Lawmakers in Springfield, Illinois are set to debate a new bill this week that could lead to a statewide ban on automated red light cameras—a move that may dramatically change how traffic enforcement is handled across the state.
Proposed Bill Could Eliminate Red Light Cameras in Illinois
The legislation, which has garnered bipartisan support from both leading Republicans and Democrats, seeks to eliminate the authority of counties and municipalities to use automated red light cameras. These systems, which automatically issue tickets to drivers who enter intersections after the light turns red, have been widely deployed throughout Chicago and its suburbs.
What remains unclear is whether the proposed ban would apply only to new camera installations or if existing red light cameras would be removed as well. Historically, similar efforts in other states have allowed existing contracts with camera vendors—such as Redflex and American Traffic Solutions (ATS)—to run their course before requiring removal.
Illinois Among the Top States for Red Light Cameras
According to PhotoEnforced.com, Illinois is one of the fastest-growing states for red light camera usage. The site tracks the growth of traffic enforcement cameras nationwide, and its open database reports over 700 monitored intersections across Illinois. More than two-thirds of those are located in Chicago, making it one of the most heavily monitored cities in the country.
The Ongoing Debate: Safety vs. Revenue
Supporters of red light cameras argue that they help reduce traffic collisions, especially at high-risk intersections. They claim the threat of a ticket encourages safer driving behavior and saves lives.
However, opponents argue that the cameras are more about generating revenue than improving road safety. Many critics cite short yellow light times and lack of due process as reasons to discontinue their use. Others point to data suggesting that while T-bone accidents may decline, rear-end collisions often increase due to sudden braking at camera-equipped intersections.
What's Next?
The outcome of Tuesday’s legislative session could determine the future of automated traffic enforcement in Illinois. If the bill passes, it may set a precedent for other states considering similar bans.
Drivers, local governments, and traffic safety advocates across Illinois will be closely watching to see whether lawmakers prioritize public safety or choose to pull the plug on a controversial enforcement tool.
Red light cameras are increasingly common at busy intersections, and their purpose is to deter dangerous driving and reduce collisions. But many drivers ask the same question: why are there warning signs at some intersections and not at others?
The answer depends on local and state laws. In California, for example, there’s a specific statute—VC § 21455.5(a)(1)—that governs where red light camera warning signs must be posted. In other states, the rules are much less clear. This article breaks down the purpose of warning signs, the legal requirements behind them, and how you can use them to defend against a ticket.
Why Are There Red Light Camera Warning Signs?
The goal of red light camera warning signs is to provide fair notice to drivers. These signs are meant to ensure that drivers know enforcement is in place so they can make safer decisions approaching intersections.
The law recognizes that posting a sign is one of the most obvious ways to alert drivers. While the most visible option would be to place a sign directly on the traffic signal itself, statutes often allow flexibility, and cities take advantage of that.
What the California Law Says
According to VC § 21455.5(a)(1):
“Warning signs must be posted at each camera-equipped intersection and visible to traffic approaching from all directions, or at all the main entrances to town including, at a minimum, freeways, bridges, and state highway routes.”
This means California cities have two options:
Post warning signs at the intersections where cameras are installed, visible to all approaching traffic.
Place signs at all main entrances to the city, including freeways, bridges, and highways.
The law requires signs, but it doesn’t always require them to be at the exact location of the intersection.
How Close Do Signs Have to Be?
One of the gray areas in the law is distance from the intersection. California statutes are vague on how close a warning sign must be. The decision is often left up to cities.
Signs might be posted directly at the intersection—mounted on a traffic signal pole.
They might also be placed further back, at the entrance to a city or highway off-ramp.
According to Caltrans design standards, signs must be at least 30 inches wide, 40 inches high, and 6 feet off the ground. But there’s no firm requirement on distance from the enforced intersection.
This means drivers may not see a warning sign until well before or after they’ve passed through an area.
Why Placement Matters
If warning signs are hidden, damaged, too small, or posted far away, it can affect the legitimacy of the enforcement program. Courts in some cases have dismissed tickets when drivers proved they didn’t receive the required notice.
