TCAgenda2023September251.Route 50 Pipeline Study Discussion
1.A.Route 50 Pipeline Study Discussion
2.Route 37 (Eastern Frederick Transportation) Update
2.A.Route 37 Eastern Frederick Transportation Update
3.Camera Enforcement of Red Lights Discussion and Update
3.A.Camera Enforcement of Red Lights: Discussion and Update
4.County Project Updates
4.A.County Project Updates
5.Other
5.A.Other
AGENDA
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
8:30 AM
FIRST-FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
FREDERICK COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
TC09-25-23Route50PipelineStudyDiscussion.pdf
TC09-25-23Route37Update.pdf
TC09-25-23CameraEnforcementofRedLights.pdf
TC09-25-23CountyProjectUpdates.pdf
TC09-25-23Other.pdf
1
Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 25, 2023
Agenda Section: Route 50 Pipeline Study Discussion
Title: Route 50 Pipeline Study Discussion
Attachments:
TC09-25-23Route50PipelineStudyDiscussion.pdf
2
3
Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 25, 2023
Agenda Section: Route 37 (Eastern Frederick Transportation) Update
Title: Route 37 Eastern Frederick Transportation Update
Attachments:
TC09-25-23Route37Update.pdf
4
5
Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 25, 2023
Agenda Section: Camera Enforcement of Red Lights Discussion and Update
Title: Camera Enforcement of Red Lights: Discussion and Update
Attachments:
TC09-25-23CameraEnforcementofRedLights.pdf
6
7
How do red light photo enforcement cameras work? A camera is connected to the traffic signal and
to sensors at the intersection stop line that monitor traffic flow. The camera is triggered by any vehicle
entering the intersection above a preset minimum speed and following a “grace period” of time after the
signal has turned red. Virginia legislation states this specified grace period of time must be at least 0.5
seconds. Depending on the particular technology in use at the intersection, a series of photographs
and/or video images show the red light violator before entering the intersection on a red signal, as well as
the vehicle’s progression through the intersection. Cameras record information such as the date, time,
time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal, and vehicle speed. The photographic evidence is
reviewed by trained law enforcement. Generally, tickets are sent by mail to owners of violating vehicles.
How will I know which intersections have red light cameras? Legislation enacted by the 2007
and 2012 General Assembly requires localities to place conspicuous signs within 500 feet of the
intersection where a red light running camera is installed. Localities also are required to conduct a
public awareness program advising the public of the photo enforcement system that is being
implemented.
Doesn’t placing signs at the approach to intersections with red light cameras defeat the purpose
of installing the cameras? No. The purpose of the red light camera program is to improve intersection
safety by reducing the number of red light violations. If the warning signs stop motorists from running red
lights rather than the cameras themselves, then the purpose of the program is being met.
Do cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection? No. Cameras are set so
that only those vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red are photographed.
Vehicles entering the intersection on yellow and still in the intersection when the light turns red are not
photographed.
Isn’t the main purpose of red light cameras to make money? No. The objective of the photo
enforcement program is to improve intersection safety. Signs and publicity campaigns required by the 2007
and 2012 General Assembly warn motorists that photo enforcement is in use. Revenue is generated by
fines paid by drivers who continue to run red lights. Independent audits of red light camera enforcement
across the country have found that these programs generally do not generate excess revenue. Camera
equipment costs vary based on the type of camera, the complexity of the intersection, and technical
requirements. A red light camera system with installation costs more than $100,000. Fines for red light
violations in Virginia are limited to $50 per violation by the legislation.
Wouldn’t increasing the length of the yellow signal at an intersection decrease the occurrence of
red light running? Allowing adequate yellow timing can reduce red light running, but longer yellow time
alone does not eliminate the need or potential benefits of red light cameras. Yellow times at signals are
determined based on variables such as the posted speed limit, typical deceleration rates of vehicles, the
grade of the road (uphill or downhill), and the amount of time it takes a driver to see the yellow signal and
react (perception-reaction time). Yellow times are generally in the range of three to six seconds.
Increasing the perception-reaction time from 1.0 to 1.5 seconds has shown to reduce the number of red
light violations.
Who chooses the intersections for photo enforcement? According to revised 2012 legislation enacted
8
by the Virginia General Assembly, localities interested in photo enforcement, within their right of way, must
conduct an engineering safety analysis for each candidate intersection. Localities desiring photo
enforcement at intersections within VDOT’s right of way must conduct an engineering safety analysis
conforming to the department’s safety analysis template and submit it to VDOT for approval. Final approval
for intersections located within VDOT’s right of way will come from the appropriate district administrator or
their designee.
9
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
Red Light Running Camera
(Photo Enforcement)
Engineering Safety Analysis Guidelines
Highway Operations Section
Traffic Engineering Division
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
PHOTO
ENFORCED
PHOTO
ENFORCED
PHOTO
ENFORCED
10
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18, 2020
Table of Contents
Page
INTRODUCTION 1
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS 1
Intersection Selection Factors and Implementation Criteria 1
Public Awareness Program 2
Evaluation and Certification Efforts 2
Engineering Study Guidelines 2
ENGINEERING STUDY GUIDELINES 2
Intersection and Signal Data 3
Signal Timing and Traffic Data 3
Crash and Enforcement Data 4
APPROVAL PROCESS FOR STATE MAINTAINED INTERSECTIONS 5
INTERFACING WITH VDOT SIGNAL EQUIPMENT 6
APPENDIX
A. Legislation
B. Number of Allowable Photo Enforced Intersections Per Locality
C. Approval Process Flow Chart
D. Reference Documents
E. Engineering Safety Analysis Template
11
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18, 2020
Summary of Changes:
• Removed all references to TE306.1 including the memorandum
• Replaced old reference to ITE requirements with current reference - Guidelines for
Determining Traffic Signal Change and Clearance Intervals, A Recommended Practice of the
Institute of Transportation Engineers, Prepared by ITE Technical Advisory Committee, April
2020.
• Changed all references from RTE to DTE and from ROMM to DOMM in flowchart on page
C-1
• Added revised date of June 18, 2020 to cover page and headers
12
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
1
INTRODUCTION
The 2007 Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation (Chapter 903 of the 2007 Virginia Acts of
Assembly in Appendix A) allowing the use of cameras in Virginia counties, cities, and towns to
enforce compliance with traffic signals. The legislation allows localities by ordinance to install and
operate red light running camera systems at no more than one intersection for every 10,000 residents
within the locality. In Planning District 8, localities may install and operate red light running
cameras at no more than 10 intersections or one intersection for every 10,000 residents within the
locality, whichever is greater. Planning District 8 is the geographic area served by the Northern
Virginia Regional Commission consisting of 14 member localities including: the counties of
Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William; the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church,
Manassas, and Manassas Park; the towns of Dumfries, Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville and Vienna.
Based on the legislation provisions, Appendix B provides a tabulation of the maximum number of
intersections at which photo enforcement at any one time could be operated for each locality, based
on 2010 population data.
It also contains requirements for analysis, approval, and annual monitoring. This document provides
guidance to Virginia localities on what should be submitted to VDOT for those proposed photo
enforced intersections maintained and/or operated by VDOT. The Institute of Transportation
Engineers and Federal Highway Administration have also published guidance documents regarding
red light running countermeasures and photo enforcement, Making Intersections Safer: A Toolbox of
Engineering Countermeasures to reduce Red-Light Running published in 2003 and Red Light
Camera System Operational Guidelines published in 2005. References and links to these documents
and other related literature and research can be found in Appendix C.
During the 2012 Legislative Session, the General assembly passed HB 1295 and SB 679 which were
subsequently signed into law as Chapters 805 and 836 (See Appendix A), respectively, of the 2012
Acts of Assembly. As a result VDOT was removed from the process for approving traffic light signal
violation monitoring system (also known as Red Light Camera (RLC) or Photo-red Enforcement) at
intersections effective July 1, 2012. As this action was part of a group of changes to remove mandates
on localities, it is assumed that the goal was to remove VDOT from the process where localities
maintained their own signals; however, the legislation also removed VDOT from the process where
signals are owned, operated and maintained by VDOT, as well. In order to fulfill our responsibility
regarding these types of signals, VDOT will use authority granted under the Land Use Permit process
to manage those requests for installations of RLC systems on VDOT’s right of way. All other
requirements of the original legislation, Chapter 903 Section 15.2-968.1, remain in effect.
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
Intersection Selection Factors and Implementation Criteria
When selecting potential intersections for installation of red light running cameras, the Code of
Virginia states localities shall consider the following factors:
i. The accident rate for the intersection,
ii. The rate of red light violations occurring at the intersection,
13
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
2
iii. The difficulty experienced by law-enforcement officers to apprehend violators,
iv. The ability of law-enforcement officers to apprehend violators safely within a reasonable
distance from the violation.
The legislation also requires a minimum 0.5 second grace period between the time the signal turns
red and the time the first violation is recorded by the camera.
Public Awareness Program
Prior to implementation of red light running cameras or expansion of the monitoring system, a
locality shall conduct a public awareness program advising the public that a photo enforcement
system is being implemented. Further guidance on public awareness campaigns can be found in
national publications such as Red Light Camera Systems: Operational Guidelines, published by the
Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in January
2005. In addition, localities must place conspicuous signs within 500 feet of the intersection approach
at which a red light running camera is installed informing motorists of the enforcement effort. A
standard warning sign for use across the Commonwealth will be the MUTCD’s standard sign.
