Next traffic citation you get will be costly
| • | Here's where cameras will enforce laws of the road |
| • | Explanatory article |
| • | Q&A |
| • | Join our discussion on the state's traffic cam program |
| • | DOT Web site |
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
No more warnings.
Starting today drivers caught by the state's new photo enforcement program accused of violating speeding and red-light laws will receive real citations and either have to pay a fine or plead their case before a judge.
During the past month, the state has issued more than 4,000 warnings to those drivers. Now, the shakedown period is over, and the program is ready to go into high gear, officials say.
Under a three-year pilot program, a private company, ACS State and Local Solutions, will operate the cameras and computers that try to catch the violators, and under the supervision of state officials will forward a citation to the registered owner of the vehicle. The citation will include visual evidence and other details of the infraction.
The program is expected to begin with four unmarked vans at rotating locations checking for speeders and 10 pole-mounted cameras checking for red-light runners at intersections around O'ahu. In coming months the program will be expanded to include more vans and other camera-mounted sites across the state, said Transportation Department spokeswoman Marilyn Kali.
The use of cameras has generated intense reaction from drivers worried about everything from their constitutional rights to rising insurance rates, but officials say they are confident the trial program can stand up to any legal or political challenges.
Fines for running a red light are $77. Speeding violators will have to pay $27 plus $5 for every mile per hour over the posted speed limit. The fines increase if not paid within 15 days. Revenue generated will be shared by ACS, the state judiciary and the Transportation Department.
Here's where cameras will enforce laws of the road
Initial location for photo-enforcement of laws regarding stop lights.
- Vineyard Boulevard and Punchbowl Street
- Pali Highway and School Street
- Likelike Highway and Kahekili Highway
- H-1 Exit 18 East and Middle Street
- Nimitz Highway and Kalihi Street
- Kunia Road and Kupuna Loop
- Kalaniana'ole Highway and 'Ainakoa Avenue/Waikui Street
- Farrington Highway and Nanakuli Avenue
- Fort Weaver Road and A'awa Drive/Old Fort Weaver Road
- Kamehameha Highway and Pali Momi Street
Initial locations for photo-enforcement of speeding laws
- Farrington Highway
- Fort Weaver Road
- H-1 Freeway
- H-2 Freeway
- H-3 Freeway
- Kahekili Highway
- Kalaniana'ole Highway
- Kamehameha Highway, Route 83 & 99
- Kane'ohe Bay Drive
- Kunia Road
- Likelike Highway
- Moanalua Freeway
- Nimitz Highway
- Pali Highway
Source: State Department of Transportation