Signs were posted at city entrances or highway ramps.
Signs were the correct size and height.
Signs were visible, not blocked by trees, construction, or other signs.
If you can show that warning signs weren’t posted in accordance with VC § 21455.5(a)(1), you may be able to contest the ticket.
The Purpose Behind Warning Sign Laws
Cities and states include warning sign requirements for several reasons:
Transparency: Drivers deserve to know when they’re under camera enforcement.
Deterrence: If drivers see a warning sign, they are more likely to stop on yellow rather than risk running a red.
Public Perception: Signs help reduce criticism that cameras are “money traps” rather than safety tools.
Why Some Intersections Don’t Have Signs
Even when laws require them, cities often have discretion in how they post signs. Some common practices include:
Placing only citywide entrance signs instead of at every intersection.
Installing signs at freeway exits leading into camera-enforced areas.
Using “Photo Enforced” plaques mounted under traffic lights at only select intersections.
This explains why some intersections appear to lack warning signs, even though enforcement is active.
Contesting a Ticket Using Signage Issues
If you’ve been cited at a red light camera intersection, one defense strategy is to challenge whether proper warning signs were posted.
Steps to take:
Return to the Location – Revisit the intersection where the violation occurred.
Document with Photos – Capture images of missing, blocked, or damaged signs.
Compare with Standards – Check whether the signs meet Caltrans or state size/height requirements.
Present in Court – Argue that the lack of proper signage means you weren’t given fair notice.
Warning Signs in Other States
Not every state requires red light camera signs. For example:
New York City: Publishes camera locations online but doesn’t require signs at every intersection.
Florida: Some cities place signs at city entrances instead of each intersection.
Illinois: Requires clear signage at camera locations.
Texas: Before banning cameras statewide, intersections had to be signed.
Because laws vary, it’s important for drivers to check their own state’s vehicle code.
Safety vs. Revenue Debate
Supporters of warning signs argue they encourage compliance and reduce crashes. Critics argue that cities sometimes minimize signage to maximize revenue. This debate continues in many states where drivers complain that warning signs are hard to see or inconsistently placed.
The underlying question: are cameras really about safety or money? Warning signs are one of the clearest ways cities can show they are prioritizing safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are red light camera warning signs required everywhere? A: No. Some states mandate them, while others only require public notice or online lists.
Q: How big are the signs supposed to be? A: In California, Caltrans requires them to be at least 30 inches wide, 40 inches tall, and 6 feet off the ground.
Q: Can I fight a ticket if there was no sign? A: Yes—if state law requires signs and they were missing, hidden, or not compliant, you may have grounds to dispute.
Q: Why do some intersections have signs and others don’t? A: Cities often use flexibility in the law, posting signs at city entrances or highway off-ramps instead of at every intersection.
Q: Do warning signs guarantee I won’t get a ticket? A: No. They are meant as notice, not protection. If you run a red light, the camera will still record the violation.
Conclusion
Red light camera warning signs play a vital role in traffic enforcement. They provide legal notice, improve transparency, and give drivers a fair chance to adjust their behavior. But laws vary widely by state, and even within states, cities have flexibility in where and how signs are posted.
If you’ve been ticketed, checking whether proper signs were in place can be an important part of your defense. Missing, hidden, or non-compliant signage can sometimes invalidate a citation.
For drivers, the key lesson is this: always watch for warning signs when entering a city or approaching a busy intersection—but don’t assume that the absence of a sign means there are no cameras.
Signs You Might Have Gotten a Red Light Camera Ticket
It’s one of the most stressful moments for any driver — you’re approaching an intersection, the light turns yellow, and you decide to go for it. A split second later, you see a flash in your rearview mirror and wonder, “Did I just get a ticket?” Red light cameras are designed to capture drivers who enter intersections after the light has turned red. But not every flash or camera trigger means you’ll receive a fine. Here’s a complete guide to recognizing the signs you may have been ticketed and what to do next.
