Title
Pilot Red Light Camera Program and Ordinance Revision
Action
Action:
A. Adopt a resolution approving the Safety Committee's recommendation to implement a pilot automated red-light running enforcement program for a period of one year, and
B. Adopt an ordinance approving amendments to Chapter 14, Article IV-Traffic Control Photographic Systems of the City Code.
Body
Committee Chair:
Dant? Anderson, Safety Committee
Staff Resource(s):
Shawn Heath, City Manager's Office
Debbie Smith, Transportation
Charlie Jones, Transportation
Current Ordinance
* On March 25, 2026, the Mayor asked the Safety Committee to review whether the City of Charlotte should pursue the reinstatement of a red-light camera program.
* Red-light camera programs have been shown as an effective tool to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions in communities where they are deployed.
* The use of red-light cameras directly supports the city's Vision Zero goals.
* NC Session Law 2007-341 allows for a $75 civil citation through red-light camera enforcement programs.
* City of Charlotte Ordinance Chapter 14, Article IV - Traffic Control Photographic Systems establishes a $50 civil penalty for red-light violations.
* The ordinance also prescribes an additional $50 civil citation for failure to pay, appeal, or respond to a violation. NC General Stature Section 160A-300.1 allows a civil penalty not to exceed $100 for failure to pay, appeal, or respond to a violation.
Proposed Changes
* Amend City of Charlotte Ordinance Section 14-189. to increase the civil penalty amount of a violation detected by a traffic control photographic system to $75 and increase the civil penalty amount for failure to pay, appeal, or respond to a violation to $100 as permitted by NC General Statute.
Committee Discussion
* The Safety Committee discussed the red-light camera program referral at the April 6, 2026, and May 11, 2026, committee meetings.
* On April 6, 2026, the Safety Committee voted unanimously (An...
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