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Traffic and Red Light Camera Laws by State

Traffic and Red Light Camera Laws By State

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

Consult with a Traffic Attorney

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.

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