PA - Senate Approves Red Light Camera Program

[krypton2]

Pa. Senate OKs red light cameras in 19 cities - abc27 - Harrisburg, York & Lancaster News & Weather

It will probably pass in the House too, as there has been past support from that side of the legislature for a statewide RLC program as well.

[mikered30]

Anyone know of any good plate covers? Just kidding.

So how will these work, do they just have to get the license plate to give you a ticket? What about a pic of the driver? Any guarantee that the yellow lights will not be shortened?

[krypton2]

Yes to the license plate, no for the picture of a driver. The citation is automatically sent to the address of the registered owner, regardless of who is driving. The current red light camera law actually prohibits taking a photo of the front of the vehicle.

As far as yellow lights go, by law every intersection that has a red light camera system is required to have a yellow light duration no longer or no shorter than the amount of time noted in the traffic study conducted for the intersection. If the amount of time the yellow light is visible is inaccurate, then you could definitely fight any RLC citation you've received from that intersection, and in theory the entire RLC system would have to be shut down until the timing is fixed.

[mikered30]

thanks. Under current PA law you have the right to face your accuser. How does that work in this case?
I noticed the cameras can be used for fines only, no points. I wonder why.




That would look ridiculous, it costs $50 and highly illegal.

[krypton2]

thanks. Under current PA law you have the right to face your accuser. How does that work in this case?
I noticed the cameras can be used for fines only, no points. I wonder why.

The "accuser" is basically the city where the RLC system is located. For each RLC citation that fought in court in PA, a police officer that works for the city must appear in court on the city's behalf. The officer should have a copy of the citation, the picture taken by the RLC (and video, if applicable) and all of the certifications showing that the system was working properly at the time the citation was issued. The legislature and courts have decided that this is enough evidence to prove that the violation had occurred.

I think the commonwealth has decided not to apply points since the citation is triggered automatically. Points can have a major impact on one's driving record and insurance, so I guess it's the state cutting the driver a break. I don't know of any other reasons.

[Maestro]

Pa has probably the most extensive laws on the books when it comes to RLC. Before the camera can be install the lights must comply with the MUTCD standards for timely and such. As Kryton2 pointed out the police who reviewed the video and picture has to show up in court with all the necessary paperwork so they petty much got it covered unlike other states and cities which do as they like. Also the camera are run by the city not some for profit company.

[stano0098]

Anyone know of any good plate covers? Just kidding.

So how will these work, do they just have to get the license plate to give you a ticket? What about a pic of the driver? Any guarantee that the yellow lights will not be shortened?

Flip a Plate - YouTube

I'm ready for those pesky cameras. ; )

[Maestro]

Anyone know of any good plate covers? Just kidding.

So how will these work, do they just have to get the license plate to give you a ticket? What about a pic of the driver? Any guarantee that the yellow lights will not be shortened?

Flip a Plate - YouTube



I'm ready for those pesky cameras. ; )

Nice, but too slow, you would have to press it long before you decide to run a light, and if you know you are going to run a light why not just stop.