Cameras/Legality Discussion View history

Revision as of 17:36, 23 March 2014 by Kentsmith9 (talk | contribs) (→‎State table: Added Alabama)

The legality of photo/video enforcement of traffic laws varies from state to state and between the various jurisdictions inside a state depending on how the laws are written. Below is a list of the laws by state. DISCLAIMER: We are not attorneys and are not responsible for mistakes and/or outdated information. The most current information has been found on this government site.

Not all camera looking devices at intersections are speed or red light cameras. Review the article on cameras before adding them to the map.

Notes by state

Idaho

Idaho has no state law regarding the use of speed cameras or red light cameras. As of December 2013, the state neither operates nor has publicized plans to operate in the future, cameras of either type.

Illinois

See the list of communities where red light cameras are legal here . Speed cameras may be in use in construction zones statewide.

New York

Red light (NY)

Red light cameras are permitted only in the following locations (Vehicle & Traffic Law Article 24):

Speed (NY)

On August 1, 2013 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation that permits New York City to establish a five-year demonstration program to monitor school speed zones in New York City with speed cameras and to allow evidence captured on camera to be used to impose liability for speeding. This new law will enhance the safety of children, pedestrians and drivers in New York City school speed zones by encouraging drivers to drive with caution through these areas and supplement law enforcement efforts to catch violations and prevent accidents caused by speeding. [1]

New York City is authorized to set up cameras in 20 school zones (there is some discrepancy in media reports if this means they are limited to just 20 cameras or if they can put multiple cameras in each of 20 school zones). These camera can be moved from school zone to school zone as the city sees fit. The cameras can only operate during school hours and/or after-school activities. This is a 5 year pilot program - the law is set to expire on August 1, 2018 unless it is extended by the New York State Legislature.

Ohio

See the list of communities where cameras are legal here.

Tennessee

Each municipality may decide to use "unmanned traffic enforcement cameras", but they are all governed by state-wide laws contained in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55, Chapter 8, Sub-Section 198 (TCA § 55-8-198).

  • All cameras must be signed (TCA § 55-8-198(c)(2))
  • No Cameras allowed on Interstates except for temporary work zones (TCA § 55-8-198(f))
  • No cameras allowed near speed limit changes of 10 mph or greater (TCA § 55-8-198(l))