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Automated Red-Light Enforcement FAQs
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What is automated
photo enforcement?
To enhance the safety of the District's residents and visitors,
the Metropolitan Police Department has developed an automated
photo enforcement program designed to reduce the number of
drivers who violate traffic regulations. The cameras help
enforce traffic laws and reduce violations by automatically
photographing the license plates of vehicles whose drivers
violate the regulations. The photos capture only the rear
of the vehicle and its license plate—they do not show
the driver or passengers. Currently, the program includes
camera systems that capture red-light running violations at
more than three dozen intersections with a high incidence
of violations and crashes, as well as photo radar systems
designed to reduce speeding at locations with chronic problems.
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What is the
goal of automated photo enforcement?
The goal of the District's automated photo enforcement program
is straightforward: to reduce traffic violations and, as a
result, decrease the number of crashes, prevent injuries,
and save lives. Since their implementation, the traffic safety
systems have contributed to a dramatic reduction in red-light
running at the intersections where they are operational. And
fewer violations should translate into lower crash and injury
rates among both drivers and pedestrians. The cameras have
the added benefit of enhancing traffic safety while promoting
community policing. Because the red-light cameras provide
24-hour-a-day coverage, they allow the MPDC to be more consistent,
more strategic, and more efficient in its enforcement of traffic
regulations—a top priority of citizens. These safety
benefits are achieved without having to devote extra police
resources to enhanced traffic enforcement. Instead, police
officers can devote their time to other priorities, including
focused law enforcement, neighborhood problem solving, and
crime prevention in DC neighborhoods.
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How does the program work?
Cameras capture violations on film and record all of the relevant
data for the violation. For example, when a red-light violation
occurs, the camera records the date, time, vehicle's speed,
and time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal. The
images are then analyzed, possible extenuating circumstances
are considered, and the registered owner of the vehicle is
verified. A citation showing a photo of the violation is then
mailed to the vehicle owner. Individuals
may now view
their violation images online (requires ticket
number and unique personal identification number provided
on the mailed citation).
For more information, view How
Red-light Cameras Work.
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Where are the
cameras located?
The District's cameras are placed at locations where chronic
violations cause crashes and endanger the community. The MPDC
notifies the public at least 30 days in advance of installation
of any new red-light camera, and the locations
of all currently installed and upcoming red-light cameras
are posted on the Department's website. Street signs alerting
drivers that automated photo enforcement is being used are
positioned at strategic locations throughout the District,
including major "gateways" to the city. The locations of automated
photo enforcement systems may be expanded in the future as
warranted.
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What is the
District law authorizing automated traffic enforcement?
You may get complete information on the DC Code pertaining
to the law authorizing automated traffic enforcement at dccode.westgroup.com.
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When a violation
occurs, who receives the citation?
Citations are mailed to the registered vehicle owner, as determined
by the photo of the license plate.
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What if the
registered owner was not driving the vehicle?
In these situations, the owner is responsible for returning
a sworn affidavit to the Automated Traffic Enforcement Office
(PO Box 37075, Washington, DC 20013), providing the name and
address of the person responsible for the violation. The affidavit
will be included in the re-issued citation to the driver.
If the car had been reported stolen at the time of the violation,
the owner must submit a copy of the filed police report.
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What if the car was part of a funeral procession or there
were other extenuating circumstances?
There are extenuating circumstances in which a red-light violation
may be administratively voided:
- The vehicle was part of a funeral procession
- The vehicle or its tags were stolen prior to the issuance
of the ticket
If you receive a citation and any of these circumstances applies,
check the appropriate boxes on the back of the citation and
mail back the citation, along with supporting documentation,
to the Automated Traffic Enforcement office (PO Box 37135, Washington,
DC 20013). For a stolen vehicle or tag, you will need a copy
of the police report (not just the report number). For a funeral
procession, a copy of the program book or a letter from the
funeral director are acceptable forms of documentation. The
affidavit and documentation will be analyzed, and the citation
will be voided if appropriate.
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What are the
penalties for these violations?
The penalties for traffic violations captured by automated
photo enforcement are exactly the same as the penalties for
violations issued by a police officer. The penalty for running
a red light is a $75 fine. However, there are no points assessed
for photo enforcement violations in DC.
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What do I do
if I receive a ticket in the mail?
A ticket issued
through the District of Columbia's Automated Traffic Enforcement
Program is the same as any other moving ticket issued within
the city limits. You may pay the fine, which is an admission
of guilt, adjudicate the citation via mail or request a hearing.
Adjudication
for photo-enforced violations is handled at the Bureau of
Traffic Adjudication, 65 K Street, NE. Specific
instructions are included on the back of each NOI that is
mailed. Failure to respond to the ticket, either by paying
the fine or requesting a hearing within the specified time
frame, can result in additional fees and penalties. Telephone
or mail responses are encouraged.
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Where can I
get more information on this program?
Automated Traffic Enforcement
PO Box 37075
Washington, DC 20013
Phone: (202) 833-3511
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