Red Light Cameras in Georgia

Within the last decade, many states have installed red light cameras at intersections to monitor those who illegally run lights. The cameras are designed to capture the party on camera and then send them an automatic traffic ticket. The ticket does not go on the driver’s record but they will be responsible for the fine, which can be well over $100. The state of Georgia has installed many of these cameras in different cities, with mixed results.

The proponents of red light cameras believe that they keep people safer by discouraging drivers to run lights. Consequently, this will lead to fewer accidents and injuries. Many people have a tendency to bend the traffic rules if they believe they won’t get caught, and since it is impossible to have police officers monitoring every stoplight, the cameras are meant to be the extension of law enforcement. In addition, the revenue generated by the cameras can be used for the common good of the taxpayers.

There are also many opponents to the cameras, for several reasons. First, the cameras rely on infrared technology, which is not infallible and can make mistakes. Defendants have virtually no line of defense, since the court will generally take the photo from the camera as hard evidence of the violation. The most a defendant can hope for is a reduced fine and be grateful that the ticket will not affect their driving record or their insurance. Others also believe the system that generates a ticket is a violation of privacy, since it uses the license plate of the driver to find their personal contact information. In some very extreme cases, city officials have been accused of rigging stoplights to lessen the average length of the yellow light, making it very difficult for people to safely cross an intersection unless the light is a solid green. These individuals have been accused of dishonesty for capital gain.

In any case, the red light cameras are still legal in the state of Georgia, and drivers should take special care to avoid running red lights at ALL stoplights.