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1. When did the City implement the Automated Red Light Enforcement Program?

March 26, 2008, was the first date violations were issued. This went into effect after a 30-day warning period that began on February 25, 2008.

2. Why has the City of Burleson decided to implement the Automated Red Light Enforcement Program?

Running red lights is a problem in Burleson. Between 2003 and 2007, there have been 691 crashes in Burleson at intersections that are controlled by signal lights. Ninety-three of those crashes resulted in injuries.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, annually nearly 2,000,000 crashes occur in intersections. In 2005, red light running resulted in 800 fatalities and over 165,000 injuries.

Statistics have shown that an automated red light camera program will reduce the number of red light crashes and injuries associated with such crashes. The purpose of this program is to increase traffic safety in Burleson. The goal of the program is to reduce red light running violations, red light crashes, and red light injury crashes without impacting City funds. This is a public safety program.

3. What is a red light running violation?

A red light running violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Motorists already in the intersection when the signal changes to red, when waiting to turn for example, are not considered red light violators.

4. Where are the red light cameras located?

Cameras are installed at five intersections based on crash statistics compiled by the Burleson Police Department. Each intersection will be clearly marked with signs.
Intersections in the City equipped with red light camera systems are:
~Wilshire/SH174 @ John Jones
~Wilshire/SH174 @ Elk Drive
~Wilshire/SH174 @ Garden/Summercrest
~Wilshire/SH174 @ Newton
~Wilshire/SH174 @ Renfro

5. Who will receive a Notice of Violation?

Based upon images captured by the automated system, the owner of a vehicle that has been determined to have committed a red light violation will be mailed a Notice of Violation.

6. What is the cost of a violation?

Civil citations will cost a red light runner $75. If the citation is not paid within 30 days, a $25 late fee will be assessed.

7. What if the light was yellow?

The automated camera 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 enter the intersection on yellow, it is legal to clear the intersection if the light turns red while you were still in the intersection.

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

You may submit a Declaration of Non-liability if you are in the business of renting or leasing vehicles or if the vehicle was sold or reported stolen at the time of the violation or if you are a business and the vehicle was being operated by your employee or other authorized personnel. You may submit a sworn statement to that effect to the administrative adjudication hearing officer to rebut the presumption that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. Complete and mail a notarized Declaration to the City of Burleson, Violation Processing Center, 209 W. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201.

9. What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation?

Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability by the due date is an admission of liability in the full amount of the civil penalty assessed on the Notice of Violation and constitutes a waiver of the right to appear under the City's ordinance. Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability within the time allowed will result in a $25 late fee and may result in the County Tax Assessor-Collector refusing to register the vehicle alleged to have been in violation of the ordinance.

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

The civil penalty may not be recorded on the owner's driving record and an arrest warrant may not be issued.

11. Will my insurance rates be affected?

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

12. Is this only a program to generate revenue?

This is a safety program. Automated safety systems have been shown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes. Numerous studies throughout the United States 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. Often times, a spill-over effect results from automated enforcement. For example, other intersections not monitored by automated enforcement also see a decrease in violations and accidents because of the presence of enforcement in other areas of the community.

13. Where does the money from the red light violation fee go?

The revenue from civil penalties and late payment fees go to the City of Burleson to recover the costs of operation, then the balance of the money is distributed, 50-50, with 50 percent going to the Texas Regional Trauma Account and 50 percent to be retained by the City of Burleson to fund traffic safety programs which comply with the Council adopted policy.

14. What if I was issued a citation from an officer for the same offense?

The citation issued by a police officer takes precedence over the Automated Intersection Safety System Notice of Violation. You must appear in court with both notices and the Adjudicative Hearing Officer will take the appropriate action.

15. Does a police officer approve the violation?

Yes, every violation is reviewed, and must be approved by a Burleson Police Officer before it can be mailed out. Burleson Police Officers have the final say on whether a violation occurred or not.

16. Can I watch the violation on my computer?

Yes, you can go to Violation Information to watch the video of the violation. Just follow the instructions on the screen.