1. You Saw a Flash Behind You
The most obvious sign is a bright white flash as you cross the intersection. Most red light cameras use a visible strobe flash to illuminate your license plate and vehicle in low light. If you notice a flash after you’ve passed the white stop line or while still in the intersection, there’s a good chance the system was triggered. However, some cities use infrared (invisible) flashes that can’t be seen by the naked eye, so don’t assume you’re in the clear just because you didn’t see one. Keep in mind that multiple flashes are common, since most systems take two or more images — one as you enter the intersection and one while you’re fully across it.
2. You Crossed the Stop Line After the Light Turned Red
Red light cameras are not triggered by vehicles entering during the yellow phase. The system only activates when a car’s front wheels cross the stop line after the light is fully red. If you know you entered late, even by half a second, that’s a potential trigger. These systems are extremely precise and use sensors or radar embedded in the pavement to record the exact time of entry relative to the signal. Some intersections also have induction loops that detect when a vehicle is already stopped before the light changes to red — those typically don’t issue tickets, even if the driver creeps forward slightly.
3. Other Cars Around You Didn’t Trigger the Camera
It’s common to think everyone got ticketed when you see a flash, but red light cameras are directional. They’re usually aimed at one approach of an intersection, not every lane. If cars next to you continued without flashing, it likely means only your lane was monitored. That also helps confirm whether the flash was from a red light camera or another vehicle’s headlights or a nearby speed camera.
4. There Were “Photo Enforced” Signs Posted Nearby
Federal guidelines require cities using red light cameras to post warning signs near intersections where enforcement occurs. If you remember seeing a sign that says “Photo Enforced,” “Red Light Camera Ahead,” or “Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement,” that’s a strong clue you were at a monitored location. These signs may appear up to 500 feet before the intersection, often on the right-hand side or on the traffic light mast arm itself. If you can recall one, your odds of being caught by a camera increase significantly.
5. You Were Driving Through a Known Camera Intersection
Many cities publish lists of intersections with red light cameras, and sites like PhotoEnforced.com map them nationwide. If you can identify exactly where you were and that intersection appears on one of these maps, the likelihood of a citation is high. Frequent offenders in major cities include spots with high crash rates or heavy traffic volume, such as Los Angeles’ Wilshire and Westwood Boulevard, Chicago’s Cicero and 127th Street, or New York’s Queens Boulevard intersections. Checking online can quickly tell you if that intersection has active cameras or if they were deactivated.
6. You Haven’t Received a Ticket Yet — But It’s Been Less Than Three Weeks
Even if you’re convinced you were caught, you may not see a ticket immediately. In most jurisdictions, it takes between 7 and 21 days for the citation to be reviewed, approved, and mailed. Tickets are always sent to the address listed on your vehicle registration. If you’ve recently moved and haven’t updated your address, your notice could be delayed or lost. Some states, like California and Arizona, also require proof of service before a citation is valid, meaning they must confirm it was mailed correctly to the registered owner.
7. A Ticket Notice Arrives in the Mail
This is the definitive confirmation. The notice will typically include photographs showing your vehicle entering the intersection after the signal turned red, along with your license plate clearly visible. Some cities even include a link or QR code so you can watch the video online. The notice also lists the fine amount, payment instructions, and a deadline to respond — usually within 30 days. If the vehicle wasn’t yours or you weren’t driving, most jurisdictions allow you to contest or transfer liability by submitting an affidavit.
8. Your License Plate Is Hard to Read in the Photo
Red light camera tickets depend on clear identification. If your plate was dirty, obscured, or captured at a poor angle, the system may not issue a citation. Officers reviewing the footage must verify both the plate number and the vehicle’s make and model match the registration data. If they can’t confirm that, the violation is discarded. However, intentionally covering or obstructing your license plate is illegal in most states and could result in a separate fine.
