By Hannah Hilst | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed January 21, 2024
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Each state has separate traffic laws, but running a red light or stop sign is illegal in all states. States can use cameras to enforce traffic signals and speed limits. These cameras capture violations and vehicles' license plate numbers.
While many states use these traffic cameras for enforcing traffic laws, the practice remains highly controversial. Automated enforcement through cameras has raised questions about public safety, privacy, and drivers' rights.
Know what to expect before you drive. Understand your local laws to see whether your route might use traffic safety cameras.
You can face a traffic violation in some states if a camera detects you are speeding or running a red light. But the use of red light cameras and speed detectors depends on state law.
Some states also allow the use of stop-arm cameras on school buses.
States have different ways of implementing enforcement cameras, including:
Some states do not address the use of red light and speed cameras at all. Many states process automated traffic tickets the same way as a non-moving violation or parking ticket.
Check the chart below to learn about each state's speed enforcement and red light camera laws.
Speed Enforcement Camera Laws |
Red Light Camera Laws |
|
Alabama |
Alabama permits speed cameras within specific jurisdictions, such as Center Point and Midfield. |
Specific jurisdictions in Alabama can use red light cameras under the Red Light Running Camera Implementation Guide [PDF]. |
Alaska |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Arizona |
Arizona permits the use of cameras to enforce speed and red lights as long as the use complies with Arizona state standards. |
|
Arkansas |
Arkansas prohibits both types of cameras except for in limited circumstances: school zones, railroad crossings, and highway work zones when a police officer is present. |
|
California |
California allows speed camera programs in some cities, beginning in 2024. |
California law permits red light cameras. |
Colorado |
Colorado law permits red light and speed enforcement cameras in limited circumstances. |
|
Connecticut |
Connecticut allows local governments to use automated traffic enforcement systems. |
|
Delaware |
Delaware's five-year trial period permits speeding cameras in specific jurisdictions. |
Red light cameras are permitted in Delaware. |
District of Columbia |
The District of Columbia permits cameras for speed enforcement and red light violations. |
|
Florida |
Florida permits traffic law enforcement through traffic infraction detectors such as cameras. |
|
Georgia |
Georgia allows speed detection devices. |
Red light cameras are permitted in Georgia. |
Hawaii |
No specific state law |
Hawaii's pilot program allows red-light safety cameras at select intersections. |
Idaho |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Illinois |
State use is permitted. Local use is permitted in limited circumstances. |
Illinois permits red light cameras if there is a local ordinance. |
Indiana |
Indiana's pilot program allows speed cameras in limited road worksites. |
No specific state law |
Iowa |
There is no statewide law, but some areas of Iowa, such as Council Bluffs, operate programs for speed enforcement and red light cameras under local ordinances. |
|
Kansas |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Kentucky |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Louisiana |
Louisiana permits traffic cameras for both speed enforcement and red lights through local ordinances. However, signs must be visible where cameras are active. State law determines that convictions from camera enforcement do not become part of a person's driving record. |
|
Maine |
Maine prohibits traffic surveillance cameras except toll monitoring systems. |
|
Maryland |
Permitted in work zones and school zones (by local ordinance) |
Red light cameras are permitted. |
Massachusetts |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Michigan |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Minnesota |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Mississippi |
Mississippi prohibits using automated recording equipment to enforce traffic laws. |
|
Missouri |
Missouri state law allows speed and red light cameras in local traffic enforcement programs. However, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled such programs are unconstitutional unless the state has proof of the driver's identity at the time of the offense. |
|
Montana |
Montana prohibits using automated enforcement systems to issue tickets. |
|
Nebraska |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Nevada |
Nevada prohibits speed and red light cameras with limited exceptions. Traffic cameras must be installed in the vehicle or facility of a law enforcement agency, or hand-held by a police officer. |
|
New Hampshire |
New Hampshire prohibits most types of highway surveillance systems. |
|
New Jersey |
New Jersey prohibits red light camera enforcement following the end of its automated traffic enforcement pilot program. |
|
New Mexico |
New Mexico bans both types of traffic cameras on state and federal roads. However, localities may use them, such as in Albuquerque. |
|
New York |
New York limits speed cameras to school zones. |
Select jurisdictions, such as Suffolk County, can create local ordinances to use red light cameras in New York. |
North Carolina |
No specific state law |
North Carolina state statutes permit red light cameras in specific jurisdictions. |
North Dakota |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Ohio |
Ohio law allows traffic cameras for speed enforcement or red light violations, but a police officer must be present. |
|
Oklahoma |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Oregon |
Speed cameras are allowed if they comply with Oregon state statutes. |
Cities can use red light camera programs if they comply with Oregon state laws. |
Pennsylvania |
Pennsylvania permits automated speed cameras in work zones. |
Pennsylvania law permits red light cameras in cities with a population of more than 20 thousand, as long as there is a local ordinance. |
Rhode Island |
Rhode Island law permits speed cameras in school zones. |
Red light cameras are legal under Rhode Island law for traffic violation detection systems. |
South Carolina |
South Carolina prohibits using traffic cameras to issue citations except due to an emergency. |
|
South Dakota |
South Dakota prohibits speed and red light cameras for traffic enforcement. |
|
Tennessee |
Traffic cameras are permitted in Tennessee. |
|
Texas |
Texas prohibits red light and speeding traffic enforcement cameras. |
|
Utah |
Traffic cameras are prohibited in Utah with limited exceptions: in school zones or roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less, when a police officer is present, and when a local ordinance allows them. |
No specific state law |
Vermont |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Virginia |
Virginia law only allows speed cameras in school zones and work zones. |
Virginia permits red-light running cameras if there is a local ordinance. |
Washington |
Both types of traffic cameras are permitted in accordance with state statutes. |
|
West Virginia |
West Virginia prohibits camera systems for traffic enforcement. |
|
Wisconsin |
Wisconsin law prohibits speed radar cameras. |
No specific state law |
Wyoming |
No specific state law |
No specific state law |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Understanding your state's specific laws could help you appeal a traffic ticket. If a city installed a traffic camera against regulations, you might have a legal basis to challenge the photo evidence.
For example, if a state only allows speed cameras near schools and work zones, local governments must follow that requirement. Photo evidence of speeding in a construction zone would be enforceable. Photos of speeding at a regular intersection would be unenforceable due to the state's laws.
If you face a red light or speeding violation, you may want to contact a local traffic ticket attorney. Minor infractions and tickets can lead to fines and even driver's license penalties in certain circumstances.
Contact a qualified traffic ticket attorney to help you get the best result possible.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.