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 & Summons, 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.

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

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 reviewed on a case by case basis by officers. Emergency vehicle generated violations (Police, Fire, EMS) will be reviewed by a police supervisor in the interest of public safety. All violations are screened and reviewed individually by a sworn law enforcement officer 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 Law Enforcement 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: Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. The warning period only applies to the use of the new automated enforcement camera systems. 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.

Q. How do I pay my 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.

• PAYMENT BY PHONE: You may call between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST Toll Free at 1-866-790-4111.
• 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 Virginia Beach) in the envelope enclosed with your Notice. Include the coupon at the bottom of the Notice. DO NOT MAIL CASH. Be sure to put the Notice # from the front of your Notice on the face of your payment.

PAYMENT QUESTIONS: Your payment must be received on or before the due date shown on the front of your Notice of Violation & Summons. If you have any questions regarding payments please contact the Customer service at 1-866-790-4111.

Q: What if I still have additional questions?

A: You may contact customer service at 1-866-790-4111 with any questions.