Speeding Ticket Cameras: How They Work and What To Do

Many states and cities use speed cameras to issue speeding tickets without a traffic stop. Drivers receive a ticket in the mail days or weeks after the alleged speed violation. Dealing with speeding ticket cameras is different from challenging a ticket issued by the police. Understanding speeding ticket cameras and how they work can help you fight the ticket and keep your driving record clean.

Speeding ticket camera laws vary by state. Some states don’t allow speed cameras. For more information on what to do after a traffic camera ticket, talk to a speeding ticket lawyer.

Understanding Speeding Ticket Cameras

Automated speed cameras can detect speeding vehicles without law enforcement monitoring them. Many drivers get a surprise notice in the mail with a speeding ticket, even if they were never pulled over. Speeding ticket cameras are generally treated like other tickets issued by police officers. Penalties for a speeding violation can include:

• Fines
• Points on your driving record
• Higher auto insurance costs
• Suspended driver’s license

How Cameras Capture Violations

Camera traffic enforcement systems use sensitive cameras and computers to track vehicle movement on the highway. The camera system can use Doppler radar or lasers to identify vehicles traveling over the speed limit. Radar cameras get a signal showing the distance from the car. Multiple readings per second show the relative speed of the vehicle at regular intervals, giving an estimate of the vehicle speed.

Speed cameras also take a close-up image of the vehicle, driver, and license plate. The camera records additional information, including time, date, posted speed limit, location, and direction of travel. The camera images are recorded on the device, and law enforcement can produce a copy of the recording for traffic court.

Other automated cameras record red light violations. Some jurisdictions install red light cameras at intersections to record vehicles running a red light. Red light camera tickets show the vehicle’s location with a yellow light and crossing into the intersection after the light turns red.

Receiving a Ticket from a Camera

The traffic camera records the license plate number and issues a ticket to the vehicle’s registered owner. The ticket should provide notice of the deadline for paying the fine or requesting a traffic court hearing. A speed camera ticket generally includes a copy of the camera image showing the vehicle and driver.

The owner is not necessarily the person driving the vehicle. Responsibility for speeding tickets can depend on the state. In many states, you can challenge the ticket if the image clearly does not show you.

Contesting a Speeding Camera Ticket

When you get a speeding camera ticket in the mail, you have a few options. The simplest option is to plead guilty and pay the fine. Depending on your state, this could put points on your driving record and increase your car insurance premiums.

You can also contest the ticket. You can contest the ticket in court or by mail in most states. Your ticket may have a court date or require you to request a court hearing in writing. Be prepared when you go to court. Have all your evidence available and be respectful to the court. Even if the judge does not drop the charges, you can request reduced fines or traffic school to keep the ticket off your record.

Your state may also allow you to dispute the traffic ticket by mail. If you want to contest the ticket by mail, include a copy of any supporting evidence to show why you are not in violation of the speed limit laws. If the court denies your claim, you may still be able to appear in person for a hearing. For information on how to contest a speeding camera ticket, talk to a local traffic ticket lawyer.

Legal Use of Speed Cameras

About nine states expressly prohibit speed cameras. These states either have laws against using speed cameras or their courts have found them unconstitutional. Almost 20 states directly provide for speed cameras. The remaining states don’t directly permit or prohibit speed enforcement cameras.

Many states only use automated enforcement cameras in certain locations and areas with a greater risk of speeders. States claim these traffic cameras improve highway safety and reduce traffic fatalities. These include:

• School zones
• Residential neighborhoods
• Work zones
• Pedestrian safety zones

State laws require the municipality to notify motorists that the city has photo enforcement in most areas with speed cameras. This can be in the area right before the speed camera or at the city limits. The posted signs indicate photo-enforced speed laws.

Seeking Legal Advice for a Speeding Ticket Camera

Traffic violations can increase your auto insurance rates and put your driving privileges at risk. Sometimes, safety cameras get it wrong, and you are not responsible for speeding. The camera could be faulty, misread your license plate, or need recalibration.A traffic ticket attorney can challenge the speeding ticket and keep your driving record clean. Consult a speeding ticket lawyer for legal advice about handling a speed camera violation.