Evaluation and Certification Efforts
Localities are required to evaluate the photo enforcement system on a monthly basis to ensure all
cameras and traffic signals are operating properly. The results of the evaluation are to be made
available to the public. Localities shall annually certify compliance with the legislation and make all
records available for inspection and audit by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner or the
Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Engineering Study Guidelines
Before red light running camera(s) can be installed at an intersection, the locality is required to
complete an engineering safety analysis for the specific intersection. The engineering study should
document the current clearance intervals (yellow and all-red), whether the signal is coordinated with
other signals along the corridor, and the current condition of other safety features (i.e., lane markings,
median control, speed limits, signing, etc.).
ENGINEERING STUDY GUIDELINES
When considering the use of a red light camera system it is important to perform an engineering
study to identify potential issues with the intersection configuration that may be contributing to red
light violations or potential improvements/countermeasures that may need to be implemented instead
of a photo enforcement system. VDOT has established engineering study guidelines to assist
localities in reviewing photo enforcement request submittals. The engineering safety analysis should
include a statement explaining why photo enforcement is proposed for a specific intersection. The
engineering safety analysis shall be stamped and signed by a professional engineer. An engineering
analysis template is provided in Appendix D and includes sections for: Intersection and Signal Data,
Signal Timings and Traffic Data, and Crash and Enforcement Data.
14
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
3
Intersection and Signal Data
Signal Visibility
As motorists approach an intersection their line of sight to the intersection and the traffic signal
should be unobstructed. The engineering analysis of the intersection should address intersection
and traffic signal visibility.
Engineering counter measures such as ‘signal ahead’ signs (with or without flashers) may be
installed to warn drivers approaching a signalized intersection and to prepare them to stop if
necessary for proposed intersections.
Adding additional signal heads so that there is one signal head over each lane may be an
appropriate countermeasure for intersections with high percentages of heavy vehicles. LED
lighting, 12 inch signal lamps and backplates shall be considered to make traffic signals more
visible to drivers, especially under adverse weather and lighting conditions and to combat sun
glare issues.
Pavement Markings, Conditions and Treatments
Information requested in the study report includes: a diagram of the intersection, sight distance on
the approach, grade of the approach, data on signal heads, pavement markings, and warning signs.
The engineering analysis of the intersection should document pavement and marking conditions
in the vicinity of the intersection.
Signal Timings and Traffic Data
Clearance Intervals
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Institute of Transportation
Engineers (Guidelines for Determining Traffic Signal Change and Clearance Interval dated April
2020) provide guidance on calculating clearance intervals – yellow and all red intervals.
The yellow interval is designed to warn motorists of the change in assignment of right-of-way.
Yellow intervals should provide motorists with adequate time to make the appropriate decision to
either proceed through the intersection before the signal turns red or make a comfortable
deceleration and stop before entering the intersection. The likelihood of a motorist entering an
intersection on red increases as the amount of yellow time is decreased. An appropriate yellow
clearance interval is critical to preventing inadvertent violation of the red signal.
Signal Timing and Phasing
The engineering analysis of the intersection should include an evaluation of the intersection
timings, phasing, and coordination with other intersections. The amount of traffic entering the
intersection, the time of day, the number of turns, and sequence of the signals are all important
factors and vary from intersection to intersection. Traffic engineering judgment and local
knowledge of the intersection in conjunction with signal optimization and simulation should
result in the most efficient traffic signal timing at the intersection.
15
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
4
Vehicle Detection Data
The engineering analysis of the intersection should include an evaluation of loop detector
locations and the existence of a dilemma zone. Location of loop detectors at relatively higher
speed intersections (speeds greater than 30 mph) is an important factor in signalized intersection
design. At a certain distance from the intersection, depending on speed, drivers seeing the onset
of the yellow phase may be indecisive about stopping or proceeding through the intersection.
This zone of driver indecision is often referred to as a “dilemma zone”. One measure to reduce
the likelihood of vehicles being in the “dilemma zone” is to install a vehicle detector in the zone
that will extend green time if a vehicle is present and not allow the yellow interval to begin while
a vehicle is present in the zone. Dilemma zone detection is not generally used with coordinated
signal systems.
Traffic Volume Data
The engineering analysis should include an intersection volume count containing both the number
of passenger cars and heavy vehicles. At a minimum, volume counts should include a 48-hour
automatic traffic recorder directional and classification count from which to calculate an ADT,
and turn movement counts concurrent with the same time period as the red-light violation counts.
Crash and Enforcement Data
Three-year Crash Analysis
The engineering analysis of the intersection should include a crash analysis that focuses on
identifying crashes related to red light running violations. The crash analysis should include at
least 3-years of the latest historical crash data. Indicators of red light running related crashes can
be found in crash reports in sections such as contributing cause, collision type, traffic control,
offense charged, and the narrative and/or diagram. This data should be evaluated in detail to
determine if a red light running problem is resulting in crashes at an intersection. Crash rates
should be reported in crashes per million entering vehicles and by types of crashes, specifically
for angle and rear end crash types. The most prominent crash types of red light running violators
are angle and turning crashes. Crashes involving single vehicles or pedestrians and bicyclists can
also occur as a result of red light running when violators or other drivers take evasive action to
avoid crashes or when coming in conflict with pedestrians and bicyclists legally in the
intersection.
Violation Rates
The engineering analysis should document the frequency or violation rate of red light running at
an intersection. Violations shall be analyzed for a minimum of a 12 hour period, preferably from
7 AM to 7 PM, and be summarized by approach and movement for all legs of the intersection
even if a particular leg is not under consideration for photo enforcement. Violation rates shall be
collected concurrently with the traffic count and classification study.This documentation will help
to determine if a problem exists and will also provide a measure for comparison once photo
enforcement is implemented.
Counts of red light violations at an intersection should be done either manually through field
observations or by the preferred approach, video camera. This data may also provide important
16
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
5
information on driver behavior and operational conditions at an intersection. The legislation
states that violation rates be expressed as number of violations per 1,000 vehicles.
Enforcement Endorsement
The engineering analysis should document law enforcement opinions regarding red light running
violations at specific intersections. In addition, as part of the engineering analysis, there should
be documentation of law enforcement difficulties and safety issues related to apprehending red
light violators by conventional means other than photo enforcement.
APPROVAL PROCESS FOR STATE MAINTAINED INTERSECTIONS
Requests for land use permits to install RLC within VDOT right of way falls under the provisions
for Special Request and Installation Permits, Section 660 of the Land Use Permit Regulations
(24VAC30-151). This section was recently revised to delegate the authority for approval of land
use permits for RLC installations from the Commissioner to the appropriate District
Administrator.
The process for RLC installation requests occurring within VDOT’s right of way is as follows:
• Localities request a scoping meeting with the District Traffic Engineer (DTE) and
stakeholders to discuss the objectives of the program, the state requirements and the
installation process. This initial meeting will answer many questions on both sides and
provide an opportunity to exchange lessons learned.
• Localities submit formal request including the mandated P.E.signed and sealed safety
analysis to the appropriate Area Land Use Engineer (ALUE) or appropriate district permit
authority in order to apply for the necessary land use permit. The safety analysis shall be
conducted in conformance with VDOT’s study template
• ALUE will transmit request and documentation to the DTE.
• DTE will coordinate review with Central Office Traffic Engineering Division and the
residency administrator and is responsible for all additional communications with the
requesting locality as changes and clarifications are made.
• DTE will submit the request, safety analysis and his recommendation to the District
Administrator (DA) for action with copies to the ALUE.
• DA will send his decision to the permit authority for appropriate processing and copy the
DTE.
• Central Office TED is notified of the decision and posts approved locations to the
department’s red light running camera website.
A flow chart of this process can be found in Appendix B.
Appeals or Exceptions to the District Administrator’s decision are at the discretion of the
Commissioner or his designee.
17
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
6
INTERFACING WITH VDOT SIGNAL EQUIPMENT
Safe and efficient signalized intersections are a high priority for the Department. Considerable
technical equipment is located throughout a modern signalized intersection. Highly trained
technicians maintain and operate these systems. Allowing improperly trained personnel to work on
this equipment could jeopardize the safety of the traveling public as well as expose the Department
and/or the locality to liability.
VDOT will not allow access to, or any work around, any Department maintained traffic signal
component unless a VDOT traffic signal technician is present. Qualifications of those performing
work for a locality must be submitted and approved by VDOT. An insurance certificate may be
required. Additional requirements related to securing a land use permit for installation of RLC are
detailed in the referenced Special Request and Installation Permit section 660 of the Land Use Permit
Regulations.
18
APPENDIX A
LEGISLATION
19
A-1
VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- 2007 RECONVENED SESSION
CHAPTER 903
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-968.1, relating to local
ordinances establishing certain traffic signal enforcement programs; penalties.
[S 829]
Approved April 4, 2007
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-968.1 as follows:
§ 15.2-968.1. Use of photo-monitoring systems to enforce traffic light signals.
A. The governing body of any county, city, or town may provide by ordinance for the establishment of a traffic signal
enforcement program imposing monetary liability on the operator of a motor vehicle for failure to comply with traffic light
signals in such locality in accordance with the provisions of this section. Each such locality may install and operate traffic
light signal photo-monitoring systems at no more than one intersection for every 10,000 residents within each county, city,
or town at any one time, provided, however, that within planning District 8, each study locality may install and operate
traffic light signal photo-monitoring systems at no more than 10 intersections, or at no more than one intersection for every
10,000 residents within each county, city, or town, whichever is greater, at any one time.
B. The operator of a vehicle shall be liable for a monetary penalty imposed pursuant to this section if such vehicle is
found, as evidenced by information obtained from a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, to have failed to comply
with a traffic light signal within such locality.
