RED LIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT SAFETY PROGRAM > FAQs

What is a red light running violation?

A violation has occurred if, when while facing a steady red traffic signal, your vehicle proceeded into such an intersection without stopping and standing until an indication to proceed was shown or your vehicle made a right hand turn, or a left hand turn from a one-way street onto another one-way street, while facing a steady red signal without first coming to a complete stop and not proceeding until it was safe to do so and yielding right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

Where are the red light cameras located?

Cameras are now installed at the following intersection approaches throughout the City based on crash statistics compiled by the Houston Police Department. Each approach is clearly marked with signs.

Click here to view a map of camera locations

What if the light was yellow?

The Automated Safety System only becomes active once the red light is showing. It will not capture a vehicle if the vehicle enters the intersection prior to the light changing to red. If you entered the intersection on yellow, it is legal to clear the intersection if the light turned red while you were still in the intersection.

Why did I receive this Notice of Violation?

Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red light violation. As the owner of the vehicle, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you.

What if I am not the driver/owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation?

If your vehicle was stolen or sold at the time of violation, or was being test driven by another person, you may submit a sworn statement to that effect to the Court to rebut the presumption, that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. A DECLARATION of NON-LIABILITY form may be downloaded from www.ViolationInfo.com or obtained from the Court. The form must be filled out, accurately and in its entirety. The form must be mailed or hand-delivered in-person to the Court prior to the Notice due date before any additional actions can be taken.
If you are a rental car company or you leased your vehicle, send your letter identifying the driver along with a copy of this Notice within 30 days after the date of the Notice of Violation is received to Violation Processing Center 209 W. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201.

What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation?

Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability prior to the 45th day after receipt of the notice is an admission of liability, and failure to appear at an administrative adjudication hearing after having requested a hearing is an admission of liability and constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal. Failure to pay the civil penalty within 45 days after receipt of this Notice of Violation shall result in the imposition of a late-payment fee of $25. If the second notice remains unpaid, collections proceedings and entry of judgment against you may proceed.

Will I receive any points on my driving record for this violation?

No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Will my insurance rates be affected?

No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to any insurance agencies.

Is this only a revenue generating program?

No. This is a safety program. Red Light Camera Enforcement programs have been shown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes. Numerous studies from the US and worldwide, as well as the experience of many other cities, indicate significant decreases in red light running violations and collisions after cameras were installed. Other intersections not monitored by automated enforcement may also experience a decrease in violations and accidents as a result of the presence of this automated enforcement in other areas of the community.

What if I was issued a Notice of Violation from an Officer for the exact same offense?

The Traffic Ticket issued by the officer takes precedent over the Automated Safety System Notice of Violation. You must appear in court with the traffic ticket and the Notice of Violation and the Adjudicative Hearing Officer will take the appropriate actions.