Program Overview
SUFFOLK COUNTY RED LIGHT SAFETY PROGRAM
- Suffolk County’s Red Light program is a safety program focused on changing driver behavior at red light intersections through a comprehensive effort involving engineering, education and enforcement. The Suffolk County Red Light Safety program uses automated enforcement to enhance the safety of motorists at red light intersections located within Suffolk County.
- The Red Light Safety Program was authorized by Local Law 20-2009 and New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1111-b, which permit the installation of red light cameras at up to 50 intersections in Suffolk County.
- Suffolk County's Red Light Program began on July 15, 2010. The red light camera fine is $50 and there are no associated points. A $30 Administrative Fee is assessed for all violations.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY RED LIGHT SAFETY PROGRAM
Suffolk County implemented this safety program using the following principles:- Clearly identify and effectively communicate red light related safety problems to the public.
- Make Automated Red Light Enforcement sites visible to road users through signage and media outlets.
- Deploy Automated Red Light Enforcement at intersections where they fulfill a bona-fide need.
- Ensure a fair program by deploying Automated Red Light Enforcement only after careful consideration and study.
- Determine the effectiveness of the program through continuous, ongoing evaluations.
MAKING SUFFOLK’S ROADS SAFER
- Red light running killed 676 people and injured an estimated 113,000 in 2009. Nearly two-thirds of the deaths were people other than the red light running drivers.
- Studies show that red light camera programs are effective in reducing crashes at intersections, especially right-angle crashes, which cause the most personal injury, and save lives.
- The issuance of citations by automated enforcement is a fair and objective way to remind drivers that they are required by law to stop at red lights, and that there are consequences for unsafe driving practices, like red-light running.