C. Proof of a violation of this section shall be evidenced by information obtained from a traffic light signal violation
monitoring system authorized pursuant to this section. A certificate, sworn to or affirmed by a law-enforcement officer
employed by a locality authorized to impose penalties pursuant to this section, or a facsimile thereof, based upon inspection
of photographs, microphotographs, videotape, or other recorded images produced by a traffic light signal violation
monitoring system, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. Any photographs, microphotographs,
videotape, or other recorded images evidencing such a violation shall be available for inspection in any proceeding to
adjudicate the liability for such violation pursuant to an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.
D. In the prosecution for a violation of any local ordinance adopted as provided in this section, prima facie evidence
that the vehicle described in the summons issued pursuant to this section was operated in violation of such ordinance,
together with proof that the defendant was at the time of such violation the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle, shall
constitute in evidence a rebuttable presumption that such owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle was the person who
committed the violation. Such presumption shall be rebutted if the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle (i) files an affidavit
by regular mail with the clerk of the general district court that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the
alleged violation or (ii) testifies in open court under oath that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the
alleged violation. Such presumption shall also be rebutted if a certified copy of a police report, showing that the vehicle
had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time of the alleged violation of this section, is presented, prior to the
return date established on the summons issued pursuant to this section, to the court adjudicating the alleged violation.
E. For purposes of this section, "owner" means the registered owner of such vehicle on record with the Department of
Motor Vehicles. For purposes of this section, "traffic light signal violation monitoring system" means a vehicle sensor
installed to work in conjunction with a traffic light that automatically produces two or more photographs, two or more
microphotographs, video, or other recorded images of each vehicle at the time it is used or operated in violation of § 46.2-
833, 46.2-835, or 46.2-836. For each such vehicle, at least one recorded image shall be of the vehicle before it has illegally
entered the intersection, and at least one recorded image shall be of the same vehicle after it has illegally entered that
intersection.
F. Imposition of a penalty pursuant to this section shall not be deemed a conviction as an operator and shall not be
made part of the operating record of the person upon whom such liability is imposed, nor shall it be used for insurance
purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage. No monetary penalty imposed under this section shall exceed
$50, nor shall it include court costs.
G. A summons for a violation of this section may be executed pursuant to § 19.2-76.2. Notwithstanding the provisions
of § 19.2-76, a summons for a violation of this section may be executed by mailing by first class mail a copy thereof to the
20
A-2
owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle. In the case of a vehicle owner, the copy shall be mailed to the address contained in
the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles; in the case of a vehicle lessee or rentor, the copy shall be mailed to the
address contained in the records of the lessor or rentor. Every such mailing shall include, in addition to the summons, a
notice of (i) the summoned person's ability to rebut the presumption that he was the operator of the vehicle at the time of
the alleged violation through the filing of an affidavit as provided in subsection D and (ii) instructions for filing such
affidavit, including the address to which the affidavit is to be sent. If the summoned person fails to appear on the date of
return set out in the summons mailed pursuant to this section, the summons shall be executed in the manner set out in §
19.2-76.3. No proceedings for contempt or arrest of a person summoned by mailing shall be instituted for failure to appear
on the return date of the summons. Any summons executed for a violation of this section shall provide to the person
summoned at least 60 business days from the mailing of the summons to inspect information collected by a traffic light
signal violation monitoring system in connection with the violation.
H. Information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system installed and operated pursuant to
subsection A shall be limited exclusively to that information that is necessary for the enforcement of traffic light violations.
On behalf of a locality, a private entity may not obtain records regarding the registered owners of vehicles that fail to
comply with traffic light signals. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all photographs, microphotographs,
electronic images, or other personal information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system shall be
used exclusively for enforcing traffic light violations and shall not (i) be open to the public; (ii) be sold or used for sales,
solicitation, or marketing purposes; (iii) be disclosed to any other entity except as may be necessary for the enforcement of
a traffic light violation or to a vehicle owner or operator as part of a challenge to the violation; or (iv) be used in a court
in a pending action or proceeding unless the action or proceeding relates to a violation of § 46.2-833, 46.2-835, or 46.2-
836 or requested upon order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Information collected under this section pertaining to
a specific violation shall be purged and not retained later than 60 days after the collection of any civil penalties. If a locality
does not execute a summons for a violation of this section within 10 business days, all information collected pertaining to
that suspected violation shall be purged within two business days. Any locality operating a traffic light signal violation
monitoring system shall annually certify compliance with this section and make all records pertaining to such system
available for inspection and audit by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner or the Commissioner of the
Department of Motor Vehicles or his designee. Any person who discloses personal information in violation of the provisions
of this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000.
I. A private entity may enter into an agreement with a locality to be compensated for providing the traffic light signal
violation monitoring system or equipment, and all related support services, to include consulting, operations and
administration. However, only a law-enforcement officer employed by a locality may swear to or affirm the certificate
required by subsection C. No locality shall enter into an agreement for compensation based on the number of violations or
monetary penalties imposed.
J. When selecting potential intersections for a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, a locality shall consider
factors such as (i) the accident rate for the intersection, (ii) the rate of red light violations occurring at the intersection
(number of violations per number of vehicles), (iii) the difficulty experienced by law-enforcement officers in patrol cars or
on foot in apprehending violators, and (iv) the ability of law-enforcement officers to apprehend violators safely within a
reasonable distance from the violation. Localities may consider the risk to pedestrians as a factor, if applicable. A locality
shall submit a list of intersections to the Virginia Department of Transportation for final approval.
K. Before the implementation of a traffic light signal violation monitoring system at an intersection, the locality shall
complete an engineering safety analysis that addresses signal timing and other location-specific safety features. The length
of the yellow phase shall be established based on the recommended methodology of the Institute of Transportation
Engineers. All traffic light signal violation monitoring systems shall provide a minimum 0.5-second grace period between
the time the signal turns red and the time the first violation is recorded. If recommended by the engineering safety analysis,
the locality shall make reasonable location-specific safety improvements, including signs and pavement markings.
L. Any locality that uses a traffic light signal violation monitoring system shall evaluate the system on a monthly basis
to ensure all cameras and traffic signals are functioning properly. Evaluation results shall be made available to the public.
M. Any locality that uses a traffic light signal violation monitoring system to enforce traffic light signals shall place
conspicuous signs within 500 feet of the intersection approach at which a traffic light signal violation monitoring system is
used. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that such signs were in place at the time of the commission of the traffic light
signal violation.
N. Prior to or coincident with the implementation or expansion of a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, a
locality shall conduct a public awareness program, advising the public that the locality is implementing or expanding a
traffic light signal violation monitoring system.
21
A-3
VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- 2012 SESSION
CHAPTER 805
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-1124, 2.2-4303, 2.2-4343, 5.1-40, 15.2-968.1, 15.2-1643, 15.2-2223.1,
22.1-18.1, 22.1-92, 22.1-129, 22.1-275.1, 37.2-504, 37.2-508, 42.1-36.1, and 51.5-89 of the Code of Virginia
and to repeal § 2 of the first enactment of Chapter 814 of the Acts of Assembly of 2010, relating to the
elimination of various mandates on local and regional entities relating to procurement procedures, education,
and land use.
[H 1295]
Approved April 18, 2012
§ 15.2-968.1. Use of photo-monitoring systems to enforce traffic light signals.
A. The governing body of any county, city, or town may provide by ordinance for the establishment of a traffic signal
enforcement program imposing monetary liability on the operator of a motor vehicle for failure to comply with traffic light
signals in such locality in accordance with the provisions of this section. Each such locality may install and operate traffic
light signal photo-monitoring systems at no more than one intersection for every 10,000 residents within each county, city,
or town at any one time, provided, however, that within planning District 8, each such locality may install and operate
traffic light signal photo-monitoring systems at no more than 10 intersections, or at no more than one intersection for every
10,000 residents within each county, city, or town, whichever is greater, at any one time.
B. The operator of a vehicle shall be liable for a monetary penalty imposed pursuant to this section if such vehicle is
found, as evidenced by information obtained from a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, to have failed to comply
with a traffic light signal within such locality.
C. Proof of a violation of this section shall be evidenced by information obtained from a traffic light signal violation
monitoring system authorized pursuant to this section. A certificate, sworn to or affirmed by a law-enforcement officer
employed by a locality authorized to impose penalties pursuant to this section, or a facsimile thereof, based upon inspection
of photographs, microphotographs, videotape, or other recorded images produced by a traffic light signal violation
monitoring system, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. Any photographs, microphotographs,
videotape, or other recorded images evidencing such a violation shall be available for inspection in any proceeding to
adjudicate the liability for such violation pursuant to an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.
D. In the prosecution for a violation of any local ordinance adopted as provided in this section, prima facie evidence
that the vehicle described in the summons issued pursuant to this section was operated in violation of such ordinance,
together with proof that the defendant was at the time of such violation the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle, shall
constitute in evidence a rebuttable presumption that such owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle was the person who
committed the violation. Such presumption shall be rebutted if the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle (i) files an affidavit
by regular mail with the clerk of the general district court that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the
alleged violation or (ii) testifies in open court under oath that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the
alleged violation. Such presumption shall also be rebutted if a certified copy of a police report, showing that the vehicle
had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time of the alleged violation of this section, is presented, prior to the
return date established on the summons issued pursuant to this section, to the court adjudicating the alleged violation.
