How Photo Red Light Works

How Red Light Cameras Work

At red light camera intersections, there are metal sensors embedded in the pavement underneath the crosswalk (in the area of the gray bars on the diagram, below).  These sensors are not activated until the light turns red.  If a vehicle crosses the stop line after the light turns red, these sensors will detect the vehicle and trigger the camera(s).

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I am positive that the light was yellow when I crossed the stop line.  Why did I receive a citation?

The cameras are set up with a slight delay, so that no pictures are taken until the light has been red for a short time.  While it may have appeared to you that the light was yellow when you were photographed, the system does not permit such a result.

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Is this technology really reliable and accurate?

The Boulder Municipal Court has conducted extensive evidentiary hearings and determined that red-light camera technology is scientifically reliable and legally admissible in Boulder Municipal Court cases.  Click here for a copy of the Court's ruling(s) on the admissibility of photo red light evidence.

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What if the equipment malfunctions, could I mistakenly receive a citation?

No.  If the equipment malfunctions then no citations are generated. 

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Where are the Photo Red Light cameras located?

Photo Red Light cameras are located at the following intersections:

28th Street and Arapahoe Avenue
28th Street and Canyon Boulevard
30th Street and Arapahoe Avenue
27th Way and Baseline Road
47th Street and Valmont Road
Table Mesa Drive and North Foothills Highway

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Last Updated on Thursday, 07 June 2012 10:07