Guidance For Using Red Light Cameras

Red light running is one of the major causes of crashes, deaths, and injuries at signalized intersections. Most recent crash statistics show that nearly 1,000 Americans were killed and 176,000 were injured in 2003 due to red light running related crashes. The monetary impact of crashes to our society is approximately $14 billion annually. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) support a comprehensive approach to intersection safety that incorporates engineering, education, and enforcement countermeasures to prevent red light running and improve intersection safety. Red light cameras can be a very effective countermeasure to prevent red light running. There are a number of studies that indicate reduction in crashes at signalized intersections due to red light cameras. FHWA is promoting red light cameras as one of its identified priority, market-ready safety technologies. This document is an update to a previous version dated March 2003. The information contained in this document is intended to foster discussions and initiatives that will improve intersection safety by reducing crashes due to red light running. This document is not a regulatory requirement and the decision to use red light cameras is a matter for local decision-makers.