E. For purposes of this section, "owner" means the registered owner of such vehicle on record with the Department of
Motor Vehicles. For purposes of this section, "traffic light signal violation monitoring system" means a vehicle sensor
installed to work in conjunction with a traffic light that automatically produces two or more photographs, two or more
microphotographs, video, or other recorded images of each vehicle at the time it is used or operated in violation of § 46.2-
833, 46.2-835, or 46.2-836. For each such vehicle, at least one recorded image shall be of the vehicle before it has illegally
entered the intersection, and at least one recorded image shall be of the same vehicle after it has illegally entered that
intersection.
F. Imposition of a penalty pursuant to this section shall not be deemed a conviction as an operator and shall not be
made part of the operating record of the person upon whom such liability is imposed, nor shall it be used for insurance
purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage. No monetary penalty imposed under this section shall exceed
$50, nor shall it include court costs.
22
A-4
G. A summons for a violation of this section may be executed pursuant to § 19.2-76.2. Notwithstanding the provisions
of § 19.2-76, a summons for a violation of this section may be executed by mailing by first class mail a copy thereof to the
owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle. In the case of a vehicle owner, the copy shall be mailed to the address contained in
the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles; in the case of a vehicle lessee or renter, the copy shall be mailed to the
address contained in the records of the lessor or renter. Every such mailing shall include, in addition to the summons, a
notice of (i) the summoned person's ability to rebut the presumption that he was the operator of the vehicle at the time of
the alleged violation through the filing of an affidavit as provided in subsection D and (ii) instructions for filing such
affidavit, including the address to which the affidavit is to be sent. If the summoned person fails to appear on the date of
return set out in the summons mailed pursuant to this section, the summons shall be executed in the manner set out in §
19.2-76.3. No proceedings for contempt or arrest of a person summoned by mailing shall be instituted for failure to appear
on the return date of the summons. Any summons executed for a violation of this section shall provide to the person
summoned at least 30 business days from the mailing of the summons to inspect information collected by a traffic light
signal violation monitoring system in connection with the violation.
H. Information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system installed and operated pursuant to
subsection A shall be limited exclusively to that information that is necessary for the enforcement of traffic light violations.
On behalf of a locality, a private entity that operates a traffic light signal violation monitoring system may enter into an
agreement with the Department of Motor Vehicles, in accordance with the provisions of subdivision B 21 of § 46.2-208, to
obtain vehicle owner information regarding the registered owners of vehicles that fail to comply with a traffic light signal.
Information provided to the operator of a traffic light signal violation monitoring system shall be protected in a database
with security comparable to that of the Department of Motor Vehicles' system, and used only for enforcement against
individuals who violate the provisions of this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all photographs,
microphotographs, electronic images, or other personal information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring
system shall be used exclusively for enforcing traffic light violations and shall not (i) be open to the public; (ii) be sold or
used for sales, solicitation, or marketing purposes; (iii) be disclosed to any other entity except as may be necessary for the
enforcement of a traffic light violation or to a vehicle owner or operator as part of a challenge to the violation; or (iv) be
used in a court in a pending action or proceeding unless the action or proceeding relates to a violation of § 46.2-833, 46.2-
835, or 46.2-836 or requested upon order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Information collected under this section
pertaining to a specific violation shall be purged and not retained later than 60 days after the collection of any civil
penalties. If a locality does not execute a summons for a violation of this section within 10 business days, all information
collected pertaining to that suspected violation shall be purged within two business days. Any locality operating a traffic
light signal violation monitoring system shall annually certify compliance with this section and make all records pertaining
to such system available for inspection and audit by the Commissioner of Highways or the Commissioner of the Department
of Motor Vehicles or his designee. Any person who discloses personal information in violation of the provisions of this
subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 per disclosure. Any unauthorized use or disclosure of such personal
information shall be grounds for termination of the agreement between the Department of Motor Vehicles and the private
entity.
I. A private entity may enter into an agreement with a locality to be compensated for providing the traffic light signal
violation monitoring system or equipment, and all related support services, to include consulting, operations and
administration. However, only a law-enforcement officer employed by a locality may swear to or affirm the certificate
required by subsection C. No locality shall enter into an agreement for compensation based on the number of violations or
monetary penalties imposed.
J. When selecting potential intersections for a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, a locality shall consider
factors such as (i) the accident rate for the intersection, (ii) the rate of red light violations occurring at the intersection
(number of violations per number of vehicles), (iii) the difficulty experienced by law-enforcement officers in patrol cars or
on foot in apprehending violators, and (iv) the ability of law-enforcement officers to apprehend violators safely within a
reasonable distance from the violation. Localities may consider the risk to pedestrians as a factor, if applicable.
K. Before the implementation of a traffic light signal violation monitoring system at an intersection, the locality shall
complete an engineering safety analysis that addresses signal timing and other location-specific safety features. The length
of the yellow phase shall be established based on the recommended methodology of the Institute of Transportation
Engineers. All traffic light signal violation monitoring systems shall provide a minimum 0.5-second grace period between
the time the signal turns red and the time the first violation is recorded. If recommended by the engineering safety analysis,
the locality shall make reasonable location-specific safety improvements, including signs and pavement markings.
L. Any locality that uses a traffic light signal violation monitoring system shall evaluate the system on a monthly basis
to ensure all cameras and traffic signals are functioning properly. Evaluation results shall be made available to the public.
23
A-5
M. Any locality that uses a traffic light signal violation monitoring system to enforce traffic light signals shall place
conspicuous signs within 500 feet of the intersection approach at which a traffic light signal violation monitoring system is
used. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that such signs were in place at the time of the commission of the traffic light
signal violation.
N. Prior to or coincident with the implementation or expansion of a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, a
locality shall conduct a public awareness program, advising the public that the locality is implementing or expanding a
traffic light signal violation monitoring system.
O. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a vehicle depicted in images recorded by a traffic light signal
photo-monitoring system is owned, leased, or rented by a county, city, or town, then the county, city, or town may access
and use the recorded images and associated information for employee disciplinary purposes.
24
APPENDIX B
NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE
PHOTO ENFORCED INTERSECTIONS
PER LOCALITY
25
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
B-1
NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE PHOTO ENFORCED INTERSECTIONS BY
COUNTY
JURISDICTION POPULATION
2010
POTENTIAL # OF
INTERSECTIONS REGION DISTRICT
Accomack 33,164 3 Eastern Hampton Roads
Albemarle 98,970 10 Northwestern Culpeper
Alleghany 16,250 2 Northwestern Staunton
Amelia 12,690 1 Central Richmond
Amherst 32,353 3 Southwestern Lynchburg
Appomattox 14,973 1 Southwestern Lynchburg
Arlington 207,627 21 Northern Nova
Augusta 73,750 7 Northwestern Staunton
Bath 4,731 0 Northwestern Staunton
Bedford 68,676 7 Southwestern Salem
Bland 6,824 0 Southwestern Bristol
Botetourt 33,148 3 Southwestern Salem
Brunswick 17,434 2 Central Richmond
Buchanan 24,098 2 Southwestern Bristol
Buckingham 17,146 2 Central Lynchburg
Campbell 54,842 5 Southwestern Lynchburg
Caroline 28,545 3 Central Fredericksburg
Carroll 30,042 3 Southwestern Salem
Charles City 7,256 0 Central Richmond
Charlotte 12,586 1 Central Lynchburg
Chesterfield 316,236 32 Central Richmond
Clarke 14,034 1 Northwestern Staunton
Craig 5,190 0 Southwestern Salem
Culpeper 46,689 5 Northern Culpeper
Cumberland 10,052 1 Central Lynchburg
Dickenson 15,903 2 Southwestern Bristol
Dinwiddie 28,001 3 Central Richmond
Essex 11,151 1 Central Fredericksburg
Fairfax 1,081,726 108 Northern Nova
Fauquier 65,203 7 Northern Culpeper
Floyd 15,279 2 Southwestern Salem
Fluvanna 25,691 3 Northwestern Culpeper
Franklin 56,159 6 Southwestern Salem
Frederick 78,305 8 Northwestern Staunton
Giles 17,286 2 Southwestern Salem
Gloucester 36,858 4 Eastern Fredericksburg
Goochland 21,717 2 Central Richmond
Grayson 15,533 2 Southwestern Bristol
