Automated Red-Light
Enforcement
"Photo enforcement cameras are a major element of our overall strategy
to prevent needless injuries and deaths caused by reckless drivers."
—Metropolitan Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey
In citywide surveys,
District of Columbia residents have consistently identified unsafe
driving—including running red lights and stop signs—as
their number one public safety concern. Sixty-two percent said unsafe
driving was a serious problem in their communities. (See the results
of drivers who take chances
and run red lights.) To
help combat the serious problem of red-light running, the Metropolitan
Police Department implemented its automated red-light enforcement
program in August 1999. The program uses photo enforcement technology
to enforce the law fairly and consistently, with the goal of reducing
violations, preventing crashes and injuries, and saving lives.
Results
to Date
From August 1999 through
February 2005, the automated red-light enforcement program has achieved
the following results:
- Reduction in red-light violations at intersections with cameras
installed:
75.5 percent decline—equivalent of 28,500 fewer violations
a month
- Changes in "violations
captured" at each camera location
- 510,725 notices of
infraction mailed
- 346,401 notices of
infraction paid
- $30,208,410 in fines
collected
- 39
camera locations
Online Features
Learn More About the
Program
Obey District Law
- Always wear a seat belt, in front and rear seats.
- Keep a safe distance away from the vehicle in front of you.
A "safe distance" depends on a variety of factors: weather, road
conditions, time of day, and speed limit. However, in general,
you should maintain one car-length between you and the car in
front of you for every 10 mph of speed.
- Turn lights on if your windshield wipers are on.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Don’t drive over the posted speed limit.
- Adjust your maximum speed for prevailing weather and traffic
conditions.
- Right turn on red—after stop.
Safety Tips
- Allow ample time to reach your destination safely.
- Don’t speed to compensate for lost time.
- Be extra cautious during twilight hours.
- Never drive when you are tired or fatigued.
- Remember—speed kills.
- Stay alert when driving at all times—don't be distracted
by phone calls, reading, or other activities.
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