9. You Receive a Notification from a City Website or Third-Party Vendor
Some states allow online access to traffic violations. For example, Florida, Illinois, and Washington D.C. have portals where drivers can check for pending red light camera tickets using their license plate number or citation ID. Vendors such as Verra Mobility, Redflex, and Sensys Gatso operate many of these systems and maintain secure websites where you can view your photos and pay fines. If you suspect a violation, visiting these sites can provide a quick answer before the letter arrives.
10. You’re Not Sure — But the Flash Made You Nervous
If all else fails and you simply can’t shake the uncertainty, the best move is to stay proactive. Keep an eye on your mail for the next few weeks, double-check your address with the DMV, and consider marking the date of the incident. If 30 days pass with no notice, it’s likely no citation was issued. Not every trigger leads to a ticket — sometimes the camera captures emergency vehicles, false positives, or situations where the driver stopped just past the line but didn’t continue through the intersection.
What to Do If You Get a Ticket
If a red light camera ticket does arrive, read it carefully. Look at the images to verify it was your car and that the light was red before you entered. If you disagree with the citation, most jurisdictions let you request a hearing or submit a written declaration explaining your case. In some states, completing traffic school can remove the point from your record. If you choose to pay, do so promptly to avoid late fees or registration holds. Always make sure you’re using the official city or vendor website to avoid scams.
How to Avoid Future Red Light Camera Tickets
Slow down as soon as the light turns yellow and avoid trying to “beat” it.
Look for “Photo Enforced” signs and treat them as a warning to drive cautiously.
Know which intersections near you have cameras — resources like PhotoEnforced.com can help.
Keep your license plate clean and visible to avoid mistaken identity or duplicate violations.
Final Thoughts
Getting caught by a red light camera is rarely intentional. Most drivers simply misjudge the yellow light or get distracted. But by paying attention to the signs — flashes, posted warnings, camera intersections, and mail notifications — you can quickly figure out if you might have been ticketed. Even if you did receive one, remember that you have options to verify the evidence or contest it. Staying aware and cautious at intersections is the best way to avoid the stress and cost of future violations.
Below is a list of cities that have active red light camera programs. Please comment below if we need to update our information. Some intersections have multiple cameras and this list only accounts for only the active intersection.
City
Cameras
Bakersfield
15
Beverly Hills
11
Canoga Park
3
Capitola
1
Carmichael
1
Cathedral City
4
Cerritos
3
Citrus Heights
10
Commerce
4
Covina
7
Culver City
14
Daly City
4
Del Mar
3
East Los Angeles
1
Elk Grove
6
Encinitas
3
Fremont
11
Garden Grove
7
Hawthorne
2
Hollywood
3
Los Alamitos
2
Los Angeles
78
Lynwood
1
Mar Vista
1
Menlo Park
5
Millbrae
1
Modesto
4
Montebello
7
Napa
3
Newark
2
N. Hollywood
3
Oxnard
10
Rancho Cordova
3
Redding
5
Redwood City
3
Sacramento
39
San Francisco
32
San Leandro
9
San Mateo
3
Santa Ana
14
Santa Clarita
7
Santa Cruz
1
Solana Beach
2
Tarzana
2
Van Nuys
7
Ventura
19
Vista
6
Winnetka
1
Woodland Hills
2
Grand
Total
385
Below is a list of 75 cities in California that have removed cameras or shutdown red light camera programs.
Anaheim, Baldwin Park, Bell Gardens, Belmont, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burlingame, Cerritos, Compton, Corona, Costa Mesa, Davis, El Cajon, El Monte, Emeryville, Escondido, Fairfield, Fresno, Fullerton, Gardena, Glendale, Grand Terrace, Hayward, Hesperia, Highland, Huntington Beach, Indian Wells, Inglewood, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lancaster, Loma Linda, Los Angeles, Manteca, Marysville, Melrose, Modesto, Montclair, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Napa, Oakland, Oceanside, Orange, Paramount, Pasadena, Poway, Redlands, Redwood City, Riverside, Rocklin, Roseville, San Bernardino, San Carlos, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan Capistrano, San Rafael, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Rosa, South Gate, South San Francisco, Stockton, Turlock, Upland, Victorville, Vista, Walnut, West Hollywood, Whittier, Yuba City & Yucaipa
Los Angeles has long been known for its traffic congestion, aggressive driving culture, and unfortunately, a high number of traffic-related fatalities. In an effort to improve road safety and reduce speeding, city officials are exploring the possibility of adding automated speed cameras. This move follows similar programs in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and other California cities that have recently authorized speed enforcement technology.
