Red Light Signal Cameras
Overview
The Town of Cary uses cameras at intersections in an effort to reduce crashes by ticketing drivers who run red lights. The state Legislature passed NC Senate Bill 243 in 2001 allowing cities and towns in Wake County to catch red light runners this way.
Citations carry a $50 fine with an additional $50 penalty if the fine is not paid within a specified period. No driver's license or insurance points are assessed. Net proceeds go to public schools. Those who believe they received the citation by mistake have the right to appeal.
Cameras operating:
- Cary Towne Boulevard at Convention Drive (EB)
- Kildaire Farm Road at High Meadow Drive (SB)
- High House Road at Prestonwood Drive (WB)
- Northwest Maynard Road and Chapel Hill Road (NB)
- Maynard Road at Walnut Street (SB)
- Tryon Road at Crescent Green Way (EB)
- Tryon Road at Regency Parkway (WB)
- Walnut Street and Dillard Drive (NB)
- Maynard Road and Kildaire Farm Road (WB)
- Kildaire Farm Road and Maynard Road (SB)
- Cary Parkway at Kildaire Farm Road (WB)
- Kildaire Farm Road and Cary Parkway (NB)
- Cary Parkway at High House Road (SB)
- Harrison Avenue at Maynard Road (SB)
- Harrison Avenue and Weston Parkway (SB)
- Walnut Street at Meeting Street (WB)
*EB=Eastbound, SB=Southbound, NB=Northbound and WB=Westbound
To protect pedestrians trying to cross the street, drivers turning right on red must come to a complete stop BEHIND THE STOP BAR, not in or after the crosswalk, before proceeding.
Selection of Locations
The Town of Cary installed red light cameras at a total of 15 intersections. The Police and Engineering departments chose locations based on criteria such as:
- History of crashes caused by red light running
- History of red light violations
Payments
Return envelopes for payment are included with citations. Please make payment by check, money order or credit card to SafeLight Cary. Payments cannot be processed at Town Hall. You may also pay online by credit card.
Citation Questions – Call Redflex Traffic Systems toll free at 1 (877) 847-2338 weekdays between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
How the Cameras Work
The system uses magnetic loops imbedded in pavement. It is triggered by any vehicle passing over the loops above a minimum speed at a specified time after the signal has turned red. The camera records the date, time of day, speed, and time elapsed since the light turned red. The Town will review photos showing purported violations to remove any that are not clear-cut. Then the company operating Cary's system will mail out notices of the violations. With citations will be photos showing the vehicle before the stop line and beyond the stop line, plus one showing the license plate.
Contesting Citations
Vehicle owners are responsible for violations unless they can show that someone else was in the "care, custody or control" of the vehicle when the violation occurred. The owner must provide this information, including an affidavit, within 30 days of receiving notice of the citation.
By appointment, those who receive citations may view video images at the SafeLight Cary office at 315 N. Academy St., Suite 204. Call (919) 388-9129 for the required appointment.
An appeals panel meets monthly to review objections to citations or penalties. Appointments are required. Learn more about appealing a citation.
ProceedsState law requires that "clear proceeds" go to the county school system. This is any money left over after buying or leasing equipment, paying a company to operate the system, and allowing for any administrative expenses.
Education campaign
In conjunction with the camera system, the Town of Cary educates drivers about the dangers of running red lights.
More on traffic signals in Cary
Contacts
For questions about citations or other red light camera issues:
Brad Hudson
Project Manager-SafeLight Cary
Cary Police Department
PO Box 8005
Cary, NC 27512-8005
(919) 462-3430
Brad.Hudson@townofcary.org
Chris Davis
Support Services Manager
Cary Police Department
(919) 462-3813
(919) 460-4904 (fax)
Chris.Davis@townofcary.org
