Red Light Photo Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Do red light running cameras really reduce crashes at intersections?

A: Red Light Photo Enforcement reduces crashes at monitored intersections approximately 40%. The technology tends to produce generalized changes in driver behavior, so violations and crashes decline throughout the area where cameras are used, not just at the specific intersections equipped with cameras.
(Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; IIHS, 2002)

2. Q: Do cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection?

A: No. Cameras are set so that only those vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red are photographed. Vehicles entering the intersection on yellow and are still in the intersection when the light turns red are not photographed. The camera system only takes pictures when a violation occurs.

3. Q: What kind of violation will be issued and what would the penalty be?

A: Virginia State Code 15.2-968.1 mandates the violation as a driver responsibility. It is presumed that the owner of the vehicle was the driver at the time of the violation. Red light violations are handled similar to a parking violation. There is no insurance liability and no DMV implication or points associated with the driver or owner of the vehicle. By law, the penalty cannot exceed $50.

4. Q: How will I know which intersections have red light cameras?

A: Legislation enacted by the 2007 General Assembly requires that localities place conspicuous signs within 500 feet of the intersection where a red light running camera is installed. Localities also are required to conduct a public awareness program advising the public that a photo enforcement system is being implemented or expanded. All intersections are listed on the PHOTOSafe information web page.

5. Q: How is the timing interval determined between the red, yellow and green traffic lights at an intersection?

A: The City of Chesapeake Department of Traffic Engineering is responsible for determining the traffic light timing intervals. Times at signals is determined based on variables such as the posted speed limit, typical deceleration rates of vehicles, the grade of the road (uphill or downhill), the width of the intersection, and the amount of time it takes a driver to see the yellow signal and react (perception & reaction time). All traffic signal timing has been evaluated and approved by the department of traffic engineering and reviewed by VDOT in accordance with VDOT guidelines.

6. Q: Isn't the main purpose of red light cameras to make money?

A: No. The objective of the PHOTOSafe enforcement program is to improve intersection safety. Signs and publicity campaigns required by the 2007 General Assembly warn motorists that photo enforcement is in use. Penalties are paid by drivers who continue to run red lights. Penalties for red light violations in Virginia are limited to $50 per violation by legislation. Independent audits of red light camera enforcement across the country have found that these programs generally do not generate excess revenue. Camera equipment costs vary based on the type of camera, the complexity of the intersection, and technical requirements.

7. Q: Does the system enforce running right turns on red?

A: Yes. Virginia law requires all vehicles to stop on a red light signal. Right turns on red are permitted unless otherwise posted. The camera will capture right turn violations on vehicles that proceed without coming to a full stop. The sensors will detect violations in the right turn lanes being monitored and activate the photo enforcement system. Officers will review each captured offense and determine if the vehicle stopped and proceeded safely and in accordance with Virginia law.

8. Q: What happens if my vehicle is caught running a red light?

A: The photo enforcement system captures the violation. The contracted company reviews and validates the violation and sends it to the police department. A sworn law enforcement officer reviews the evidence captured by the system and either accepts the violation for civil penalty or dismisses the violation due to circumstances that are either acquired by the monitoring system or observed in the video evidence. If the officer accepts the violation, he or she will then obtain the vehicle owner's information for mailing of the notice and $50 penalty. The registered owner of the vehicle will receive the violation notice in the mail with instructions for viewing the violation.

9. Q: How do I review the violation and pay the penalty?

A: You will be provided with three still photographs of your vehicle on the printed violation notice. You can review the red light violation via the internet at www.photonotice.com. You can access your violation by entering your violation and license plate numbers and the city code (CHSPVA). Both video and still photo evidence is available for review. The owner/driver can arrange for an opportunity to meet with a PHOTOSafe Program Officer to review the evidence and discuss the red light running violation. Lastly, the vehicle owner/driver can request a court date for the evidence to be heard in the Chesapeake Courts System. The court arrangements will be made by a PHOTOSafe officer. Payment can also be made by check or money order via the mail or by credit card via the internet site. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED.

10. Q: Does the City of Chesapeake have a local ordinance as required by Virginia State Code 15.2-968.1?

A: Yes, Chesapeake Ordinance 74-193 amended the City Traffic Code which authorizes the use of red-light photo monitoring systems.

11. Q: Why did the City of Chesapeake give drivers a 30-day red light running warning period at the location where a camera system is activated?

A: Red light running is a violation of the law at every signalized intersection in the City of Chesapeake. The warning period only applies to the use of the automated enforcement camera system. The 30-day warning period is considered a part of the public awareness process for implementing or expanding the automated enforcement program.

12. Q: What happens if an officer issues a summons to the driver of a vehicle and the red light camera also captures the vehicle during the red light running violation?

A: Should you receive both a summons from an officer and a violation notice via mail, please email  photosafechesapeake@cityofchesapeake.net and provide your unique citation number from the mailing as well as the name of the officer who cited you.

13. Q: What happens when the camera captures a Chesapeake city vehicle?

A: City Vehicles are not immune to this program. When a city vehicle violates the red light, the video and vehicle number are sent to the appropriate department to determine who the driver of the vehicle was at that time. From there, each department reviews the video and issues the appropriate punishment in accordance with their policies.

14. Q: What happens when the camera captures a commercial motor vehicle or a vehicle that is owned by a company or state or local agency that has a fleet of vehicles?

A: The violation notice is mailed to the registered owner the same as any other vehicle.

15. Q: What if I still have additional questions?

A: Contact the PHOTOSafe Program Coordinator by phone at 757-382-6942 or by email at photosafechesapeake@cityofchesapeake.net