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Department of Transportation - Red Light Camera Program
The City of Baltimore has implemented an aggressive Red Light Camera program. This effort is designed to reduce the number of incidents in which motorists run red lights. Automated red light enforcement cameras have proven effective in reducing the number of accidents, thereby creating safer roadways for drivers and pedestrians.
The City of Baltimore began its program in February 1999, by equipping 6 intersections with red light cameras. The cameras were placed at intersections with numerous red light violations and/or high accident rates. Because of the significant decrease in the number of violations, the program was expanded to include cameras at 47 intersections throughout the city, creating one of the largest red light programs in the country.
Is red light running a big problem?
Red light running is a leading cause of urban crashes and often causes injury and death. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 250 people nationwide are killed or injured each day by red light violators. This amounts to more than 1,100 deaths and over 150,000 injuries a year in crashes that result from running red lights. More than half of the deaths are pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles who are hit by red light violators.
What are the benefits of red light cameras?
Studies show that red light cameras significantly reduce the number of red light violations and intersection crashes. Photo enforcement is a proven deterrent that changes behavior and leads to safer driving habits. Since the inception of Baltimore's red light camera program, the City has seen a dramatic drop in red light violations. At city intersections equipped with cameras, the number of violations has decreased up to 60%, creating safer roadways for motorists and pedestrians.
Red light cameras also provide a more effective means of law enforcement than traditional enforcement methods carried out by police. Enforcing traffic laws in dense urban areas proves difficult for police, as they typically follow a violating vehicle through a red signal in order to cite it. Traffic volume and safety considerations mean that law enforcement officials can only apprehend a fraction of the violators, putting motorists and pedestrians at risk. Jurisdictions would need tremendous financial capabilities to constantly patrol intersections in order to cite red light violators. Red light cameras provide safe and consistent enforcement at a reasonable cost, while allowing officers to focus on other enforcement issues.
How do red light cameras work?
A red light camera system is connected to a traffic signal and uses a video tracking camera mounted on the opposite side of the traffic signal. The system continuously monitors the flow of traffic and the traffic signal. When the signal turns red, the camera system activates. A video is taken of any vehicle that crosses the stop bar at a specified time after the signal turns red.
If I am already in the intersection when the light turns red, will I get a ticket?
No. In order for the citation to be valid, a vehicle must be behind a clearly marked stop line and the signal must be red. If the vehicle proceeds into the intersection after the signal turns red, pictures are then taken.
Will I receive a citation if I make a turn on red?
Motorists should pay attention to signs posted at intersections indicting restrictions on red light turns. Violators may receive a citation.
What happens if I receive a citation, but I wasn't the person driving the vehicle?
In most states, including Maryland, a citation is issued to the vehicle owner, no matter who was actually driving at the time of the violation. These automated enforcement citations are treated just like parking tickets in that the registered owner or lessee is liable.
Are the photos reviewed by anyone before a motorist is ticketed?
Yes. Before a citation is issued, each picture is reviewed by trained officials and police officers. This ensures that the vehicle is in violation, and vehicle information is also verified.
How much is a red light citation?
Violators who are cited running a red light will receive a $75.00 fine. These citations are not considered moving violations and do not result in points. The violation is not recorded on a driver's record and will not increase insurance rates.
Is there someone I can contact if I have questions about the citation or I believe the citation was issued in error?
You can contact the Baltimore City Parking Fines Customer Service Office at (410) 396-4080 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Can I contest a violation?
Yes. You may request to appear in District Court by returning the completed form on the back portion of the citation at least five days prior to the citation's due date. Notification of a court date will be sent by mail.
How can I pay a citation?
POSTAL MAIL:
by sending checks or money orders to:
Director of Finance, City of Baltimore
Post Office Box 13327
Baltimore, Maryland 21203
ONLINE:
by phone at 1-800-272-9829 or via the website right here
IN PERSON:
at the Collection Division, Parking Fines Section
Abel Wolman Municipal Building
200 N. Holliday Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Red Light Camera Locations:
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Program Coordinator: Renee E. Robertson
Contacts
For Public Relations Information Contact: David Brown, Adrienne Barnes or Rosita-Sabrosso-Rennick at 410-361-9296/97