Q. What is a Red Light Camera Enforcement Program?
A. This is a traffic safety program in which a city uses a state-of-the-art digital camera and violation detection system installed at intersections for the purpose of decreasing the number of red-light runners and reducing vehicle collisions.
Q. Will intersections that have red light cameras be publicized?
A. Yes, locations will be announced and listed in the local newspaper and on the Police Department website
Q. Why are Red Light Camera’s used?
A. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety red light running is a leading cause of urban car crashes, and often causes injury and death. Cities install the system to improve public safety by deterring red light violations.
Q. How does it work?
A. Each intersection is outfitted with a high resolution high speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors which are located at the intersection and are only activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light has turned red. The cameras take two digital photos which document the violation and are mailed with a citation to the registered owner of the vehicle. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and operates in all weather conditions. The system is only activated when a vehicle runs a red light and all intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked. The Florissant Police Department reviews every violation before the citation is issued. Citations contain images of the violating vehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection and an image of the license plate.
Q. Are Red Light Cameras effective?
A. Yes. Red light cameras have been proven to be effective in reducing red light violations and right-angle crashes. Cities using these systems consistently report safer roads with fewer intersection collisions.
Q.Can I receive citations for other offenses as a result of my citation?
A. No. Drivers who receive photo red light citations are cited for Public Safety Violations only.
Q. What is a public safety violation?
A. A Public Safety Violation (Florissant Ordinance 16-201) occurs when a vehicle proceeds into an intersection when the Traffic Control Signal for that vehicle’s direction of travel is a steady red light.
If a vehicle proceeds into the intersection after the traffic control signal has turned red, they are in violation. A violation also occurs when a driver fails to make a complete and discernable stop before turning right on a red light. The law states that a person may proceed right on red (unless otherwise posted) after making a complete stop and when traffic has cleared and it is safe to do so.
Q. Who receives the citation?
A. Citations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Q. What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation?
A. If the registered owner was not the driver at the time of the violation, he/she must appear at the Florissant Municipal Court on the date and time indicated on the Summons and Complaint. At the court proceeding, the registered owner can provide the name and address of the driver on a court provided form.
Upon satisfactory receipt of this information, the Florissant Municipal Court will dismiss the citation and re-issue a citation to the identified driver.
Q. What is the fine and are there any fees for late payments?
A. The fine amount is $100.00. There are no “Late Fees”. However, if you do not respond to the citation by the due date on your Summons, a failure to appear warrant may be issued in your name.
Q. If I am already in the intersection when a light turns red, will I get a citation?
A. No. But remember, a yellow light before red is a warning for the driver to slow down and prepare to stop. Entering or being in an intersection anytime on a red signal is dangerous.
In this case, citations are only issued when a vehicle that enters the intersection AFTER the light has turned red. If you enter the intersection on a green or yellow light, you will not be photographed by the camera system.
