Red Light Cameras

A violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red. Motorists trapped inadvertently in an intersection when the signal changes to red (e.g., waiting to turn left) are not considered red light runners pursuant to this statute.

Red light running is one of the major causes of collisions, deaths and injuries at signalized intersections in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 20 percent of drivers do not obey intersection signals. Crashes caused by red light running result in more than 800 fatalities and 165,000 injuries each year, according to the NHTSA. The economic impact of red light running on society is estimated to be $14 billion annually. Other motorists and pedestrians account for nearly half the deaths caused by red light running crashes.

Red light cameras help communities enforce traffic laws by automatically photographing vehicles whose drivers run red lights. A red light camera system is connected to sensors that monitor traffic flow at the crosswalk or stop line. The system continuously monitors the traffic signal 24/7, and the camera itself is triggered by any vehicle entering the intersection above a pre-established minimum speed and following a specified time after the signal has turned red. A second photograph typically shows the red light violator in the intersection. Cameras record the date, time of day, time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal and vehicle speed. Tickets are sent by mail to owners of the violating vehicles, following a review by a Newark Police Officers of the photographic evidence. You can view your photos and video online at www.photonotice.com. You must enter the required information from the summons. The Citation Number is a nine digit alpha-numeric entry composed of the Prefix followed by the Ticket Number. The city code is NWRKNJ. If you do not have access to a computer, you may use computers in the public library to access the website.

Red light cameras are designed to identify traffic law violators without depending on the presence of police officers essentially providing twenty four hour police enforcement as it relates to red light running violators.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reports that the use of adequate yellow signal timing reduces red light running-related injuries and collisions, but longer yellow timing used together with red light cameras provides a more significant decrease in incidents of red light running. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently conducted a field study to evaluate the effects on red light running by first lengthening yellow signal timing, followed by the introduction of red light cameras. Results showed that yellow timing changes reduced red light violations by an average 36 percent. The addition of red light camera enforcement reduced red light violations by an additional 96 percent beyond levels achieved by longer yellow signal timing alone. At the intersection with the greatest incidence of red light running – 251 per 10,000 vehicles – yellow light extensions reduced red light running to 198 incidents per 10,000 vehicles. Once red light cameras were installed, incidents of red light running dropped to an astounding two per 10,000 vehicles.*

*Source: Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, Status Report, Vol. 42, No. 1 January 27, 2007; Retting, Richard A., Ferguson, Susan A., Farmer, Charles M., Reducing Red Light Running Through Longer Yellow Signal Timing and Red Light Camera Enforcement: Results of a Field Investigation, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, January 2007.

In no case shall motor vehicle points or automobile insurance eligibility points pursuant to section 26 of P.L.1990, c.8 (C.17:33B-14) be assessed against any person for a violation occurring under the provisions of this act. The ticket for a violation of New Jersey Title 39:4-81, Failure to Observe Signal is the responsibility of the registered owner of the vehicle.

Photo enforcement deters aggressive and dangerous driving behavior. Studies have shown significant safety benefits of automated traffic enforcement. Photo enforcement programs are completely violator funded and do not cost law-abiding citizens anything. It is important to note, though, that revenues do not equal profits. Photo enforcement systems are a costly endeavor, from the cost of the equipment, installation, operation, maintenance and program oversight. These funds go back into the operating expenses of the service, provide additional revenue for the city and often provide funding for specific safety programs.

Red Light Running Cameras are clearly posted in advance of the intersection to ensure motorists are aware that they are in use. A violation is mailed out and includes a link to view the video tape and photo of the incident along with detailed data. Cameras have become a part of our everyday existence. If you shop at a store, use an ATM or fill up your car, you’re on camera. When you choose to travel on public streets, you have a responsibility to operate a vehicle in a safe manner and abide by all traffic laws. The technology is simply one tool available to the City to ensure that drivers are acting in a safe and responsible manner for themselves and those utilizing public streets and sidewalks.

The technology is violator funded. The technology provider does not charge the city to install photo enforcement technology. Instead, the company absorbs much of the upfront cost to install and implement the technology.

A Photo enforcement citation is a summons. Those receiving a ticket have an opportunity to go online at www.photonotice.com to review the alleged infraction to make a decision if they violated the law. Additionally, those issued a ticket have an opportunity to contest their ticket in municipal court, just as they can with a traditional traffic ticket.

A Newark Police officer reviews the footage to ensure a violation in fact occurred. Also, the owners of the vehicles to whom the ticket is issued, can review the actual photos at Photonotice.com and can clearly see why they were issued a ticket. Photo enforcement cameras have been in use for more than 20 years and, in that time, the technology itself has proven extremely accurate and reliable.

Broad Street and Market Street
Broad Street and Raymond Blvd
Broad Street and Murray Street
Raymond Blvd and Prospect Street
Raymond Blvd and Raymond Plaza West
Mulberry Street and Market Street
McCarter Highway and Market Street
McCarter Highway and Edison Place
McCarter Highway and Lafayette Street
McCarter Highway and South Street
Stockton Street and Delancy Street
Market Street and Washington Street
Market Street and University Avenue
Wilson Avenue and Doremus Avenue
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Court Street
Raymond Blvd and Lockwood Street
Washington Street and Central Avenue
Bergen Street and Avon Avenue
Bergen Street and West Runyon Street

The fine for an uncontested ticket is $85.00.

Redflex provides a toll free number (1-877-847-2338) to respond to citizen inquiries from 7:00am – 5:00pm (MST) Monday - Friday. If further assistance is needed, a person can contact the Newark Municipal Court at (973) 733-6520.