Greene 18,403 2 Northwestern Culpeper
Greensville 12,243 1 Eastern Hampton Roads
26
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
B-2
NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE PHOTO ENFORCED INTERSECTIONS BY
COUNTY
JURISDICTION POPULATION
2010
POTENTIAL # OF
INTERSECTIONS REGION DISTRICT
Halifax 36,241 4 Central Lynchburg
Hanover 99,863 10 Central Richmond
Henrico 306,935 31 Central Richmond
Henry 54,151 5 Southwestern Salem
Highland 2,321 0 Northwestern Staunton
Isle of Wight 35,270 4 Eastern Hampton Roads
James City 67,009 7 Eastern Hampton Roads
King and Queen 6,945 0 Central Fredericksburg
King George 23,584 2 Northern Fredericksburg
King William 15,935 2 Central Fredericksburg
Lancaster 11,391 1 Central Fredericksburg
Lee 25,587 3 Southwestern Bristol
Loudoun 312,311 31 Northern Nova
Louisa 33,153 3 Northwestern Culpeper
Lunenburg 12,914 1 Central Richmond
Madison 13,308 1 Northern Culpeper
Mathews 8,978 0 Eastern Fredericksburg
Mecklenburg 32,727 3 Central Richmond
Middlesex 10,959 1 Eastern Fredericksburg
Montgomery 94,392 9 Southwestern Salem
Nelson 15,020 2 Southwestern Lynchburg
New Kent 18,429 2 Central Richmond
Northampton 12,389 1 Eastern Hampton Roads
Northumberland 12,330 1 Central Fredericksburg
Nottoway 15,853 2 Central Richmond
Orange 33,481 3 Northern Culpeper
Page 24,042 2 Northwestern Staunton
Patrick 18,490 2 Southwestern Salem
Pittsylvania 63,506 6 Southwestern Lynchburg
Powhatan 28,046 3 Central Richmond
Prince Edward 23,368 2 Central Lynchburg
Prince George 35,725 4 Central Richmond
Prince William 402,002 40 Northern Nova
Pulaski 34,872 3 Southwestern Salem
Rappahannock 7,373 0 Northern Culpeper
Richmond 9,254 0 Central Fredericksburg
Roanoke 92,376 9 Southwestern Salem
Rockbridge 22,307 2 Northwestern Staunton
Rockingham 76,314 8 Northwestern Staunton
Russell 28,897 3 Southwestern Bristol
Scott 23,177 2 Southwestern Bristol
27
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
B-3
NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE PHOTO ENFORCED INTERSECTIONS BY
COUNTY
JURISDICTION POPULATION
2010
POTENTIAL # OF
INTERSECTIONS REGION DISTRICT
Shenandoah 41,993 4 Northwestern Staunton
Smyth 32,208 3 Southwestern Bristol
Southampton 18,570 2 Eastern Hampton Roads
Spotsylvania 122,397 12 Northern Fredericksburg
Stafford 128,961 13 Northern Fredericksburg
Surry 7,058 0 Eastern Hampton Roads
Sussex 12,087 1 Eastern Hampton Roads
Tazewell 45,078 5 Southwestern Bristol
Warren 37,575 4 Northwestern Staunton
Washington 54,876 5 Southwestern Bristol
Westmoreland 17,454 2 Central Fredericksburg
Wise 41,452 4 Southwestern Bristol
Wythe 29,235 3 Southwestern Bristol
York 65,464 7 Eastern Hampton Roads
28
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
B-4
NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE PHOTO ENFORCED INTERSECTIONS BY
CITY
JURISDICTION POPULATION
2010
POTENTIAL # OF
INTERSECTIONS REGION DISTRICT
Alexandria 139,966 14 Northern Nova
Bedford 6,222 0 Southwestern Salem
Bristol 17,835 2 Southwestern Bristol
Buena Vista 6,650 0 Northwestern Staunton
Charlottesville 43,475 4 Northwestern Culpeper
Chesapeake 222,209 22 Eastern Hampton Roads
Colonial Heights 17,411 2 Central Richmond
Covington 5,961 0 Northwestern Staunton
Danville 43,055 4 Southwestern Lynchburg
Emporia 5,927 0 Eastern Hampton Roads
Fairfax 22,565 2 Northern Nova
Falls Church 12,332 1 Northern Nova
Franklin 8,582 0 Eastern Hampton Roads
Fredericksburg 24,286 2 Northern Fredericksburg
Galax 7,042 0 Southwestern Salem
Hampton 137,436 14 Eastern Hampton Roads
Harrisonburg 48,914 5 Northwestern Staunton
Hopewell 22,591 2 Central Richmond
Lexington 7,042 0 Northwestern Staunton
Lynchburg 75,568 8 Southwestern Lynchburg
Manassas 37,821 4 Northern Nova
Manassas Park 14,273 1 Northern Nova
Martinsville 13,821 1 Southwestern Salem
Newport News 180,719 18 Eastern Hampton Roads
Norfolk 242,803 24 Eastern Hampton Roads
Norton 3,958 0 Southwestern Bristol
Petersburg 32,420 3 Central Richmond
Poquoson 12,150 1 Eastern Hampton Roads
Portsmouth 95,535 10 Eastern Hampton Roads
Radford 16,408 2 Southwestern Salem
Richmond 204,214 20 Central Richmond
Roanoke 97,032 10 Southwestern Salem
Salem 24,802 2 Southwestern Salem
Staunton 23,746 2 Northwestern Staunton
Suffolk 84,585 8 Eastern Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach 437,994 44 Eastern Hampton Roads
Waynesboro 21,006 2 Northwestern Staunton
Williamsburg 14,068 1 Eastern Hampton Roads
Winchester 26,203 3 Northwestern Staunton
29
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
B-5
NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE PHOTO ENFORCED INTERSECTIONS BY
TOWN
JURISDICTION JURISDICTION
TYPE
POPULATION
2010
POTENTIAL # OF
INTERSECTIONS REGION DISTRICT
Abingdon Town 8,191 0 Southwestern Bristol
Accomac Town 519 0 Eastern
Hampton
Roads
Alberta Town 298 0 Central Richmond
Amherst Town 2,232 0 Southwestern Lynchburg
Appalachia Town 1,754 0 Southwestern Bristol
Appomattox Town 1,733 0 Southwestern Lynchburg
Ashland Town 7,225 0 Central Richmond
Belle Haven Town 532 0 Eastern
Hampton
Roads
Berryville Town 4,185 0 Northwestern Staunton
Big Stone Gap Town 5,614 0 Southwestern Bristol
Blacksburg Town 42,620 4 Southwestern Salem
Christiansburg Town 21,041 2 Southwestern Salem
Clifton Town 282 0 Northern Nova
Hamilton Town 506 0 Northern Nova
Haymarket Town 1,782 0 Northern Nova
Hillsboro Town 80 0 Northern Nova
Leesburg Town 42,616 4 Northern Nova
Lovettsville Town 1,613 0 Northern Nova
Middleburg Town 673 0 Northern Nova
Occoquan Town 934 0 Northern Nova
Quantico Town 480 0 Northern Nova
Round Hill Town 539 0 Northern Nova
Culpeper Town 16,379 2 Northern Culpeper
Dumfries Town 4,961 0 Northern Nova
Front Royal Town 14,440 1 Northwestern Staunton
Herndon Town 23,292 2 Northern Nova
Purcellville Town 7,727 0 Northern Nova
Vienna Town 15,687 1 Northern Nova
30
APPENDIX C
APPROVAL PROCESS FLOW CHART
31
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18, 2020
C-1
32
APPENDIX D
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
33
D-1
REFERENCES
Red Light Camera Systems: Operational Guidelines, Federal Highway Administration and National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, DC, January 2005.
Making Intersections Safer: A Toolbox of Engineering Countermeasures to Reduce Red-Light
Running, Federal Highway Administration and Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington,
DC, 2003.
Field Guide for Inspecting Signalized Intersection to Reduce Red-Light Running, Federal Highway
Administration and Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington, DC, 2003.
Intersection Safety Briefs, Federal Highway Administration and Institute of Transportation Engineers,
Washington, DC, 2004.
http://www.ite.org/library/IntersectionSafety/BriefingSheets.pdf
Guidelines for Determining Traffic Signal Change and Clearance Intervals, A Recommended
Practice of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, Prepared by ITE Technical Advisory
Committee, April 2020
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 2003 Edition, Federal
Highway Administration, Washington, DC, 2003.
A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, American Association of State Highway
Transportation Officials, Washington, DC, 2001.
Garber, N.J., et. al., An Evaluation of Red Light Camera (Photo-Red) Enforcement Programs in
Virginia: A Report in Response to a Request By Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation, Virginia
Transportation Research Council, Charlottesville, VA, January 2005.
National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running, http://www.stopredlightrunning.com
PB Farradyne Inc., City of San Diego Photo Enforcement System Review Final Report, Prepared for
the City of San Diego Police Department, January 2002.
Retting, R.A., A.F. Williams, C.M. Farmer, and A.F. Feldman, “Evaluation of Red Light Camera
Enforcement in Fairfax, Virginia,” ITE Journal, October 1998, pp. 30-34
A. Kamyab et. al., Red Light Running in Iowa: The Scope Impact and Possible Implications, Final
Report, Center for Transportation Research and Education, Ames, Iowa, 2000.
J.S. Milazzo, J.E. Hummer and L.M. Prothe, A Recommended Policy of Automated Electronic Traffic
Enforcement of Red-Light Running Violations in North Carolina, North Carolina Governor’s
Highway Safety Program, North Carolina State University, 2001.
34
D-2
Lockwood, M., and Kastenhofer, I., Evaluation of Traffic Engineering Aspects of Photo Monitoring
Programs in Virginia, Virginia Department of Transportation, Richmond, VA, May 2002
Council, F.M., B. Persaud, K. Eccles, C. Lyon, and M.S. Griffith. Safety Evaluation of Red-Light
Cameras. Washington, DC: Federal Highway Administration, Report No. FHWA-HRT-05-048,
April 2005.
35
APPENDIX E
ENGINEERING SAFETY ANALYSIS
TEMPLATE
36
VDOT
Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement
Engineering Analysis Template
Local Jurisdiction: ___________________________ VDOT District:________________ (County/City/Town)
Intersection: _____________________________________________________
Street Name (Route #) at Street Name (Route #)
Intersection approaches under consideration for photo enforcement:
This Study performed under the direction of ____________________________
(licensed professional engineer)
A. INTERSECTION & SIGNAL DATA (Include information on all approaches not just those
under consideration for photo enforcement)
1. Signal Visibility
a. Minimum Sight Distance to Signal
Approach Grade Speed Limit (mph) Measure (ft) Required (ft)*
*See attached table of minimum sight distance requirements from the MUTCD.
b. Are “SIGNAL AHEAD” signs present? Yes No
Are “SIGNAL AHEAD” signs needed? Yes No
Are other warning signs present in the vicinity of the intersection? Yes No
Explain: _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
c. Information on Signal Heads
Approach Lens Size
Lens Type
(LED or Bulb)
Back Plates
(Yes or No)
2. Pavement and Markings Data
a. Stop bars in “good” condition? Yes No
Explain: _________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________
b. Lane lines “clearly” visible? Yes No
Explain: _________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________
37
c. Crosswalks “clearly” marked? Yes No
Explain: _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
d. Pavement conditions (ruts, potholes, cracking, etc.)?
