February 28, 2025 | Georgia Law

Traffic And Red Light Cameras In Atlanta

You may have spotted traffic and red light cameras in Atlanta, especially at major intersections and along the roadside. These cameras are often mounted on poles or structures aimed at the streets below. 

Traffic and red light cameras play integral yet distinct roles in Atlanta traffic safety. Take a closer look at how each of these devices contributes to the safe and efficient movement of traffic throughout the Atlanta metro area.

The Function Of Traffic Cameras

A traffic camera is a surveillance camera that captures real-time images of traffic conditions at a certain location. The purpose of these cameras is not enforcement but observation and traffic flow management. In real-time, public officials can see how construction, crashes, or other hazards are affecting traffic and warn other motorists to stay away from the area.

Traffic cameras can also be used in law enforcement activities. For example, if a child is kidnapped and an Amber alert is issued, traffic cameras could potentially spot the suspect vehicle, enabling officials to direct law enforcement officers’ response. However, the usefulness of traffic cameras for this purpose would be limited by the camera’s position and resolution.

Red Light Cameras And Traffic Laws

While traffic cameras are generally found along heavily traveled roads and highways, red light cameras are almost exclusively found near intersections. These devices take still images of vehicles entering the intersection after the traffic light turns red. The photo captures the vehicle’s license plate, and the registered owner of the car may then receive a citation.

Because red light cameras only take static photos, they are typically ill-equipped to monitor real-time traffic conditions. Furthermore, they are only activated when a traffic signal turns, meaning they do not capture every traffic violation that might occur at an intersection. A red light camera’s photos cannot always capture who is at fault for crashes at intersections, either.

Still, city officials hope to reduce the number of severe and fatal traffic accidents at intersections by citing drivers for running red lights.

What To Do If You Receive A Red Light Ticket In Atlanta

You are more likely to receive a traffic citation in the mail from a red light camera, whereas traffic cameras used for speed enforcement or other violations may not always result in citations being mailed to you. If you do receive one, it is crucial that you address the ticket promptly. Ignoring a red light ticket can lead to additional penalties and a suspension of your vehicle’s registration or driving privileges.

The registered owner is typically responsible for the ticket when a vehicle runs a red light. This liability exists even if the registered owner was not driving the car at the time of the red light infraction. However, you can dispute the ticket if you believe:

  • The car photographed running the red light is not your vehicle
  • The light was still green when you proceeded through the intersection
  • The traffic light’s timing is off and does not give sufficient time for traffic to react
  • It was unsafe for you to stop at the red light

If you contest a red light camera ticket, you must be prepared to present evidence that supports your argument. Witnesses, photographs, or videos that corroborate your version of events can dramatically increase your odds of successfully challenging your ticket.

Navigating Atlanta Red Light Cameras And Traffic Cameras

If you drive in Atlanta, you may encounter traffic cameras and red light cameras. Both types of cameras are meant to help traffic move more efficiently and reduce the number of accidents. The way each device pursues those objectives differs. 

Traffic cameras monitor current road conditions and hazards, helping officials redirect traffic away from congested areas. By contrast, red light cameras seek to deter motorists from running red lights and causing accidents.

If a red light camera citation arrives in the mail, it is important that you either contest the ticket or pay it as soon as possible. You can contact a traffic ticket lawyer if you need help disputing a ticket.

If you suffered serious injuries after a car crash in Atlanta, Georgia we are here for you. If you’d like to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, please don’t hesitate to call (404) 869-8600, or you can visit our office:

Goldstein Hayes & Lina Accident Lawyers
3060 Peachtree Rd NW UNIT 1000,
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 869-8600