Frequently Asked Questions
What is my responsibility when approaching a red light?
When approaching a red light, the law requires you to come to a complete stop behind the first white line. The vehicle must remain stopped until the light turns green. If you are turning right where right turns on red are not prohibited, you still must come to a complete stop behind the first white line. You may then turn right if you are able to do so safely.
Why did the Town of Cary decide to use red light cameras?
The goal of the program is to encourage voluntary compliance with traffic signal laws through around-the-clock enforcement of red lights at locations. Studies show voluntary compliance reduce deaths, serious injuries and property damage from auto crashes. Several cities with red light cameras have crash reductions as high as 30 percent.
Which intersections were selected?
See the intersections chosen for red light cameras.
Why were they selected?
Each intersection had at least five collisions over two years in which someone ran red light. The cameras are focused on the direction those red light runners were traveling. To maximize the number of intersections with cameras, the Town chose to monitor a single approach at each intersection.
What effect does a red light camera citation have on my driving record and insurance?
Citations for “camera enforced” red light violations are civil penalties, similar to a parking ticket. No record of the violation goes to your insurance company or the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.
I received a citation and several pictures, but I understand that there is also video. How can I see it?
You are entitled to see several seconds of digital video related to each violation. To see the video, call the customer service agent for an appointment at (919) 388-9129. Or you may view online at www.photonotice.com.
After seeing the pictures and video, I still want to contest my citation. How do I?
First, you must pay the citation on time. This serves as your bond and will be refunded if you are found not responsible for the violation. If your citation is not paid on time, you will have waived your right to an appeal. After paying on time, contact the customer service agent at (919) 388-9129 to schedule a hearing.
I received a citation. It is my car, but I was not driving. Am I still responsible?
State law says the vehicle’s registered owner is responsible. If you have the name and address of the person who ran the red light, however, you may nominate that person as the driver. Follow the instructions on the back of your citation. You are responsible for the citation if the person nominated as the driver does not pay it.
Why does my citation come from Arizona and my payment go to a bank in Ohio?
The Town hired RTS (Redflex Traffic Systems) to install and maintain the cameras. Violation images are transmitted by DSL or similar technology to Scottsdale, Ariz. where RTS formats them and identifies the registered owner. Violations are sent over the Internet to the Cary Police Department, which employs a project manager to authorize or reject each violation. Authorized images are sent to RTS, which mails the notices. Skyy Bank of Ohio collects payments for the Town of Cary and RTS.
What happens to the money collected from fines and late fees?
Redflex Traffic Systems is paid to install and operate the system through fines and late fees. The Town retains a portion of proceeds to cover administrative costs. The remainder goes to the Wake County Public School System. A more detailed explanation is in the Town’s contract with RTS. You can arrange to see the contract by calling the Town Clerk’s office at (919) 460-4941.