Key Highlights
- Connecticut municipalities are using speed and red-light cameras to issue citations.
- Middletown and Washington have started issuing tickets based on speed camera violations.
- If a citation is not paid, it will eventually go to collections.
- The state law limits fines for first-time offenders to $50 and subsequent violations to $75.
Speed Cameras in Connecticut: A New Revenue Stream
Connecticut municipalities are turning to technology as a means of improving traffic safety and generating revenue. In June 2023, the state passed legislation allowing cities and towns to use speed cameras to enforce traffic laws. Since then, several towns have installed these devices on key roads and streets.
Implementation in Middletown
Middletown began installing speed cameras on Route 66 in July 2023. These cameras have been operational for less than a year but have already generated significant revenue. Chief Erik Costa of the Middletown Police Department reported that the city has issued over $1 million in fines and collected approximately $750,000 to $800,000 from these violations.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay?
If a ticket goes unpaid for 90 days after issuance, it will be sent to collections. According to Chief Costa, this process ensures that fines are collected and used for improving infrastructure or traffic safety measures in the town. In Washington, the first municipality to receive approval from the state Department of Transportation to use speed cameras, a similar protocol is being followed.
Legal Defenses and Contests
Car owners have several defenses available when contesting a ticket issued by these cameras. These include scenarios such as driving an emergency vehicle in accordance with state statute or having the traffic control signal malfunction at the time of violation. The law allows for appeals to state Superior Court if a citation is contested and lost.
Future Expansion
The state Department of Transportation has approved plans from multiple municipalities to use speed or red-light cameras, including Greenwich, Milford, New Haven, Stratford, and Wethersfield. Additional towns such as Beacon Falls, Fairfield, Hamden, and Stamford are also in the process of obtaining approval.
These initiatives aim not only to improve traffic safety but also to generate funds that can be used for infrastructure improvements and other public services. While some residents may view these cameras with skepticism, their implementation continues to expand across Connecticut, driven by both community needs and legislative support.
