Emergency No:
9-1-1 or (916) 714-5111
Non Emergency No:
(916) 714-5115
Community Announcement
Red Light Camera Information
March 2008
Elk Grove began its new red light camera enforcement system on December 21, 2007. The program is seen by City officials as an important step to improve the safety and flow of local traffic in our community. A 30-day grace period ending February 7, 2008 is given to drivers before actual citations are issued. Red light cameras have been installed at the following locations:
- Laguna Boulevard and Franklin Boulevard
- Laguna Boulevard and Bruceville Road
Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc., an Arizona-based provider of traffic safety photo enforcement will be the administrator of Elk Grove’s red light camera enforcement system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What information is captured by the red light camera system?
- I received a citation. How can I view the photo?
- What constitutes running a red light?
- Isn't conventional police enforcement sufficient?
- Do the cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection?
- Does someone review the citation before it is issued?
- Do red light cameras unreasonably violate privacy?
What information is captured by the red light camera system?
The “Redflex” red light camera systems consist of a digital still camera and one digital video camera. These systems are able to capture multiple digital still images of the violation including the license plate of the violator’s vehicle and facial image of the driver. In addition, the system captures a twelve (12) second digital video clip of the violation (six seconds preceding the violation and six seconds post violation).
I received a citation. How can I view the photo?
All red light violators at these intersections will receive citations in the mail. Upon receiving the citation, the violator will have the opportunity to pay the fine, contest the citation, or view a twelve (12) second video of the violation available at www.photonotice.com The violation may also be viewed at the Elk Grove Police Department Service Center (Red Light Camera Kiosk) or appointments can be scheduled by calling (916) 478-8161.
What constitutes running a red light?
A violation occurs when a motorist deliberately enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red. Motorists who are already in an intersection when the signal changes to red - while waiting to turn, for example, - will not be ticketed.
Isn't conventional police enforcement sufficient?
Enforcing traffic laws in dense urban areas by traditional means poses special difficulties and dangers for police, who in most cases must follow a violating vehicle through a red light to stop it. This can endanger other motorists and pedestrians also, and police can't be everywhere at once.
Communities unfortunately do not have the resources to allow police to patrol intersections as often as would be needed to ticket all red light runners, but red light camera systems work 24/7 and free police to focus on other enforcement needs.
Do the cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection?
No. The cameras photograph only those vehicles that enter an intersection after the light has turned red. Drivers who enter on yellow and find themselves in an intersection when the light changes to red aren't photographed. This technology is intended to catch vehicles driven by motorists who intentionally enter an intersection well after the signal has turned red.
Does someone review the citation before it is issued?
Yes. A trained Police Officer will review each citation before it is issued to ensure that the vehicle is in violation. Tickets are mailed to vehicle owners only in cases where it's clear the vehicle ran the red light and where the photographed driver's gender matches that of the licensed owner or a licensed driver in their household. In addition, a photo red light citation is a valid traffic ticket, per California Vehicle Code 21455.5.
Do red light cameras unreasonably violate privacy?
No. Most people agree that driving on public roads is a regulated activity not just a right. By obtaining a license, motorists agree to abide by certain rules - to obey traffic signals, for example. Neither the law nor common sense suggests that drivers shouldn't be observed on the road or have their violations documented. When citations are issued, the only recognizable person in the photos is the driver - all passenger's faces have been carefully blocked out.
The following documents can provide more information about the program. If you have further assistance, you may send email to: redlight@elkgrovepd.org or call (916) 478-8161
Red Light Cameras-Automated Enforcement in a Flash
Click here to download reader.