Good Explain: _____________________________________________
Fair Explain: _____________________________________________
Poor Explain: _____________________________________________
e. Pavement surface treatments exist? (rumble strips, texturing, pavers, etc.)
Yes Explain: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
No
3. Provide scaled diagram of intersection including: pavement markings, width of lanes and
medians, location of signal heads and signs, locations of loops/detectors, and grades.
N
38
B. SIGNAL TIMING & TRAFFIC DATA (Include information on all approaches not just those
under consideration for photo enforcement)
1. Clearance Intervals
Approach
Posted
Speed Limit Grade
Width of
Intersection
Yellow Interval All Red Interval
Existing Calculated* Existing Calculated*
*Reference ITE Guidelines for Determining Traffic Signal Change & Clearance Intervals April 2020.
2. Include existing controller settings for each phase and each time-of-day. Information should
include applicable settings such as minimum green, max 1 & 2, passage, minimum gap/ext,
protected-permissive, lead-lag, yellow and all red, walk and ped clearance time, recall
settings, offsets, cycle length, etc. Include analysis of peak hour conditions and discuss
whether signal timings (phasing, cycle length, progression, coordination, etc) are contributing
to red-light running problem.
a. Do signal timings or phasing factor in as a possible contributor to RLR at this intersection?
Yes Explain: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
No Explain: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
b. List comments or recommendations on potential signal timing or phasing changes:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. Vehicle Detection Data
Approach
and
Movement
Detection Type
(loop, video, etc.)
Detector Location
(measured from stop bar)
4. 48-Hour Traffic Volume & Classification Data (Concurrent with 12- hour violation survey)
Approach
and
Movement
Daily Volumes Peak Hour Volumes
Total Heavy Vehicles Total Heavy Vehicles
39
C. CRASH & ENFORCEMENT DATA (Include information on all approaches not just those
under consideration for photo enforcement)
1. Most Recent Three-Year Crash Data
Collision Type
3-year
Total
Number of
Injury Crashes
Number of
Fatal Crashes
Crashes Associated
With Red-Light-Running
Angle
Rear End
Head On
Sideswipe
Pedestrian
Bicyclist
TOTAL
2. Crash Rate
a. Number of crashes per million entering vehicles: _____________
b. Locality rate for comparison (if available): _____________
3. Violation Rate
a. Number of red light running citations per year issued by law enforcement at the
evaluated intersection, if available.
Number: __________ Year: ___________
b.12-hour observed violation rate (conducted concurrently with traffic count survey)
Date: ______________
Time Period: ________
*per 1000 vehicles
4. Enforcement and Operational Issues
a. Describe the difficulty experienced by law enforcement officers in patrol cars or on
foot in apprehending violators.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
b. Describe the ability of law enforcement officers to apprehend violators safely within a
reasonable distance from the violation.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
c. Are pedestrians at risk due to violations? Yes No
Explain: __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Approach
and
Movement
Traffic Volume Number of Violations
40
Number of pedestrians per hour? _______
Pedestrian crosswalk provided? Yes No
d. Have there been any changes to the operations of the intersection (signal timing,
restriping, or increased enforcement) within the past three years? Yes No
Explain: __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Minimum Sight Distance
85th Percentile Minimum
Speed Sight
(mph) Distance (ft)
20 175
25 215
30 270
35 325
40 390
45 460
50 540
55 625
60 715
Table 4D-2 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, (2009 Edition) Transportation Research Board
(TRB), Washington, DC, 2003
41
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18, 2020
E-1
VDOT
Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement
Engineering Analysis Template
Local Jurisdiction: ___________________________ VDOT District:________________
(County/City/Town)
Intersection: _____________________________________________________
Street Name (Route #) at Street Name (Route #)
Intersection approaches under consideration for photo enforcement:
This Study performed under the direction of ____________________________
(licensed professional engineer)
A. INTERSECTION & SIGNAL DATA (Include information on all approaches not just those
under consideration for photo enforcement)
1. Signal Visibility
a. Minimum Sight Distance to Signal
Approach Grade Speed Limit (mph) Measure (ft) Required (ft)*
*See attached table of minimum sight distance requirements from the MUTCD.
b. Are “SIGNAL AHEAD” signs present? Yes No
Are “SIGNAL AHEAD” signs needed? Yes No
Are other warning signs present in the vicinity of the intersection? Yes No
Explain: _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
c. Information on Signal Heads
Approach Lens Size
Lens Type
(LED or Bulb)
Back Plates
(Yes or No)
2. Pavement and Markings Data
a. Stop bars in “good” condition? Yes No
Explain: _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
b. Lane lines “clearly” visible? Yes No
Explain: _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
42
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18, 2020
E-2
c. Crosswalks “clearly” marked? Yes No
Explain: _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
d. Pavement conditions (ruts, potholes, cracking, etc.)?
Good Explain: _____________________________________________
Fair Explain: _____________________________________________
Poor Explain: _____________________________________________
e. Pavement surface treatments exist? (rumble strips, texturing, pavers, etc.)
Yes Explain: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
No
3. Provide scaled diagram of intersection including: pavement markings, width of lanes and
medians, location of signal heads and signs, locations of loops/detectors, and grades.
N
43
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18, 2020
E-3
B. SIGNAL TIMING & TRAFFIC DATA (Include information on all approaches not just those
under consideration for photo enforcement)
1. Clearance Intervals
Approach
Posted
Speed Limit Grade
Width of
Intersection
Yellow Interval All Red Interval
Existing Calculated* Existing Calculated*
*Reference ITE Guidelines for Determining Traffic Signal Change & Clearance Intervals dated April 2020
2. Include existing controller settings for each phase and each time-of-day. Information should
include applicable settings such as minimum green, max 1 & 2, passage, minimum gap/ext,
protected-permissive, lead-lag, yellow and all red, walk and ped clearance time, recall
settings, offsets, cycle length, etc. Include analysis of peak hour conditions and discuss
whether signal timings (phasing, cycle length, progression, coordination, etc) are contributing
to red-light running problem.
a. Do signal timings or phasing factor in as a possible contributor to RLR at this intersection?
Yes Explain: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
No Explain: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
b. List comments or recommendations on potential signal timing or phasing changes:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. Vehicle Detection Data
Approach
and
Movement
Detection Type
(loop, video, etc.)
Detector Location
(measured from stop bar)
4. 48-Hour Traffic Volume & Classification Data (Concurrent with 12- hour violation survey)
Approach
and
Movement
Daily Volumes Peak Hour Volumes
Total Heavy Vehicles Total Heavy Vehicles
44
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18,2020
E-4
C. CRASH & ENFORCEMENT DATA (Include information on all approaches not just those
under consideration for photo enforcement)
1. Most Recent Three-Year Crash Data
Collision Type
3-year
Total
Number of
Injury Crashes
Number of
Fatal Crashes
Crashes Associated
With Red-Light-Running
Angle
Rear End
Head On
Sideswipe
Pedestrian
Bicyclist
TOTAL
2. Crash Rate
a. Number of crashes per million entering vehicles: _____________
b. Locality rate for comparison (if available): _____________
3. Violation Rate
a. Number of red light running citations per year issued by law enforcement at the
evaluated intersection, if available.
Number: __________ Year: ___________
b.12-hour observed violation rate (conducted concurrently with traffic count survey)
Date: ______________
Time Period: ________
*per 1000 vehicles
4. Enforcement and Operational Issues
a. Describe the difficulty experienced by law enforcement officers in patrol cars or on
foot in apprehending violators.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
b. Describe the ability of law enforcement officers to apprehend violators safely within a
reasonable distance from the violation.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
c. Are pedestrians at risk due to violations? Yes No
Explain: __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Approach
and
Movement
Traffic Volume Number of Violations
45
February 19, 2008
Revised August 26, 2009
Revised Jan. 30, 2013
Revised June 18, 2020
E-5
Number of pedestrians per hour? _______
Pedestrian crosswalk provided? Yes No
d. Have there been any changes to the operations of the intersection (signal timing,
restriping, or increased enforcement) within the past three years? Yes No
Explain: __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Minimum Sight Distance
85th Percentile Minimum
Speed Sight
(mph) Distance (ft)
20 175
25 215
30 270
35 325
40 390
45 460
50 540
55 625
60 715
Table 4D-2 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, (2009 Edition) Transportation Research Board
(TRB), Washington, DC, 2003
46
Code of Virginia
Title 15.2. Counties, Cities and Towns
Subtitle II. Powers of Local Government
Chapter 9. General Powers of Local Governments
Article 5. Additional Powers
§ 15.2-968.1. (For contingent expiration date, see Acts 2023, c.738, cl. 2) Use of violation monitoring systems to enforce trafficlight signals and certain traffic control devices
A. For purposes of this section:
"Owner" means the registered owner on record with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
"Traffic control device" has the same meaning as set forth in § 46.2-100.
"Traffic control device violation monitoring system" means equipment that produces one or more
photographs, microphotographs, video, or other recorded images of vehicles used or operated in
violation of signs or markings placed in accordance with § 46.2-830. Traffic control device
violation monitoring systems shall not be used to enforce violations of traffic light signals or
speed limits.
