Frequently Asked Questions

How many red light cameras are currently in operation in Takoma Park?

We currently have four that are in operation and three more are slated to be operational on or about December 20, 2024 that will bring the total number of red light cameras to seven.

How do red light cameras work?

When radar technology recognizes an approaching vehicle is exceeding a preset threshold speed prior to the intersection, the camera system initiates a photograph sequence. The camera first captures a wide-angle photograph of the vehicle before it enters the intersection with the traffic signal clearly illuminated red. Shortly thereafter, the camera captures another photograph of the vehicle in the intersection with the traffic signal still illuminated red. A photograph of the license plate is cropped from one of the two wide-angle images. The cameras also utilize supplemental full motion video evidence to further substantiate the violation event captured by the still-photographs. A multi-step review process occurs prior to issuing each and every citation and it is ultimately a trained Takoma Park police civilian who makes the final determination if the criterion to issue a citation was met.

How is revenue from the Red Light Camera Program allocated?

Red Light Camera Program revenue is allocated in the City of Takoma Park’s General Fund.

What does a red light camera look like?

The cameras and detection devices are mounted on dedicated metal poles prior to and/or after an enforced intersection approach.

Can the cameras be used to enforce other violations, such as not wearing a seat belt, texting while drivig or speeding?

No. Maryland law prohibits the use of red light cameras for any other purpose other than enforcing red light camera violations.

If I come to a stop after the white line, will I be issued a citation?

If a vehicle crosses completely over the white stop line while facing a red signal, a violation has occurred and a citation may be issued.

If I am in the intersection when the light turns red, will I be issued a citation?

No. If your vehicle has crossed the white stop line and entered the intersection while the light is amber (yellow) and then the light turns red while the vehicle is still in the intersection, a citation will not be issued.

Where is the citation sent?  How long after a violation will the ticket be sent?

The citation is sent to the address of the vehicle’s registered owner on record with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA.) Citations are required by law to be mailed within 14 days of the violation.

What information will be displayed on the citation?

The citation will include three pictures showing the vehicle committing the violation and the vehicle’s license plate number. It will include the exact date, time and location of the violation, a violation number, the amount due, the due date and instructions for paying the fine or requesting a court date. The vehicle’s speed, the road’s speed limit, the length of the amber (yellow) light and how long the light was red when the photographs were captured are all included. It also includes a signature of the certified Takoma Park police civilian employee who reviewed the images and determined if the criteria to issue a citation were met. Additionally, red light citations include a link to a web site where you can view the photographs, full motion video and pay the fine.

Can I dispute a citation?

If you receive a citation, you have the option to pay the fine or request a court hearing. If you wish to schedule a hearing, you are required by law to mail a request to the police department’s Automated Enforcement Division and requests must be received five (5) days prior to the payment’s due date. You will be mailed a notice of the court hearing date, time and location. If you appear in court, the maximum amount you may be charged is a $100 fine, plus any court costs.

What if I fail to pay or request a hearing in a timely manner?

Failure to pay the fine or request a hearing in a timely fashion may result in a flagging of the vehicle registration and therefore MVA’s refusal to renew its registration. If this happens, the vehicle’s registered owner is then liable for an administrative MVA flagging in addition to the original fine to renew their vehicle registration.

What is the fine for a Takoma Park red light citation?  Are there late fees?

The fine is $75. There are no added late fees. The addition of an MVA administrative flagging fee applies if the citation goes unpaid and the vehicle registration is flagged as a result.

Will this violation go on my driving record?  Are there points assessed?  Will it affect my insurance rates?

Red light camera citations are civil citations, not moving violations, similar to parking tickets. They are not reflected on driving records. No points are assessed. Insurance companies are not allowed to access red light camera violation information or raise insurance rates as a result of them.

What if my vehicle tags were stolen before the citation was issued?

The motorist must submit proof of the police report [or documentation from MVA] listing the date of theft of the tags or vehicle. If the date of the theft occurred prior to the citation date, the citation will be dismissed. Documentation may be mailed to the Takoma Park Police Department, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912.

Transfer of Liability

The registered owner of the vehicle has the option to declare they are not liable for the citation if they have reported their tags were stolen prior to the issuance of the citation or if they can affirm another person was driving the vehicle at the time of the violation and provide the name, address, and driver’s license number of the person who was operating the vehicle.

How can I contact the Takoma Park Red Light Camera Manager?

For any questions regarding this program, please contact Niesha Brown at nieshab@takomaparkmd.gov or 301-891-7122.