City of Richardson Fact Sheet

Red Light Camera Traffic Enforcement Program

Updated March 27, 2015
Studies show that motorists are more likely to be injured in crashes involving red light running
than in other types of crashes. Traffic safety or red light cameras have proven to be one of the
most effective and cost efficient public safety tools available in enhancing motorist safety.
The City of Richardson (COR) began its Red Light Camera Traffic Enforcement Program on
January 30, 2006. There are eight red light cameras operating at six intersections as part of this
program. The City of Richardson removed one camera in June 2014 due to increased compliance
and significant reduction the amount of crashes at the intersection.
Benefits of Red Light Cameras
Reduce avoidable crashes
Use of reliable technology
Allows police officers to be where they are needed most, in our neighborhoods

Camera Location Determination and Installation Process

1. After all other engineering and operational solutions have been exhausted a traffic
engineering study is conducted to determine if red light cameras will improve safety.
Study includes traffic volume, history of crashes on the approach, the number or
frequency of red light violations at the intersection, and similar traffic engineering
and safety criteria
There is no regard to the ethic or socioeconomic characteristics of the area in
which the signal is located
2. Report from traffic engineering study is submitted to citizen advisory committee
3. Install signs along each roadway that leads to an intersection at which traffic signal
enforcement is active.
Must be at least 100 feet from intersection, be easily readable and clearly indicate
presence of traffic engineering signal system that records violations that may
result in the insurance of a notice of violation and imposition of mandatory
penalty
Review of Violation Notices
Sworn Richardson police officers review every captured red light incident before sending any
notice. The philosophy of these officers is to only send notices for incidents that they would
issue red light citations for should they observe the same incident while working from a patrol
vehicle.
As part of this civil process persons who wish to contest the notice have the opportunity to meet
with a municipal administrative hearing officer. Persons can appeal a liable finding by the
administrative hearing officer to the Richardson Municipal Court for final disposition.
Violation Notices
A red light camera violation carries a $75 civil penalty and is assessed a $25 late fee if the
violation becomes past due.
Half of the revenue above the cost of operating the camera system goes to the State of Texas.
The other half goes to the Citys Traffic Safety Fund.

Traffic Safety Fund

Richardsons Traffic Safety Fund became effective March 1, 2006. Funds from the traffic safety
fund may be expended only for the costs of:
Automated signal enforcement
Intersection safety improvements
Police crash investigation, training, and equipment
Public traffic and pedestrian safety programs
2014 Net Revenue to the State of Texas:
2014 Net Revenue to the City of Richardson:

$331,685.63
$331,685.63