What is the Red Light Photo Safety Program?
The Red Light Photo Safety (RLPS) program is a technology that records serious traffic violations the moment they occur. Cameras are used to photograph only vehicles that run red lights in targeted areas. Officers review the photographs and a traffic citation is issued to the registered owner through the mail. If you drive the speed limit and do not run red lights, your vehicle will not be photographed.
How do the red light cameras work?
Cameras are mounted in enclosures at selected intersections. Red Light Photo Enforcement systems take four pictures of each vehicle that runs a red light. The photos show the vehicle prior to entering the intersection after the light has turned red, the vehicle's progression through the intersection while the light is red, the vehicle's license plates, and a full face shot of the driver. The cameras record the date and time of the alleged violation, the location of the occurrence, the speed of the vehicle, and the length of time elapsed between the time the light turned red and the time the vehicle entered the intersection. Once the video is processed and an officer verifies the violation, a citation, including photographs, is sent to the registered owner.
What if I do not have a front license plate on my vehicle?
The Redflex camera system takes multiple photos of the front and back of the vehicle in order to obtain the license plate number.
What happens if I'm in the intersection when the light changes color?
You will only receive a citation if you enter the intersection after the signal turns red. If you find yourself "trapped" in the intersection as the signal turns from yellow to red, you will not get a citation. It is good driving practice (and the law) not to enter an intersection unless you will be able to exit it to avoid gridlock.
Is there a fee for a red light violation citation?
Yes, and failure to pay the fine or appear in court will result in an additional fine against the identified driver.
What if the registered owner of the vehicle was not the driver at the time of the violation or the vehicle was previously sold?
If you did not own or were not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation, you will be asked to name or identify the driver in your vehicle prior to the appearance date. A new citation will then be re-issued to the correct violator.
Will this system also enforce speed violations?
No. The system is not designed to enforce speed violations.
Will I have an opportunity to review the photographs with an officer?
Yes. You can call the Escondido Police Department, located at 1163 North Centre City Parkway, Escondido, CA 92026, to schedule an appointment to view the photographs/video of the violation. The phone number is 760-839-4451.
You can also view a video online by following the instructions on the information mailed to you. You can do this from your own home. If you still have questions or want to talk to an officer, you are welcome to schedule an appointment.
Isn't this a "speed trap?"
No. Speed, though determined electronically, is not used to establish the red light violation. A photograph, clearly depicting the position of the violator's vehicle at the time of the signal change establishes all the elements necessary for the violation.
How long is the yellow light?
The length of the yellow light is determined by the posted speed approaching the intersection. The City of Escondido uses the CALTRANS Traffic Manual to determine the minimum length for a yellow light. The national standard is three seconds. Most of our intersections have longer yellow light phases, but each intersection is individually set.
Does this program really reduce accidents?
A number of cities employing Red Light Photo System technology have documented significant reductions in traffic collisions. Ventura, California has experienced a 60% average reduction of red light running collisions and in Culver City, California a 48% decrease.
Another study done in 1997 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety took place in Oxnard, California. The study found that the red light violation rate was reduced 40% several months after the safety program began. The study in Oxnard also found that intersections not equipped with red light cameras realized a 50% reduction in violations.
Six months after the red light camera program began in San Francisco, the San Francisco Department of Parking and Traffic (DPT) reported that the number of red light runners dropped by 42% at photo enforced intersections. The San Francisco DPT also announced on April 7, 1998, that collisions caused by red light running decreased by approximately 10% citywide.
In 2002 and 2003, 50% of all fatal collisions occurred at intersections. In 2004, 60% of all fatal collisions occurred at intersections. In 2005, 17% of all fatal collisions occurred at intersections. The system is working in Escondido.
How do I contact the Red Light Photo Safety Program?
For further questions please contact the Escondido Police Department by calling 760-839-4451.