Why Speed Cameras Are Being Considered in LA
Speeding remains one of the leading causes of collisions and fatalities in Los Angeles. According to city data, more than 300 people die on LA roads each year, and speeding plays a role in a large percentage of these crashes. The city’s “Vision Zero” program, aimed at eliminating traffic deaths, has struggled to meet its goals. Advocates believe that speed cameras can be a valuable enforcement tool to change driver behavior without requiring additional police resources.
How Speed Cameras Work
Speed cameras use radar, sensors, or lidar technology to detect vehicles traveling above posted speed limits. If a driver is caught speeding, the system captures an image of the license plate and issues a citation by mail. Most programs operate with strict calibration requirements and clear signage to alert drivers of camera enforcement zones.
Key Features of Proposed LA Program
Warning Period: Similar to San Francisco’s rollout, LA may begin with a warning period where drivers receive notices but no fines.
High-Injury Corridors: Cameras would likely be placed on roads identified as high-risk for crashes.
Equity Measures: Some cities cap fines or provide income-based reductions, an option LA may adopt.
Lessons from San Francisco’s Pilot Program
San Francisco installed 33 speed cameras in March 2025. In just six months, the program recorded more than 400,000 violations, issuing warnings before shifting to citations in August. Early reports show significant reductions in average speeds and a noticeable decline in crashes at monitored locations.
These results are one reason LA officials are seriously considering following suit. If San Francisco can issue 1,000 violations a day and show measurable safety benefits, LA may expect similar outcomes on its most dangerous streets.
Supporters vs. Critics
Like most traffic enforcement tools, speed cameras have supporters and detractors.
Supporters argue:
Cameras save lives by reducing dangerous speeding.
Automated enforcement is unbiased and does not involve direct police stops.
Programs can free up police resources for more urgent tasks.
Critics counter:
Cameras may be seen as revenue-generating tools rather than safety measures.
Errors in calibration or signage could lead to unfair tickets.
Low-income drivers may be disproportionately impacted by fines.
Where LA Might Place Cameras
If approved, the first wave of cameras would likely target corridors with high crash rates, such as:
Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley
Wilshire Boulevard in West LA
Sepulveda Pass and the 405-adjacent streets
Areas near schools and pedestrian-heavy intersections
Placement decisions will depend on traffic studies and community input.
How Drivers Can Prepare
Drivers in Los Angeles should expect speed enforcement to become stricter if cameras are adopted. Here are a few tips to avoid costly tickets:
Pay attention to posted limits — especially in school zones.
Use navigation apps — many already warn of enforcement areas.
Be mindful in high-risk corridors — camera placement will target the most dangerous streets.
The Bigger Picture in California
Los Angeles is part of a growing trend in California. Alongside San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Long Beach, Glendale, and Malibu, more cities are embracing automated enforcement to curb traffic deaths. If these programs continue to show results, statewide expansion is likely.
Conclusion
The debate over speed cameras in Los Angeles highlights the tension between safety and fairness. While some drivers see them as “cash grabs,” others recognize their potential to save lives in a city with some of the most dangerous roads in the country. As LA officials weigh their options, drivers should prepare for a future where speeding comes with a higher risk — not only of accidents but of getting caught by technology.
Red light running cameras have been installed at busy intersections across the U.S. and other countries as a measure to reduce accidents caused by drivers running red lights. However, their effectiveness remains a topic of debate. Do these cameras actually reduce crashes, or are they simply revenue-generating tools for local governments? Let’s dive into the data and expert opinions to understand the real impact of red-light cameras on road safety.
