The City of Colorado Springs is working to make it safer for people in all transportation modes and across all abilities to get around town. Photo red enforcement is a valuable tool to change driver behavior and has been implemented to improve safety by reducing red-light running violations, collisions, and injuries without affecting city funds. The program acts as a force multiplier, allowing our police officers to be more safely and effectively deployed while still addressing traffic enforcement.
How Red-Light Safety Cameras Work
A red-light running violation occurs when a motorist ENTERS an intersection AFTER the traffic signal has turned red.
- The system activates when motion is detected just prior to the stop bar AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras capture two images of an alleged violation, taken from the rear of the vehicle and one image taken from the front of the vehicle.
- The license plate and driver’s images are close-ups from the images captured.
- Cameras also record a digital video of the violation, including footage prior to and after running the red light.
- The first image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar and the illuminated red light.
- The second image shows the violator in the middle of the intersection with the red light illuminated.
- The license plate image is a close-up from one of the images captured.
- Data, including the time, date, and duration of the yellow and red lights, also is recorded.
- Cameras also record a 12-second digital video of the violation, including six seconds prior to and six seconds after running the red light.
As red light cameras at each intersection are implemented motorists will have a 30-day education and warning period for violations at that intersection. The registered owner of a vehicle may receive a notice by mail that a red-light running violation has occurred, but no fine will be issued for the first 30 days. After the 30-day warning period, violations confirmed by staff will be issued to the registered owner.
If you do receive a violation you can view it here:
You can pay the ticket for the violation here:
Red-Light Safety Camera Locations
You will know when you are crossing a red light intersection. Each intersection is marked clearly with signs to alert drivers that cameras are in use ahead. Cameras will capture red light runners from a single approach at each of the intersections.
- Fillmore Street and Union Blvd
- East Platte Avenue and Chelton Road
- Briargate Boulevard and Lexington Drive
- North Academy Boulevard and North Carefree Circle
- North Academy Boulevard and Dublin Boulevard
- Lake Avenue and East Cheyenne Mountain
- Airport Road and South Academy Boulevard
- East Platte Avenue and North Union Boulevard
- East Woodmen Road and Duryea Drive
- Austin Bluffs and North Academy
- Platte and North Murray
- Woodmen Road and Black Forest Road
- Barnes Road and Tutt Boulevard
- Maizeland and North Academy
- Voyager Pkwy and Academy Blvd
- Colorado Ave and 31st Street
- Academy Blvd and Astrozon Blvd
- Voyager Pkwy and Interquest Pkwy
- Dublin Boulevard and Powers Boulevard
- Campus Drive and Woodmen Road
View Violation Stats for Each Intersection
Additional Driver Resources
Safe driving protects you and our community. Here are some tips for how to be a safe driver:
- Focus on Traffic Safety webpage
- Safe driving tips from the Colorado Department of Transportation
- How to drive safely in winter conditions from the National Highway Safety Administration
Distracted driving is a dangerous and growing concern for all communities. Learn more and commit to safer and distraction-free driving from www.distraction.gov
Red-Light Safety Camera FAQ's
Why Do We Need Red Light Cameras?
Sixth Deadliest State for Red-light Running Crashes
More than two people are killed every day on U.S. roads by impatient and reckless drivers blowing through red lights, according to a new data analysis performed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The most recent crash data available show that 939 people were killed in red-light running crashes in 2017 – a 10-year high and a 28 percent increase since 2012. In Colorado, 20 people were killed by red-light runners in 2017 – the sixth-highest rate, per capita, in the country.
Red-light running is a deadly epidemic. Red-light safety camera programs have proven to reduce the number of red-light running collisions and their associated injuries and fatalities.
Red Light Safety Cameras Reduce the Number of Deadly Crashes
28 percent of crash deaths that occur at signalized intersections are the result of a driver running through a red light.
Nearly half (46 percent) of those killed in red-light running crashes were passengers or people in other vehicles, and more than five percent were pedestrians or cyclists. Just over 35 percent of those killed were the drivers who ran the red light.
While enforcement is the single most effective way to get drivers to comply with red light laws, it is impossible for police to be at every intersection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that, when properly implemented, red-light cameras reduced the fatal red-light running crash rate of large cities by 21 percent and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14 percent.
Tips for Motorists
Changes in driver behavior are critical to reducing red-light running crashes on U.S. roads. To prevent red light crashes, AAA recommends that drivers:
- Prepare to Stop: Lift your foot off the accelerator and "cover the brake" when preparing to enter any intersection by positioning your right foot just above the brake pedal, without touching it.
