How red-light cameras catch drivers in intersections
Oct 12, 2015, 10:46 PM | Updated: 10:49 pm
Red-light cameras snap two photos of drivers who pass through an intersection after the light has already turned red. (AP)
(AP)
Kim in Ballard recently received a $124 red-light ticket. She was a little confused about the technology and asked, “How do red-light cameras even work!?”
Answer: A red-light camera system is connected to the traffic signal and to sensors buried in the pavement at the crosswalk or stop line. Traffic engineers determine the criteria that will trigger the camera to photograph a vehicle.
Typically, two photographs are taken; one when the vehicle crosses the stop line and a second when the vehicle is in the intersection. The photographs also include the date, time and place, vehicle speed, and elapsed time from the light turning red to the time the photograph was taken.
How do you fight your red light ticket? Click here to find your red-light ticket (in Washington state.) You can pay your ticket, request a hearing, and even submit a form stating that you weren’t behind the wheel at the time.
What is the City of Seattle Red Light Photo Enforcement Program? Learning more about it could save you a $124 ticket.
