City of Saint Peters Red Light Photo Enforcement Program:

Frequently Asked Questions

The Problem:

• Across the Country, there are over 1,000 motorists killed and over 200,000 injured in auto crashes caused by motorists who run red lights each year.
• In Missouri, there were over 100 fatalities in a three year period due to crashes at signalized intersections.
• In the last three years, red light violations in St. Peters have caused 131 injuries from 117 crashes involving 249 vehicles resulting in an economic loss of 6.5 million dollars.

Our Response:

The City of Saint Peters implemented a proactive photo enforcement program to help address the dangers associated with running a red light. By reducing the amount of intersection crashes we will improve safety and prevent serious injury.

How does the program work?

Selected intersections in the City have been equipped with automated red light camera equipment. A coordinated system of digital cameras has been installed near the roadway to monitor and record red light violations. Utilizing a passive sensor, the system detects when the signal light changes to red and a vehicle enters the intersection.

When a violation occurs, the digital cameras capture a series of images. The photographs show the driver and the vehicle’s license plate. They also show the vehicle just prior to entering the intersection while the light is red and the vehicle within the intersection while the light is red. The images display the time, date, and location of the offense as well as the amount of time the light was red when the image was captured. In addition, a digital video camera captures a 12 second video of the violation.

What if I enter the intersection when the light is yellow and then it turns red, will I get a ticket?

No.  There is no violation if you enter the intersection while the signal is yellow.  Even if you are still in the intersection when the light turns red the system will not activate.  You will not recive a ticket.  Our cameras will only register a violation once the signal turns red and someone enters the intersection.   A driver that enters the intersection after the signal turns red will receive a ticket. 

Will I have the opportunity to view the pictures and video?

Three digital still images will be included with the Notice of Violation. The video can be viewed if you have internet access. The link to the web site and a secure access code will be included on the Notice of Violation. If you do not have access to a computer, complimentary internet access is available at the Public Library. The video is available online for 60 days from the date of violation.

Does a violation of this ordinance go on my driving record?

No points will be assessed to your driving record and no record of this violation will be sent your insurance company or the Department of Revenue.

What if I wasn’t driving the car when the violation occurred?

If you are the registered owner of the vehicle, but not the driver at the time of the violation, you must appear in Court to establish by photo comparison that you were not the driver.

What if I did not own the vehicle or it was stolen when the violation occurred?

Owner liability may be waived by the Court if an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility is completed and returned to the St. Peters Municipal Court. An Affidavit of Non-Responsibility will only be accepted if the vehicle was sold prior to the date of violation or the vehicle or its license plate(s) was reported stolen at the time of violation.

What if I run a red light and am cited by an officer, then receive a Notice of Violation in the mail for the same offense?

Under these circumstances the Notice of Violation issued as a result of the photo enforcement would be dismissed. The violator would still be responsible for the summons issued by the law enforcement official.

What is the penalty for violating failing to stop for a red light?

A civil penalty of $85 is assessed for each violation.

How do I contest a Notice of Violation issued for failing to stop for a red light?

You may appear in court on your scheduled court date to have the matter reviewed by the Municipal Judge. Court sessions are held at City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd., St. Peters, MO 63376. Court begins at 6:30 p.m. on scheduled court dates.

If I do not pay the fine or appear in court, can I be arrested?

If you do not pay the fine prior to, or appear in court on your scheduled court date, a warrant may be issued for your arrest that could result in additional fines and costs.

Who pays for the red light cameras?

The program is funded through the fines collected by photo enforcement.

Will the red light cameras take a picture of the driver of the vehicle?

Yes. The City of St. Peters has elected to capture a picture of the driver to ensure proper identification of the violator.

Who is providing the red light cameras to the City of St. Peters?

Redflex Traffic Solutions, Inc. was awarded the contract to provide our photo enforcement program. Redflex will install, maintain, and service all equipment associated with this program. Redflex will provide all evidence of the violation to the St. Peters Police Department. The evidence will be reviewed by the Police Department to verify that violation and driver information. Once verified, Redflex will be authorized to create and mail all Notices of Violation on behalf of the City of St. Peters.

Can Redflex tamper with the timing of the red light to create violations?

No. In order to tamper with the signal light Redflex would have to have access to the computer controlling the lights, which will not be given. In order to arm the system, Redflex will place a passive sensor on the electrical leads to the signal lights. This sensor will detect the change in electrical current necessary to change the light from green to yellow to red.

Where will the cameras be installed?

The program will initially have cameras at five locations. Photo enforcement will be installed at Highway 94 & Central School Road (eastbound and westbound lanes), Highway 94 and Jungerman Road (westbound lanes), Mexico Road & Cave Springs Road (eastbound lanes), Mexico Road and Jungerman Road (westbound lanes), Mid-Rivers Mall Drive and Suemandy Drive (southbound lanes).

Why were these locations selected?

A survey was conducted to determine which intersections had the most red light violations. The frequency and extent of these violations was the basis for their selection.

When will the City of St. Peters begin operations?

An initial warning period started on November 15, 2006 and ended on December 16, 2006. During the warning period, violators received a warning letter, but did not incur a fine. As of December 17, 2006, violations result in a penalty, and violators receive a summons.

If I have further questions who can I call?

For questions regarding payment, contact the St. Peters Municipal Court between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday at 636-279-8280.

For all other questions, contact the St. Peters Red Light Photo Enforcement Program Customer Service Call Center toll free at 1-877-847-2338.