- Use Good Judgment: Monitor "stale" green lights – those that have been green a long time as you've approached the intersection.
- Tap the Brake: Tap your brakes a couple of times before fully applying them to slow down. This will catch the attention of drivers who may be inattentive or distracted behind you.
- Drive Defensively: Before you enter an intersection after the light has turned green for you, take a second after the light changes and look both ways before proceeding.
Tips for Vulnerable Road Users
Pedestrians and cyclists should also stay safe when traveling near intersections. AAA recommends:
- Wait: Give yourself a few seconds to make sure all cars have come to a complete stop before moving through the intersection.
- Stay Alert and Listen: Don't take chances and don't wear headphones. Watch what is going on and give your full attention to the environment around you.
- Be Visible: Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street
- Make Eye Contact: Look at drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before crossing the road in front of them.
There are several additional studies and research from other cities across the country showing the change in driver behavior and reduction of collisions from their road safety camera program. You can view them here verramobility.com/, or here, iihs.org/
How Are Red-Light Safety Camera Intersections Determined?
Intersections throughout the city were carefully reviewed to determine which intersections would enhance safety the most with red light cameras. Intersections were not selected simply on highest volume or highest crash data, they were selected based on a combination of factors that not only a number of crashes, but the severity of crashes to put all intersections on an equal playing field despite differences in traffic volume.
Why does a camera flash if no one goes through the intersection?
Occasionally, a vehicle may trigger one of the two cameras when coming to a rapid stop, yet not entering the intersection. Additionally, a vehicle may approach the intersection but only slow, rather than stop, before continuing to turn, triggering the road safety program and causing the flash to discharge.
Importantly, all-flash incidents do not equate to a citation. Each violation event captured by the red-light safety camera is reviewed by staff who will make a final determination about the issuance of a citation.
How much does this program cost tax-payers?
The road safety camera program is set up to be fully funded through fines paid by red-light runners. Taxpayers are not being asked to pay for this system. Any additional revenues above the cost to operate the program will go into the City’s general fund, not CSPD.
As driver behavior changes and crashes diminish in number, the city and residents could see a reduction in emergency services and other community expenses. According to the Federal Highway Administration, by reducing crashes, red-light safety cameras annually save communities $39,000 to $50,000 in collision-related expenses per location.
What company maintains & provides this program?
Colorado Springs has contracted with Verra Mobility which provides more than 300 communities across North American with red-light and speed safety camera programs. More information about Verra Mobility is available at www.VerraMobility.com.
How does the violation system work?
A red-light running violation occurs when a motorist ENTERS an intersection AFTER the traffic signal has turned red.
All infractions are reviewed by CSPD personnel before a citation goes in the mail, and all drivers will have an opportunity to view their photo and video evidence to confirm a violation has been committed.
Images of your vehicle were captured and recorded by a Road Safety Program. You can review your images and video of the actual occurrence online at www.violationinfo.com . The images and video are reviewed by several qualified technicians before the alleged civil violation is affirmed and mailed to you as the registered owner.
What do you do if you receive a notice of a violation?
Based on images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red-light violation. As the vehicle owner, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you.
Visit www.violationinfo.com to view a Notice of Violation, photo, and video footage.
Fines and License Points
This violation is a non-moving infraction that will result in a $75 fine, but does not result in the assessment of points against the driver.
Five Ways to Pay the Fine
- Online: The fastest and easiest way to pay your Notice is to pay online. Log on to the Municipal Court website and search by your photo enforcement Complaint # shown in the red box on the front of your Penalty Assessment Notice. There will be an additional fee added for online payments.
- Pay by phone: Call (719) 377-9788. There will be an additional fee added for telephone payments.
- By Mail: Mail your check or money order (payable to the City of Colorado Springs) in the envelope that was enclosed with your Penalty Assessment Notice, along with the payment coupon. DO NOT SEND CASH! Be sure to include your Complaint # on your payment.
- In Person: Bring your Penalty Assessment Notice, along with your payment, to: Colorado Springs Municipal Court, 224 East Kiowa Street Room 108, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday — Friday.
- Drop Box: Place the payment coupon from your Penalty Assessment Notice and your payment in a sealed envelope and place it in the drop box in front of the courthouse at 224 East Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
If your payment is past due, you may be subject to late penalties. Payment must be made in full; partial payments will be returned.