Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated July 01, 2019
Although each state has its own traffic laws, running a red light or stop sign is prohibited in all states. One tool available for states to enforce traffic signals and speeds limits is a camera that captures the license plate numbers of violators. While many states use these traffic cameras to some extent for enforcing traffic laws, the practice remains highly controversial.
Different states have different ways of implementing the use of enforcement cameras: banning their use entirely, setting limits to how and where they can be used, or choosing to use them to enforce speed limits or traffic signals. There are also some states that do not address the use of speeding and red light cameras at all. The chart below provides information about each state's speed enforcement and red light camera laws.
|
Speed Enforcement Camera Laws |
Red Light Camera Laws |
Alabama |
None |
Red light cameras are permitted in accordance with the Red Light Running Camera Implementation Guide [PDF]. |
Alaska |
None |
None |
Arizona |
The use of cameras to enforce speed and red lights is permitted as long as it complies with state standards. In order to implement a traffic camera system on highways, cities are required to get approval from the DOT. |
|
Arkansas |
Both types of cameras are prohibited except for in limited circumstances - in school zones or railroad crossings when a police officer is present. |
|
California |
None |
Red light cameras are permitted. |
Colorado |
Speed enforcement cameras are permitted in limited circumstances - in school and construction zones, residential areas or adjacent to municipal parks. |
Red light cameras are permitted. |
Connecticut |
None |
None |
Delaware |
None |
Red light cameras are permitted. |
District of Columbia |
Cameras for speed enforcement and red light violations are permitted. |
|
Florida |
None |
None |
Georgia |
None |
Red light cameras are permitted. |
Hawaii |
None |
None |
Idaho |
None |
None |
Illinois |
State use is permitted. Local use is permitted in limited circumstances. |
Permitted if there is a local ordinance. |
Indiana |
None |
None |
Iowa |
There is no state law but there are programs for speed enforcement and red light cameras operating under local ordinances. |
|
Kansas |
None |
None |
Kentucky |
None |
None |
Louisiana |
Traffic cameras for both speed enforcement and red lights are permitted; however, as per state law, convictions from camera enforcement do not become part of a person's driving record. |
|
Maine |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Maryland |
Permitted in work zones and school zones (by local ordinance). |
Red light cameras are permitted. |
Massachusetts |
None |
None |
Michigan |
None |
None |
Minnesota |
None |
None |
Mississippi |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Missouri |
There aren't any speed enforcement or red light camera laws but there are programs operating in accordance with DOT policy [PDF]. |
|
Montana |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Nebraska |
None |
None |
Nevada |
Prohibited 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 |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
New Jersey |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
New Mexico |
Both types of traffic cameras are banned on state and federal roads by the DOT; however, localities may use them but must provide a warning sign. |
|
New York |
Limited to school zones. |
Limited to cities with more than 1 million, or if permitted by local ordinances. |
North Carolina |
None |
Permitted in accordance with state statutes. |
North Dakota |
None |
None |
Ohio |
A police officer must be present in order to use traffic cameras for speed enforcement or red light violations. |
|
Oklahoma |
None |
None |
Oregon |
Permitted if in compliance with state statutes. |
Permitted within city limits as long as it's in compliance with state laws. |
Pennsylvania |
None |
Permitted in cities with a population of more than 20 thousand, as long as there is a local ordinance. |
Rhode Island |
None |
Red light cameras are permitted. |
South Carolina |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
South Dakota |
None |
None |
Tennessee |
Traffic cameras are permitted except for in non-work zone interstates. |
|
Texas |
Prohibited |
Permitted as long as there is a local ordinance. |
Utah |
Prohibited with limited exceptions - school zones, police officer must be present, requires a local ordinance. |
None |
Vermont |
None |
None |
Virginia |
None |
Permitted if there is a local ordinance. |
Washington |
Both types of traffic cameras are permitted in accordance with state statutes. |
|
West Virginia |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Wisconsin |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Wyoming |
None |
None |
If you have any questions about speed enforcement and red light camera laws in your state, or you would like assistance with a traffic ticket, you may want to contact a local traffic ticket attorney.
If you would like more information and resources related to state-specific traffic laws, please visit FindLaw's State Traffic Laws section.
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.