Pinellas County, located in the heart of Florida’s Tampa Bay region, is home to over 970,000 residents and attracts millions of visitors each year. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and thriving economy, it’s no wonder that Pinellas County is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. However, with the increasing number of vehicles on the road, traffic safety has become a major concern for the county. One way that Pinellas County is addressing this issue is through the use of red light cameras.
What are Red Light Cameras?
Red light cameras are automated systems that use cameras and sensors to detect and record vehicles that run red lights. These cameras are typically installed at intersections and capture images of vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red. The cameras also record the date, time, and location of the infraction, as well as the license plate number of the vehicle.
How Do Red Light Cameras Work?
Red light cameras use a combination of cameras and sensors to detect and record vehicles that run red lights. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how they work:
- The camera is triggered by a sensor that detects when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red.
- The camera takes a photo of the vehicle, including the license plate number.
- The camera also records the date, time, and location of the infraction.
- The images and data are then transmitted to a central location for review.
Where are Red Light Cameras Located in Pinellas County?
Pinellas County has installed red light cameras at numerous intersections throughout the county. Here are some of the locations where red light cameras have been installed:
- St. Petersburg: Red light cameras have been installed at several intersections in St. Petersburg, including:
- 4th Street and 22nd Street
- 34th Street and 38th Avenue
- 54th Avenue and 31st Street
- Clearwater: Red light cameras have been installed at several intersections in Clearwater, including:
- Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road
- Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Keene Road
- US-19 and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
- Largo: Red light cameras have been installed at several intersections in Largo, including:
- East Bay Drive and Missouri Avenue
- East Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard
- Ulmerton Road and 66th Street
- Pinellas Park: Red light cameras have been installed at several intersections in Pinellas Park, including:
- 66th Street and 118th Avenue
- 66th Street and Park Boulevard
- 49th Street and 118th Avenue
Other Locations
In addition to the locations listed above, red light cameras have also been installed at numerous other intersections throughout Pinellas County. Some of these locations include:
- Tarpon Springs: Red light cameras have been installed at several intersections in Tarpon Springs, including:
- US-19 and Tarpon Avenue
- US-19 and Klosterman Road
- Dunedin: Red light cameras have been installed at several intersections in Dunedin, including:
- US-19 and Main Street
- US-19 and Skinner Boulevard
- Safety Harbor: Red light cameras have been installed at several intersections in Safety Harbor, including:
- McMullen-Booth Road and Enterprise Road
- McMullen-Booth Road and Philippe Parkway
What Happens if You Get Caught by a Red Light Camera?
If you get caught running a red light by a red light camera in Pinellas County, you can expect to receive a citation in the mail. The citation will include a photo of your vehicle, as well as the date, time, and location of the infraction.
Penalties for Running a Red Light
The penalties for running a red light in Pinellas County can be severe. Here are some of the penalties you may face:
- Fines: The fine for running a red light in Pinellas County is $158.
- Points: Running a red light is a 4-point offense in Florida.
- Insurance Increases: Running a red light can also lead to an increase in your insurance rates.
How to Contest a Red Light Camera Citation
If you receive a citation from a red light camera in Pinellas County, you have the right to contest it. Here are the steps you can take:
- Review the Citation: Carefully review the citation to ensure that it is accurate.
- Gather Evidence: Gather any evidence that may support your case, such as photos or witness statements.
- Request a Hearing: Request a hearing with the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
What to Expect at a Hearing
If you request a hearing, you will be given the opportunity to present your case to a judge. Here’s what you can expect:
- The Hearing: The hearing will be held at the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- The Judge: The judge will review the evidence and listen to your testimony.
- The Decision: The judge will make a decision based on the evidence presented.
Conclusion
Red light cameras are an important tool for improving traffic safety in Pinellas County. By understanding where red light cameras are located and how they work, you can take steps to avoid getting caught running a red light. If you do receive a citation, it’s important to understand your options for contesting it. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair hearing.
What are red light cameras and how do they work?
Red light cameras are automated systems that capture images of vehicles that run red lights at intersections. These cameras are usually installed at intersections with a high incidence of red-light running and are designed to deter drivers from running red lights, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. The cameras are triggered by sensors that detect when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red.
When a vehicle is detected running a red light, the camera captures a series of images, including the vehicle’s license plate, the red light, and the vehicle’s position in the intersection. The images are then reviewed by law enforcement personnel to determine whether a violation occurred. If a violation is confirmed, a citation is issued to the vehicle’s owner.
Where are the red light cameras located in Pinellas County?
Pinellas County has installed red light cameras at various intersections throughout the county. Some of the locations include major intersections in cities such as St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo. The cameras are usually installed at intersections with a high volume of traffic and a history of red-light running accidents.
A list of the specific locations of the red light cameras in Pinellas County can be found on the county’s website or by contacting the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It’s worth noting that the locations of the cameras are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check for updates.
How much is the fine for running a red light in Pinellas County?
The fine for running a red light in Pinellas County is $158. This fine is imposed on the vehicle’s owner, regardless of who was driving the vehicle at the time of the infraction. In addition to the fine, the owner may also be assessed points against their driver’s license.
It’s worth noting that the fine for running a red light in Pinellas County is the same whether the infraction is captured by a red light camera or witnessed by a law enforcement officer. The fine is intended to deter drivers from running red lights and to promote safe driving practices.
Can I contest a red light camera citation in Pinellas County?
Yes, you can contest a red light camera citation in Pinellas County. If you receive a citation and believe it was issued in error, you can request a hearing to contest the citation. You will need to submit a written request for a hearing within a specified timeframe, usually 30 days from the date of the citation.
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue your case. A hearing officer will review the evidence and make a determination regarding the validity of the citation. If the citation is upheld, you will be required to pay the fine. If the citation is dismissed, the fine will be waived.
Do red light cameras reduce accidents in Pinellas County?
Studies have shown that red light cameras can be effective in reducing accidents at intersections. By deterring drivers from running red lights, the cameras can help reduce the risk of accidents, particularly those involving vehicles that are turning or crossing the intersection.
In Pinellas County, the use of red light cameras has been shown to reduce the number of accidents at intersections where the cameras are installed. According to data from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the cameras have been effective in reducing the number of accidents and promoting safe driving practices.
Are red light cameras an invasion of privacy?
The use of red light cameras has raised concerns about privacy, as the cameras capture images of vehicles and their occupants. However, the cameras are designed to capture only the vehicle’s license plate and the red light, and not to monitor or track individual drivers.
The images captured by the cameras are reviewed only by law enforcement personnel and are used solely for the purpose of enforcing traffic laws. The images are not shared with any other agencies or used for any other purpose.
Can I get points on my license for running a red light in Pinellas County?
Yes, you can get points on your license for running a red light in Pinellas County. If you are found guilty of running a red light, you will be assessed 4 points against your driver’s license. These points can accumulate and result in increased insurance rates or even the suspension of your license.
It’s worth noting that the points assessed for running a red light are the same whether the infraction is captured by a red light camera or witnessed by a law enforcement officer. The points are intended to promote safe driving practices and to deter drivers from running red lights.