"Traffic light signal violation monitoring system" means a vehicle sensor installed to work in
conjunction with a traffic light that automatically produces two or more photographs, two or
more microphotographs, video, or other recorded images of each vehicle at the time it is used or
operated in violation of § 46.2-833, 46.2-835, or 46.2-836. For each such vehicle, at least one
recorded image shall be of the vehicle before it has illegally entered the intersection, and at least
one recorded image shall be of the same vehicle after it has illegally entered the intersection.
B. 1. The governing body of any county, city, or town may provide by ordinance for the
establishment of a traffic signal enforcement program imposing monetary liability on the
operator of a motor vehicle for failure to comply with traffic light signals in such locality in
accordance with the provisions of this section. Each such locality may install and operate traffic
light signal violation monitoring systems at no more than one intersection for every 10,000
residents within each county, city, or town at any one time, provided, however, that within
planning District 8, each such locality may install and operate traffic light signal violation
monitoring systems at no more than 10 intersections, or at no more than one intersection for
every 10,000 residents within each county, city, or town, whichever is greater, at any one time.
2. In addition to the authority provided in subdivision 1, the governing body of any locality in
Planning District 23 may provide by ordinance for the establishment of a traffic control device
violation monitoring system imposing monetary liability on the operator of a motor vehicle for
failure to comply with traffic control devices in such locality in accordance with the provisions of
this section. Such governing body may install and operate a traffic control device violation
monitoring system at any intersection deemed by the governing body to be negatively impacted
by traffic due to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Express Lanes Hampton Segment (4C)
Project (HREL-P).
C. The operator of a vehicle shall be liable for a monetary penalty imposed pursuant to this
section if such vehicle is found, (i) as evidenced by information obtained from a traffic light
1 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
47
signal violation monitoring system, to have failed to comply with a traffic light signal within such
locality or (ii) as evidenced by information obtained from a traffic control device violation
monitoring system, to have failed to comply with a traffic control device within such locality. No
operator shall be liable for a penalty pursuant to clause (i) and a penalty pursuant to clause (ii)
arising out of the same act. No monetary penalty shall be imposed pursuant to this section for a
first offense of failing to comply with a traffic control device, as evidenced by information
obtained from a traffic control device violation monitoring system, and such operator shall be
issued a written warning.
D. Proof of a violation of this section shall be evidenced by information obtained from a traffic
light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control device violation monitoring system
authorized pursuant to this section. A certificate, sworn to or affirmed by a law-enforcement
officer employed by a locality authorized to impose penalties pursuant to this section, or a
facsimile thereof, based upon inspection of photographs, microphotographs, videotape, or other
recorded images produced by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control
device violation monitoring system, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein.
Any photographs, microphotographs, videotape, or other recorded images evidencing such a
violation shall be available for inspection in any proceeding to adjudicate the liability for such
violation pursuant to an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.
E. In the prosecution for a violation of any local ordinance adopted as provided in this section,
prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the summons issued pursuant to this section
was operated in violation of such ordinance, together with proof that the defendant was at the
time of such violation the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle, shall constitute in evidence a
rebuttable presumption that such owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle was the person who
committed the violation. Such presumption shall be rebutted if the owner, lessee, or renter of the
vehicle (i) files an affidavit by regular mail with the clerk of the general district court that he was
not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation or (ii) testifies in open court
under oath that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. Such
presumption shall also be rebutted if a certified copy of a police report, showing that the vehicle
had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time of the alleged violation of this section,
is presented, prior to the return date established on the summons issued pursuant to this section,
to the court adjudicating the alleged violation.
F. Imposition of a penalty pursuant to this section shall not be deemed a conviction as an
operator and shall not be made part of the operating record of the person upon whom such
liability is imposed, nor shall it be used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle
insurance coverage. No monetary penalty imposed under this section shall exceed $50, nor shall
it include court costs. Any finding in a district court that an operator has violated an ordinance
adopted as provided in this section shall be appealable to the circuit court in a civil proceeding.
G. A summons for a violation of this section may be executed pursuant to § 19.2-76.2.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 19.2-76, a summons for a violation of this section may be
executed by mailing by first class mail a copy thereof to the owner, lessee, or renter of the
vehicle. In the case of a vehicle owner, the copy shall be mailed to the address contained in the
records of the Department of Motor Vehicles; in the case of a vehicle lessee or renter, the copy
shall be mailed to the address contained in the records of the lessor or renter. Every such mailing
shall include, in addition to the summons, a notice of (i) the summoned person's ability to rebut
the presumption that he was the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation
2 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
48
through the filing of an affidavit as provided in subsection E and (ii) instructions for filing such
affidavit, including the address to which the affidavit is to be sent. If the summoned person fails
to appear on the date of return set out in the summons mailed pursuant to this section, the
summons shall be executed in the manner set out in § 19.2-76.3. No proceedings for contempt or
arrest of a person summoned by mailing shall be instituted for failure to appear on the return
date of the summons. Any summons executed for a violation of this section shall provide to the
person summoned at least 30 business days from the mailing of the summons to inspect
information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control
device violation monitoring system in connection with the violation.
H. Information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control
device violation monitoring system installed and operated pursuant to subsection B shall be
limited exclusively to that information that is necessary for the enforcement of traffic light or
traffic control device violations. On behalf of a locality, a private entity that operates a traffic
light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control device violation monitoring system
may enter into an agreement with the Department of Motor Vehicles, in accordance with the
provisions of subdivision B 21 of § 46.2-208, to obtain vehicle owner information regarding the
registered owners of vehicles that fail to comply with a traffic light signal or traffic control
device. Information provided to the operator of a traffic light signal violation monitoring system
or traffic control device violation monitoring system shall be protected in a database with
security comparable to that of the Department of Motor Vehicles' system, and used only for
enforcement against individuals who violate the provisions of this section. Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, all photographs, microphotographs, electronic images, or other personal
information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control
device violation monitoring system shall be used exclusively for enforcing traffic light or traffic
control device violations and shall not (i) be open to the public; (ii) be sold or used for sales,
solicitation, or marketing purposes; (iii) be disclosed to any other entity except as may be
necessary for the enforcement of a traffic light or traffic control device violation or to a vehicle
owner or operator as part of a challenge to the violation; or (iv) be used in a court in a pending
action or proceeding unless the action or proceeding relates to a violation of § 46.2-830, 46.2-833
, 46.2-835, or 46.2-836 or requested upon order from a court of competent jurisdiction.
Information collected under this section pertaining to a specific violation shall be purged and not
retained later than 60 days after the collection of any civil penalties. If a locality does not execute
a summons for a violation of this section within 10 business days, all information collected
pertaining to that suspected violation shall be purged within two business days. Any locality
operating a traffic light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control device violation
monitoring system shall annually certify compliance with this section and make all records
pertaining to such system available for inspection and audit by the Commissioner of Highways or
the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles or his designee. Any person who
discloses personal information in violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to
a civil penalty of $1,000 per disclosure. Any unauthorized use or disclosure of such personal
information shall be grounds for termination of the agreement between the Department of Motor
Vehicles and the private entity.
I. A private entity may enter into an agreement with a locality to be compensated for providing
the traffic light signal violation monitoring system or equipment or traffic control device
violation monitoring system or equipment, and all related support services, to include
consulting, operations and administration. However, only a law-enforcement officer employed by
3 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
49
a locality may swear to or affirm the certificate required by subsection D. No locality shall enter
into an agreement for compensation based on the number of violations or monetary penalties
imposed.
J. When selecting potential intersections for a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, a
locality shall consider factors such as (i) the accident rate for the intersection, (ii) the rate of red
light violations occurring at the intersection (number of violations per number of vehicles), (iii)
the difficulty experienced by law-enforcement officers in patrol cars or on foot in apprehending
violators, and (iv) the ability of law-enforcement officers to apprehend violators safely within a
reasonable distance from the violation. Localities may consider the risk to pedestrians as a factor,
if applicable.
K. 1. Before the implementation of a traffic light signal violation monitoring system at an
intersection, the locality shall complete an engineering safety analysis that addresses signal
timing and other location-specific safety features. The length of the yellow phase shall be
established based on the recommended methodology of the Institute of Transportation
Engineers. No traffic light signal violation monitoring system shall be implemented or utilized
for a traffic signal having a yellow signal phase length of less than three seconds. All traffic light
signal violation monitoring systems shall provide a minimum 0.5-second grace period between
the time the signal turns red and the time the first violation is recorded. If recommended by the
engineering safety analysis, the locality shall make reasonable location-specific safety
improvements, including signs and pavement markings.
2. Before the implementation of a traffic control device violation monitoring system at an
intersection, the governing body of the implementing locality shall complete an engineering
safety analysis that addresses the impact of the HREL-P on congestion, accident rates, and driver
disregard for traffic control devices. If recommended by the engineering safety analysis, the
locality shall make reasonable location-specific safety improvements, including signs and
pavement markings.
L. Any locality that uses a traffic light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control device
violation monitoring system shall evaluate the system on a monthly basis to ensure all cameras
and traffic signals are functioning properly. Evaluation results shall be made available to the
public.
M. Any locality that uses a traffic light signal violation monitoring system to enforce traffic light
signals shall place conspicuous signs within 500 feet of the intersection approach at which a
traffic light signal violation monitoring system is used. There shall be a rebuttable presumption
that such signs were in place at the time of the commission of the traffic light signal violation.
N. Prior to or coincident with the implementation or expansion of a traffic light signal violation
monitoring system or traffic control device violation monitoring system, a locality shall conduct
a public awareness program, advising the public that the locality is implementing or expanding a
traffic light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control device violation monitoring
system.
O. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a vehicle depicted in images recorded
by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system or traffic control device violation monitoring
system is owned, leased, or rented by a county, city, or town, then the county, city, or town may
access and use the recorded images and associated information for employee disciplinary
4 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
50
purposes.
2007, cc. 836, 903;2010, c. 175;2012, cc. 805, 836;2014, c. 163;2015, c. 714;2023, c. 738.
This section has more than one version with varying effective dates. Scroll down to see all
versions.
The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this
section(s) may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters
whose provisions have expired. § 15.2-968.1. (For contingent effective date, see Acts 2023, c.738, cl. 2) Use of violation monitoring systems to enforce trafficlight signals and certain traffic control devices
A. The governing body of any county, city, or town may provide by ordinance for the
establishment of a traffic signal enforcement program imposing monetary liability on the
operator of a motor vehicle for failure to comply with traffic light signals in such locality in
accordance with the provisions of this section. Each such locality may install and operate traffic
light signal photo-monitoring systems at no more than one intersection for every 10,000
residents within each county, city, or town at any one time, provided, however, that within
planning District 8, each such locality may install and operate traffic light signal photo-
monitoring systems at no more than 10 intersections, or at no more than one intersection for
every 10,000 residents within each county, city, or town, whichever is greater, at any one time.
B. The operator of a vehicle shall be liable for a monetary penalty imposed pursuant to this
section if such vehicle is found, as evidenced by information obtained from a traffic light signal
violation monitoring system, to have failed to comply with a traffic light signal within such
locality.
C. Proof of a violation of this section shall be evidenced by information obtained from a traffic
light signal violation monitoring system authorized pursuant to this section. A certificate, sworn
to or affirmed by a law-enforcement officer employed by a locality authorized to impose
penalties pursuant to this section, or a facsimile thereof, based upon inspection of photographs,
microphotographs, videotape, or other recorded images produced by a traffic light signal
violation monitoring system, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. Any
photographs, microphotographs, videotape, or other recorded images evidencing such a violation
shall be available for inspection in any proceeding to adjudicate the liability for such violation
pursuant to an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section.
D. In the prosecution for a violation of any local ordinance adopted as provided in this section,
prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the summons issued pursuant to this section
was operated in violation of such ordinance, together with proof that the defendant was at the
time of such violation the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle, shall constitute in evidence a
rebuttable presumption that such owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle was the person who
committed the violation. Such presumption shall be rebutted if the owner, lessee, or renter of the
vehicle (i) files an affidavit by regular mail with the clerk of the general district court that he was
not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation or (ii) testifies in open court
under oath that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. Such
presumption shall also be rebutted if a certified copy of a police report, showing that the vehicle
had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time of the alleged violation of this section,
5 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
51
is presented, prior to the return date established on the summons issued pursuant to this section,
to the court adjudicating the alleged violation.
E. For purposes of this section, "owner" means the registered owner of such vehicle on record
with the Department of Motor Vehicles. For purposes of this section, "traffic light signal violation
monitoring system" means a vehicle sensor installed to work in conjunction with a traffic light
that automatically produces two or more photographs, two or more microphotographs, video, or
other recorded images of each vehicle at the time it is used or operated in violation of § 46.2-833
, 46.2-835, or 46.2-836. For each such vehicle, at least one recorded image shall be of the vehicle
before it has illegally entered the intersection, and at least one recorded image shall be of the
same vehicle after it has illegally entered that intersection.
F. Imposition of a penalty pursuant to this section shall not be deemed a conviction as an
operator and shall not be made part of the operating record of the person upon whom such
liability is imposed, nor shall it be used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle
insurance coverage. No monetary penalty imposed under this section shall exceed $50, nor shall
it include court costs. Any finding in a district court that an operator has violated an ordinance
adopted as provided in this section shall be appealable to the circuit court in a civil proceeding.
G. A summons for a violation of this section may be executed pursuant to § 19.2-76.2.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 19.2-76, a summons for a violation of this section may be
executed by mailing by first class mail a copy thereof to the owner, lessee, or renter of the
vehicle. In the case of a vehicle owner, the copy shall be mailed to the address contained in the
records of the Department of Motor Vehicles; in the case of a vehicle lessee or renter, the copy
shall be mailed to the address contained in the records of the lessor or renter. Every such mailing
shall include, in addition to the summons, a notice of (i) the summoned person's ability to rebut
the presumption that he was the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation
through the filing of an affidavit as provided in subsection D and (ii) instructions for filing such
affidavit, including the address to which the affidavit is to be sent. If the summoned person fails
to appear on the date of return set out in the summons mailed pursuant to this section, the
summons shall be executed in the manner set out in § 19.2-76.3. No proceedings for contempt or
arrest of a person summoned by mailing shall be instituted for failure to appear on the return
date of the summons. Any summons executed for a violation of this section shall provide to the
person summoned at least 30 business days from the mailing of the summons to inspect
information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system in connection with the
violation.
H. Information collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system installed and
operated pursuant to subsection A shall be limited exclusively to that information that is
necessary for the enforcement of traffic light violations. On behalf of a locality, a private entity
that operates a traffic light signal violation monitoring system may enter into an agreement with
the Department of Motor Vehicles, in accordance with the provisions of subdivision B 21 of §
46.2-208, to obtain vehicle owner information regarding the registered owners of vehicles that
fail to comply with a traffic light signal. Information provided to the operator of a traffic light
signal violation monitoring system shall be protected in a database with security comparable to
that of the Department of Motor Vehicles' system, and used only for enforcement against
individuals who violate the provisions of this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, all photographs, microphotographs, electronic images, or other personal information
collected by a traffic light signal violation monitoring system shall be used exclusively for
6 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
52
enforcing traffic light violations and shall not (i) be open to the public; (ii) be sold or used for
sales, solicitation, or marketing purposes; (iii) be disclosed to any other entity except as may be
necessary for the enforcement of a traffic light violation or to a vehicle owner or operator as part
of a challenge to the violation; or (iv) be used in a court in a pending action or proceeding unless
the action or proceeding relates to a violation of § 46.2-833, 46.2-835, or 46.2-836 or requested
upon order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Information collected under this section
pertaining to a specific violation shall be purged and not retained later than 60 days after the
collection of any civil penalties. If a locality does not execute a summons for a violation of this
section within 10 business days, all information collected pertaining to that suspected violation
shall be purged within two business days. Any locality operating a traffic light signal violation
monitoring system shall annually certify compliance with this section and make all records
pertaining to such system available for inspection and audit by the Commissioner of Highways or
the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles or his designee. Any person who
discloses personal information in violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to
a civil penalty of $1,000 per disclosure. Any unauthorized use or disclosure of such personal
information shall be grounds for termination of the agreement between the Department of Motor
Vehicles and the private entity.
I. A private entity may enter into an agreement with a locality to be compensated for providing
the traffic light signal violation monitoring system or equipment, and all related support
services, to include consulting, operations and administration. However, only a law-enforcement
officer employed by a locality may swear to or affirm the certificate required by subsection C. No
locality shall enter into an agreement for compensation based on the number of violations or
monetary penalties imposed.
J. When selecting potential intersections for a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, a
locality shall consider factors such as (i) the accident rate for the intersection, (ii) the rate of red
light violations occurring at the intersection (number of violations per number of vehicles), (iii)
the difficulty experienced by law-enforcement officers in patrol cars or on foot in apprehending
violators, and (iv) the ability of law-enforcement officers to apprehend violators safely within a
reasonable distance from the violation. Localities may consider the risk to pedestrians as a factor,
if applicable.
K. Before the implementation of a traffic light signal violation monitoring system at an
intersection, the locality shall complete an engineering safety analysis that addresses signal
timing and other location-specific safety features. The length of the yellow phase shall be
established based on the recommended methodology of the Institute of Transportation
Engineers. No traffic light signal violation monitoring system shall be implemented or utilized
for a traffic signal having a yellow signal phase length of less than three seconds. All traffic light
signal violation monitoring systems shall provide a minimum 0.5-second grace period between
the time the signal turns red and the time the first violation is recorded. If recommended by the
engineering safety analysis, the locality shall make reasonable location-specific safety
improvements, including signs and pavement markings.
L. Any locality that uses a traffic light signal violation monitoring system shall evaluate the
system on a monthly basis to ensure all cameras and traffic signals are functioning properly.
Evaluation results shall be made available to the public.
M. Any locality that uses a traffic light signal violation monitoring system to enforce traffic light
signals shall place conspicuous signs within 500 feet of the intersection approach at which a
7 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
53
traffic light signal violation monitoring system is used. There shall be a rebuttable presumption
that such signs were in place at the time of the commission of the traffic light signal violation.
N. Prior to or coincident with the implementation or expansion of a traffic light signal violation
monitoring system, a locality shall conduct a public awareness program, advising the public that
the locality is implementing or expanding a traffic light signal violation monitoring system.
O. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a vehicle depicted in images recorded
by a traffic light signal photo-monitoring system is owned, leased, or rented by a county, city, or
town, then the county, city, or town may access and use the recorded images and associated
information for employee disciplinary purposes.
2007, cc. 836, 903;2010, c. 175;2012, cc. 805, 836;2014, c. 163;2015, c. 714.
This section has more than one version with varying effective dates. Scroll down to see all
versions.
The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this
section(s) may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters
whose provisions have expired.
8 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
54
Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 25, 2023
Agenda Section: County Project Updates
Title: County Project Updates
Attachments:
TC09-25-23CountyProjectUpdates.pdf
55
56
Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 25, 2023
Agenda Section: Other
Title: Other
Attachments:
TC09-25-23Other.pdf
57
58