Red-light and Speed Safety Camera Guidelines for Connecticut Municipalities: Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device?

• A device designed to detect and collect evidence of alleged violations by recording images that capture license plate, date, time, and location.

• CTDOT and the Office of the State Traffic Administration (OSTA) considers four types of locations in its review: 

  • Traffic Control Signals for running a red-light indication.
  • School Zones for exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph.
  • Pedestrian Safety Zones for exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph.
  • Other Locations for exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph.

What is the goal of an Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device? 

• To reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities by using photos from cameras to monitor and enforce red light running and speed limits.

What is the definition of a School Zone in Connecticut? 

• Refer to CGS 14-212b.

What is the definition of a Pedestrian Safety Zone in Connecticut? 

• Refer to CGS 14-307a.

How do I pursue an Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device for a specific location? 

• Contact your municipality’s Local Traffic Authority about the location of concern.

How do I voice my concern about a proposal to install an Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device?  

• The municipality must conduct a public hearing regarding their plan for the use of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices prior to submitting the plan to the Office of the State Traffic Administration for approval.

What is the role of the Connecticut Department of Transportation regarding the use of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices? 

• CTDOT will review the initial municipal plan and subsequent plan(s) proposing the use of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESDs). The Department will determine is the plan is likely to improve traffic safety at the locations of ATESDs and determine if the ATESD distribution throughout the municipality is equitable. The Department has 60 days to either approve or reject the plan in whole or in part. 

Can an Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device be installed on a State Road?

• Yes, provided that the municipal plan proposing the use of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices on a state road is approved by the Department. An encroachment permit from the Department’s District Office will also be required for any equipment and signing within the state highway right-of-way.

How do I know where the locations are for Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices? 

• The locations for an Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device (ATESD) must be identified in the municipal plan. The municipality must install at least two conspicuous signs on every approach in advance of an active ATESD. Also, municipalities must provide notification of the ATESD to persons, firms, and corporations that operate mobile applications that is used for navigational purposes or to provide real-time information on motor vehicle traffic.

How much are the fines for the owners of vehicles caught running a red light or cited for speeding?  

• Fines are violations of the municipality’s ordinance.

• For the first 30 days the automated traffic enforcement safety device is operational, a written warning will be issued.

• After 30 days, the fine cannot exceed $50 for 1st offense or exceed $75 for the 2nd and subsequent offenses.

How is the accuracy of the alleged violation verified?  

• A member of the municipality’s police department or Local Traffic Authority designee will review and approve the recorded images before a citation is mailed to the owner of the motor vehicle.

How long does it take to receive a citation in the mail?  

• A citation will be mailed by the municipality to the registered owner of a vehicle photographed by a red-light camera or a speed safety camera not later than 30 days after the owner’s address has been confirmed by the CT Department of Motor Vehicles or another jurisdiction. A citation shall be invalid unless mailed to an owner not later than 60 days after the alleged violation.

Will points be assessed against my driver’s license or sent to my insurance company?

• No. The citation will also not be reported on driving records.

How will the revenue generated by fines be used?

• Funds received by a municipality from fines shall be used for the purposes of improving transportation mobility, investing in transportation infrastructure improvements, or paying for the costs associated with the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices.

How often are the Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices checked for accuracy?

• The devices are required to be recalibrated annually by the municipality and a signed certificate of calibration shall be kept on file by the municipality.

Will my personal information and data privacy be protected?

• Pursuant to Public Act 23-116, municipalities that adopt an ordinance authorizing the use of ATESDs, must also adopt a written privacy policy that meets or exceeds the standards of CTDOT’s model privacy policy and protocol. Please refer to the guidance document for more information.

Am I responsible for the citation if I wasn’t driving my vehicle at the time of the alleged violation?

• Yes. The registered owner of a vehicle captured or running a red light or speeding is liable for citations related to their vehicle.

How do I pay my fine?

• This information should be included in the citation issued to the owner of the motor vehicle.

• The violation took place during a period in which the motor vehicle had been reported stolen to a law enforcement unit and had not been recovered prior to the time of the violation.

• The automated traffic enforcement safety device was not in compliance with the required calibration check.

Where do I find information about the Work Zone Speed Camera Program?

• Work Zone Speed Camera Program and Locations.