Implementation of the Photo Red Light Program

Los Angeles – The City of Los Angeles, with over 4,200 signalized intersections, has been actively pursuing and investigating photo red light technology for several years. As a result of efforts by the Police Department and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the City recently signed a contract with Lockheed/Martin to install photo red light cameras in 16 intersections during a 36-month pilot program, which will begin December 1, 2000.

These cameras will take a series of photographs as a violator proceeds through the intersection on the red phase. Sensors in the roadway will detect the vehicle’s speed and relative position in the roadway when the signal changes to red. Only those vehicles travelling at a predetermined speed will trigger the cameras to take a photograph.

A close-up photograph of the driver and vehicle front license plate will be used for identification purposes. In order to maximize the success of the program, the public is reminded that police officers are identifying and issuing citations to violators who operate motor vehicles that are not in compliance with the following California Vehicle Code sections, which deal with front license plates.

**Section 5201 California Vehicle Code – License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from swinging and shall be mounted in a position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible. The front license plate shall be mounted not more than 60 inches from the ground.

**Section 5201 (e) California Vehicle Code – No covering shall be used on license plates.

All members of the public are again reminded that they must have front license plates on their motor vehicles at all times.

This program is dedicated to saving lives. Remember, in Los Angeles, "Don’t be caught DEAD on the RED".

Visit LAPDOnline’s section introducing the Automated Photo-Enforcement Program.

This Media Advisory was prepared by Officer Lyle Michelson, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.