Automated enforcement laws
March 2010
Automated enforcement refers to the use of technology to enforce
traffic safety laws. Although many jurisdictions that use automated enforcement
are in states that have laws authorizing its use, not all states where automated
enforcement is in use have such laws, nor are they always necessary. Most automated
enforcement programs and laws are for red light violations; however, the use of
automated enforcement for speed is increasing, and a few jurisdictions use automated
enforcement for other violations such as failing to pay a toll and disobeying a
railroad crossing signal. In states that have automated enforcement laws, the laws
vary from state to state; some authorize enforcement statewide, whereas others permit
use only in specified communities.
Red light camera systems are triggered when a vehicle enters
an intersection after the light has been red for a predetermined time. See communities
with red light cameras. For research results on this subject, see Q&A Red light cameras
Automated speed enforcement systems are triggered when a
vehicle exceeding the speed limit by a predetermined amount is observed. Moreover, the proportion
of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph declined 82 percent. See
communities with speed cameras. For research results on this subject, see Q&A Speed law enforcement
A few jurisdictions treat automated enforcement citations just like parking tickets
in that the registered owner is liable. Similarly, just as parking tickets do not
result in points or are not recorded on a driver’s record, many jurisdictions
do not assess points or make a record of automated enforcement citations. Automated
enforcement laws associated with moving violations are summarized in the following
table.
States using red light and speed cameras
(click on a state for more details)
