Automated Speed Enforcement FAQs
What is the goal of Automated Traffic Enforcement?
The goal of the District's Automated Traffic Enforcement program
is straightforward: to reduce traffic violations and, as a result,
decrease crashes, prevent injuries and save lives. Over the past
few years, traffic safety cameras have contributed to dramatic reductions
in red-light running at the intersections where cameras are operational
and in aggressive speeding in photo radar enforcement zones. 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.
Since the cameras provide coverage throughout the District, they
allow the Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC) to be more consistent,
more strategic and more efficient in our enforcement of traffic
regulations—a top priority with residents. The MPDC achieves
these safety benefits without having to dedicate extra police resources
to enhance traffic enforcement. Instead, police officers can devote
their time to other priorities, including focused law enforcement,
neighborhood problem solving, and crime prevention.
How are cameras used to enforce speeding
violations?
Radar equipment detects vehicles that are exceeding a threshold
speed above the speed limit, then triggers a camera which is linked
to the radar equipment. A photograph is taken of the rear of the
vehicle. The date, time, speed, location and tag number are recorded.
Based on the tag number, a Notice of Infraction (NOI) is mailed
to the vehicle's registered owner. More
details on the technical aspects of photo radar.
Does the American public support the use
of photo radar?
According to a nationwide
survey of 6,000 drivers aged 16 and older, more than
7 in 10 drivers thought it was a good idea to use photo enforcement
devices to reduce speeding and running red lights and stop signs
(1997, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). A higher
number of drivers supported photo devices in locations where crashes
frequently occur (4 out of 5) and in school zones (9 out of 10).
Where will the radar units be located
and how were the sites selected?
To maximize the program's flexibility and impact, the Metropolitan
Police Department will be using mobile photo radar units, as well
as some fixed-location cameras. Locations throughout the District
of Columbia are selected by the MPDC based on incidents of speeding-related
fatalities for the past three years, their proximity to school zones
and other places where children are present, and known sites of
chronic speeding. The deployment of the units is at the sole discretion
of the MPDC. Residents are encouraged to contact the MPDC to recommend
a photo radar location in their neighborhood.
Do the cameras photograph every vehicle
that passes by them?
The photo radar system takes photographs of only those vehicles
that exceed the program's speeding threshold (although the system
does collect basic data about the speed of every vehicle that passes
through the radar beam). The MPDC uses photo radar to target the
most serious and dangerous offenders and to issue citations to vehicles
demonstrating disregard for public safety according to District
of Columbia laws and regulations. The system operators are radar-certified
police officers, working in an overtime capacity.
Will warning tickets be issued?
Warning tickets from the mobile photo radar vehicles were issued
in July 2001, as part of an initial 30-day period of public education.
Since then, the mobile cameras have issued actual NOIs. As new photo
radar applications are implemented - for example, fixed-camera locations—warning
tickets only will be issued for 30 days.
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, or request a hearing. 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.
What if I wasn't driving my car?
Vehicle owners who receive a ticket in the mail must provide the
full name and address of the person who had care, custody, or control
of their vehicle at the time of the infraction. Directions are included
on the back of each ticket mailed. If you car was stolen at the
time of the infraction and you reported the offense to the police,
any photo enforcement tickets will be voided.
If I request a hearing, what can I expect?
Hearings are conducted by an impartial adjudicator who is an employee
of the Department
of Motor Vehicles,
Bureau of Traffic Adjudication. At the hearing, you will be presented
with photographs of the violation, a template showing the targeted
vehicle, and a copy of the certified log prepared by the officer
who was operating the photo radar vehicle at the time of the infraction.
The log shows that the unit was set up, tested and operating properly
at the time of the violation. The police officer does not appear
at the hearing. Motorists have the opportunity to present any information
that challenges or mitigates the violation. After reviewing the
evidentiary package and the motorist's information, the adjudicator
will render a decision.
Where can I get more information on this
program?
Call the Automated Traffic Enforcement office at (202) 756-5884,
or write to PO Box 37075, Washington, DC 20013.
What are the penalties for speeding?
Fines
for speeding range up to $200, depending on how many miles
per hour over the posted speed limit the vehicle was traveling. No
points are assessed for photo-enforced violations in the District.
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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