Drive Time
What you need to know about monitor cameras
| • | Cameras are now watching O'ahu highways for speeders |
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Staff Writer
What if I'm already in the intersection waiting to make a turn when the light turns red? What if someone else was driving my car? What if I was only going a little too fast?
These are some of the many questions officials have been anticipating as the state begins its photo-enforcement program to catch speeders and red-light violators. Here are some answers.
Q. How will the program work?
A. Cameras are being installed at key intersections to photograph vehicles that run red lights. Other cameras in unmarked vans will photograph vehicles going faster than the speed limit.
Q. If I'm already in an intersection when the light turns red, will I still get a ticket?
A. No. Only those who enter the intersection after the light changes will be photographed and cited.
Q. What happens if I'm waiting to make a left-hand turn and the light turns red before I get through the intersection?
A. Nothing. As long as you were in the intersection before the light changed, you can continue with your turn without being cited.
Q. What about a right turn on red?
A. No problem. Right turns after a stop do not trigger the imaging system.
Q. How will red-light runners be caught?
A. Sensors in the pavement will trigger a series of photographs showing the vehicle as it moves through the intersection and a close-up of the license plate. A computer will record the date, time and location of the infraction as well as the speed of the vehicle and how long the light had been red before the car entered the intersection.
Q. How will speeders be caught?
A. A laser in a parked, unmarked van will record the speed of your car and take a picture of it at the same time.
Q. What happens next?
A.Violations captured on camera will be reviewed at least twice by specially trained workers. If the violation is confirmed and the information matches recorded data (such as make, model and color) about the car, the registered owner will be mailed a citation, including photographs, within three days of the violation.
Q. How much will I have to pay?
A. The fine for running a red light is $77 if paid within 15 days. Speeding fines start at $27, plus $5 for every mph over the speed limit. Costs increase if the fine is not paid promptly.
Q. What happens to the money?
A. The state judiciary receives $27 from every citation to cover its costs. The company operating the program receives $29.75. Any money left over goes to the state Transportation Department.
Q. What if someone else was driving my car?
A. Each citation will have room for the registered owner to identify the actual driver and shift the responsibility for the fine to that person.
Q. Is there any room for leeway in the system?
A. No. The state says speeders will receive a citation whether they were going 3 mph or 30 mph over the legal limit.
Q. What if I want to challenge the citation?
A. The photo citations will be treated just like any traffic ticket issued by a police officer. If you want to contest the violation, you will be issued a court date to argue your case before a judge.
Q. Why are they doing this?
A. The goal of the program is to reduce red-light running and speeding, two of the leading causes of serious accidents, and traffic injuries and deaths.
Mike Leidemann writes about transportation issues. Call him at 525-5460, write him at The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802 or e-mail mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
