Stop Red Light Running - Or Be Prepared to Pay

It’s here! The first of 50 red light cameras has been installed and it is located at the intersection of CR93 and the Long Island Expressway South Service Road.  Starting June 15 if you get caught red light running at this site you will hear from Suffolk County. Currently there is a thirty day grace period that ends on July 15. During this thirty day grace period if you violate the law you will receive a warning but will not receive a violation or a fine.  After July 15 it will cost you $50.

The system works when photo enforcement cameras connected to the traffic signal and sensors on the intersection stop lines are triggered by a vehicle entering the intersection above a minimum speed while the light is red. Thus vehicles entering the intersection on yellow, or those that were in the intersection waiting to make a left-hand turn when the light changed, will not be captured.

 An 8-second video of the violation is recorded along with two photo captures that identify date, time, vehicle speed and time the light has been red. The cameras photograph the car only from the rear to capture the license plate.

 After the violations are reviewed by trained county technicians, a citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. Included in the citation will be a specialized web address and PIN number where the violator can view the infraction and make an on-line payment. Fines will be deposited into the county’s road fund as revenue to offset taxes.

It is anticipated that all 50 cameras will be installed and operational by the end of summer.