To help provide an incentive for drivers to heed traffic lights, many cities in Texas have installed red light cameras at major intersections. These cameras are activated only if a car proceeds through the intersection after the light turns red. There is usually a short grace period of approximately half a second. If a vehicle proceeds through intersection instead of stopping for a red light, the cameras photograph the license plate of the offending vehicle. The photographs are examined by trained police officers, and if it’s determined that a violation did occur, the owner of the vehicle is mailed a red light ticket. So, next time you are tempted to run a Texas red light, remember that the red light may be watching you!

To help protect the rights of drivers, Texas has laws in place that govern the use of red light cameras. For example, the cameras are only allowed to take pictures of vehicles that actually run a red light. It is illegal for a city to use Texas red light cameras to take a picture of every vehicle that crosses the intersection. Also, the municipality must post signs at least 100 feet from the intersection itself to inform drivers of the cameras.

Dangers of Running Red Lights

Unfortunately, not everyone heeds the law. Sometimes, people are too impatient or too rushed to stop for the red light. They charge through the intersection, risking a wreck in their zeal to get where they are going without stopping. It's only logical that running a Texas red light would be dangerous and cause an accident. Read more...

Number of Red Light Tickets Issued

Texas has a major problem with drivers running red lights. For example, according to the Dallas City Hall website, out of all 50 states Texas ranks 4th when it comes to the number of red-light fatalities per person. Sure, we want to be competitive, but not for this! Read more...

Red Light Camera Locations

Find a red light camera in your area. Read more...

What Are Traffic Lights?

Traffic lights are structures placed at the intersection of two roads. Using different colored lights, they let drivers know when it is their turn to go across the intersection. Wherever there's an intersection, there's the possibility of an accident if two cars try to cross at the same time. The purpose of a traffic light is to keep wrecks and other traffic accidents from happening by allowing traffic to proceed in an orderly manner, one direction at a time.  Read more...

What To Do If You Ran a Red Light

If you are stopped for running a Texas red light, you will be issued a citation and will need to either pay the fine or appear in court. Fines for Texas red light tickets vary depending on the municipality where you were stopped, and also based on whether a policeman stopped you or your vehicle was merely caught on camera. Read more...