has the ability
to capture violations in the absence of officers.
Q: What kind of violation
will be issued and what would the fine be?
A: Virginia State Code
15.2-968.1 mandates the violation as a driver responsibility. It is presumed
that the owner of the vehicle was the driver at the time of the violation. Red
light violations are handled similar to a parking violation. There is no insurance
liability and no DMV implication or points associated with the driver or owner
of the vehicle. By law, the civil fine cannot exceed $50.
Q: Do cameras photograph
every vehicle passing through an intersection?
A: No. Cameras are set so that
only those vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red
are photographed. Vehicles entering the intersection on yellow and are still in
the intersection when the light turns red are not photographed. The camera
system only takes pictures when a violation occurs.
Q. How can I
dispute this citation?
If you wish to dispute
this Notice of Violation, sign the back of the coupon and mail it in to the
address on the coupon without payment.
You will receive your Notice to Appear in the mail that will include
your hearing date and time.
No. Drivers who receive photo enforcement
citations are cited for red light violations only.
Q: How will I know which intersections
have red light cameras?
A: Legislation enacted by the 2007 General Assembly requires
that localities place conspicuous signs within 500 feet of the intersection
where a red light running camera is installed. Localities also are required to
conduct a public awareness program advising the public that a photo enforcement
system is being implemented or expanded.
Q: What happens when a
funeral procession or emergency vehicle
continues through a red light at an
intersection that it is photo enforced?
A: Special circumstances such as
a funeral processions will be rejected by officers. Emergency vehicle generated
violations (Police, Fire, EMS) will be reviewed by officers in the
interest of public safety. All violations are screened and reviewed individually
before a determination of a violation of law or policy is made.
Q: Who will determine what
constitutes a violation?
A: All violations are reviewed
and certified by a Sworn Police Officer. Any vehicle that enters an
intersection, including the crosswalks, after the light has turned red is in
violation and subject to fine.
Q: How is the timing
interval determined between the red, yellow and green traffic lights at an
intersection?
A: Arlington County Department
of Traffic Engineering is responsible for determining the traffic light timing
intervals. Times at signals is determined based on variables such as the posted
speed limit, typical deceleration rates of vehicles, the grade of the road
(uphill or downhill), the width of the intersection, and the amount of time it
takes a driver to see the yellow signal and react (perception & reaction
time). All traffic signal timing has been evaluated and approved by the
department of traffic engineering and reviewed by VDOT in accordance with VDOT
guidelines.
Q: Isn’t the main purpose
of red light cameras to make money?
A: No. The objective of the photo enforcement program is to improve intersection safety. Signs and
publicity campaigns required by the 2007 General Assembly warn motorists that
photo enforcement is in use. Revenue is generated by fines paid by drivers who
continue to run red lights. Fines for red light violations in Virginia are
limited to $50 per violation by legislation. Independent audits of red light
camera enforcement across the country have found that these programs generally
do not generate excess revenue. Camera equipment costs vary based on the type
of camera, the complexity of the intersection, and technical requirements. A
typical red light camera system with installation, maintenance, and monitoring
costs more than $100,000. The City of Virginia Beach will incur limited
financial liability (no upfront costs) and will maintain a “cost neutral”
program. The monetary impact to the city is a fixed monthly fee paid to the
camera company. The camera company does not get paid on a per ticket
basis. Virginia Beach tax payers and law abiding (or safe drivers) will not
absorb the cost of the automated systems. In short, the violators alone will
pay for the cameras.
Q: Does the system enforce
running right turns on red?
A: Yes. Virginia law requires
all vehicles to stop on a red light signal. Right turns on red are permitted
unless otherwise posted. The camera will capture right turn violations on
vehicles that proceed without coming to a full stop. The sensors will detect
violations in the right turn lanes being monitored and activate the photo
enforcement system. Officers will review each captured offense and determine if
the vehicle stopped and proceeded safely and in accordance with Virginia law.
Q: What happens if my
vehicle is caught running a red light?
A: The photo enforcement system
captures the violation. The contracted company reviews and validates the
violation and sends it to the police department. A sworn law enforcement
officer reviews the evidence captured by the system and either accepts the
violation for civil penalty or dismisses the violation due to circumstances
that are either acquired by the monitoring system or observed in the video
evidence. If the officer accepts the violation, he or she will then obtain the
vehicle owner’s information for mailing of the notice and $50 fine. The
registered owner of the vehicle will receive the violation notice in the mail
with instructions for viewing the violation.
Q: Why did Arlington County
give drivers a 30-day red light running warning period at the location where a
camera system is activated?
A: Red light running is a
violation of the law at every signalized intersection in Arlington County. The warning period only applies to the use of
the automated enforcement camera system. The 30-day warning period is
considered a part of the public awareness process for implementing or expanding
the automated enforcement program.
Q: What happens if an officer
issues a summons to the driver of a vehicle and the red light camera also
captures the vehicle during the red light running violation?
A: An officer’s summons takes
precedence over the over the camera violation citation. The officer will
identify and issue the summons to the driver.
Q: What happens when the
camera captures a commercial motor vehicle or a vehicle that is owned by a
company or state or local agency that has a fleet of vehicles?
A: The violation notice is mailed
to the registered owner the same as any other vehicle.
·
ONLINE: 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 #. Click the Pay button.
PAYMENT QUESTIONS: 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.
Yes, locations will be announced and listed in the local
newspaper, on the city website, and in the city newsletter. In addition, the initial intersections are
listed below:
NB N. Glebe Rd @ Fairfax Dr
NB N. Lynn St @ EB Lee Hwy
WB Washington Blvd @ Lee Hwy
SB Fort Myer Dr @
WB Lee Hwy
Q: What if I still have
additional questions?
A: You may contact customer
service at 1-866-790-4111 with any questions.