In the modern world, cameras are everywhere. They are included in every mobile phone, PDA, and music device. Cameras are placed in street corners to watch for crime, in convenience stores to catch shoplifters, and now they are also included in many traffic lights to identify drivers who run red lights. Red-light cameras can be a bit confusing and misleading for those who do not understand what they do or how they work. Many people, for instance, are concerned that their rights to privacy are being ignored. This article will explain what red-light cameras do and how they work so that drivers can rest easy if they are obeying traffic laws.
What Do Red-Light Cameras Do
Red-light cameras are used in many traffic lights to identify drivers who ignore traffic laws. Red-light cameras are activated when a driver passes through a certain point, usually located either in the middle of an intersection or at the end of the lane facing the red-light, when the traffic light is red. The red-light camera takes a snapshot of either the face of the driver or the license plate of the car. The camera then sends the picture to a computer system that compares the driver’s face or license plate number with a database of drivers. When the computer finds a match, it automatically sends a ticket to the driver’s address and alerts the authorities. Different states have different laws about who pays the ticket but it is almost always sent to the car owner’s address. However, as it is sometimes the driver who is responsible and not the owner, law enforcement agencies keep the picture from the red-light camera on record so that there is proof that the owner of the vehicle is not responsible for paying the ticket.
Camera Placement
Red-light cameras can be placed in many different places and they can be so small that the driver does not even know that a camera is in the area. Red-light cameras can be inserted into the traffic light itself, placed on top or below the traffic light, or placed on another object altogether so that the driver has no idea that he/she is being watched. For example, some red-light cameras are placed in bushes or on nearby buildings. Others are placed in plain sight so that drivers are deterred from breaking the law by passing through the red light. Red-light cameras also often have a camera in two or more places so that both the driver’s face and his/her license plate is captured.
Induction-Loop Trigger
An induction-loop trigger involves a number of rectangular loops placed under the asphalt at the stop line. An electric current is constantly passed through these loops which creates a magnetic field. When a massive metal object, such as a vehicle, passes over these loops during a red light, it affects the magnetic field of the induction loop. By doing so, the amount of electricity that is present in the induction loop is altered. On-board monitors inside of the traffic light system can detect this difference in electricity and trigger the red-light camera.
Video-Loop Trigger
A video-loop trigger involves using a camera placed on either the traffic light or a nearby object in order to record daily traffic. The camera forwards its constant, live recordings to a computer system that can check for the specific motion of a vehicle passing through an intersection. If a vehicle is passing through the intersection and the light is red, the computer will use the cameras to take a snapshot of the driver or his/her license plate. Video-loop triggers are quickly replacing induction-loop triggers because they can be used without installing hardware beneath the road. Video-loop triggers are more convenient, cost-effective, and efficient at catching traffic violators.
What happens when you are driving and the light changes, and you are to far out to turn back or stop, I always thought yellow meant caution. I have been driving and stopped because I was afraid of the camera and a eighteen wheeler driver behind me almost ran in my back. You do as you must, but to me those camera’s are going to be the cause of someone’s death, but it is ok because YOU WILL MAKE THAT PAPER!!
A red light camera or a traffic officer will determine if you have ran through a red light if; 1) Your rear wheels have yet to cross the stop bar in your lane when the light turns red or 2) If the light is already red before you cross the stop bar. Typically (in Tennessee anyway) going through a caution yellow light is no different than a green light. The caviat here is if you approach a yellow light, can you safely stop your vehicle before the light turns red. Remember the police officer may be more tolerant than the RLC.
Pete