Traffic Cameras In Georgia: Legal Or Not?

Traffic cameras are a type of automated enforcement technology used to detect and deter speeding and red-light-running. While they are legal in some states, they are illegal in others. In Georgia, there has been a backlash against the use of traffic cameras, particularly in school zones, with some wanting to reform the system and others wanting to banish it altogether. So, are traffic cameras legal in Georgia?

Red light and speed cameras in Georgia are legal

Red light and speed cameras are legal in Georgia. These cameras are a type of automated enforcement technology used to detect and deter speeders and red-light runners. They are placed strategically to improve road safety and discourage reckless driving behaviours.

In Georgia, motorists must come to a complete stop before reaching a marked limit line, entering a crosswalk, or entering an intersection. While a right turn after stopping at a red light is usually permitted, drivers must use caution and follow right-of-way rules. A left turn after stopping at a red light is typically only allowed when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, with normal right-of-way rules applying.

Georgia law allows the use of automated cameras at intersections to catch red-light violators. However, specific requirements must be met, including sending a notice of violation to the vehicle owner within ten days, providing details of the date, time, and location of the violation, and including a copy of the photograph showing the violation.

Red light camera tickets are treated differently from other traffic violations in Georgia. They are considered civil violations rather than misdemeanours, with a maximum fine of $70 and no points added to the motorist's driving record.

Georgia's Department of Transportation does not record traffic camera footage

The purpose of Georgia's extensive traffic camera network is to help government officials monitor traffic flow. Anyone can access live streams from traffic cameras on their smartphones or computers via Georgia 511, a DOT traffic service. This live stream helps viewers understand current traffic conditions and plan their routes accordingly.

However, the Georgia DOT does not archive this footage. Recording and storing the video footage would require a massive amount of storage space and costly manpower to fulfill requests for the footage. Instead, the state of Georgia chooses to focus on providing live traffic updates to its residents without storing any of the data.

While this may be frustrating for those seeking footage of a particular incident, there are alternative sources of traffic camera footage that can be useful. For example, personal dash cameras can record a vehicle and its surroundings, providing close-up footage of an accident. Additionally, residential homes and businesses located on busy streets may have security cameras that captured the incident.

Private businesses and homeowners may have recorded traffic footage

If you are looking for traffic camera footage in Georgia, you will have to turn to other sources. These include home security cameras, dash cams, and surveillance videos from nearby businesses. For example, if you are looking for footage of a collision, you may be able to obtain it from a homeowner's Ring camera or a bank's surveillance system near the accident scene.

Georgia is a one-party consent state for audio recording

In the US state of Georgia, traffic cameras are not illegal. However, the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) does not record footage from these cameras, so any requests for this material cannot be fulfilled. The purpose of Georgia's traffic camera network is to help government officials monitor traffic flow. Anyone can watch live streams of the traffic cameras' videos on their smartphones or computers via Georgia 511, a DOT traffic service.

Now, onto the topic of audio recording in Georgia. Georgia is a one-party consent state for audio recording. This means that any party to a conversation can record it without the knowledge of any other party. However, it is important to note that all parties must be in Georgia, as recording in an "all-party" state without consent would likely be breaking the law of that state.

In Georgia, it is illegal to record conversations that take place in private places, such as homes, without the consent of all parties involved. This is because it is considered eavesdropping and invades the privacy of the individuals being recorded. However, recording conversations that take place in public do not require the consent of all parties and can be recorded by a third party.

It is worth noting that Georgia wiretapping laws differentiate between recording conversations (audio) and recording actions (photos and videos). While conversations in private places require the consent of all parties, recording actions in public places without consent is generally permitted.

To summarise, Georgia is a one-party consent state for audio recordings, but it is important to respect the privacy of individuals in private places and obtain consent for any recordings that are made there.

School zone speed cameras in Georgia have faced backlash

School zone speed cameras in Georgia have faced a backlash from motorists who believe they are unfair and merely a way for private companies and local governments to generate revenue. The cameras, which snap pictures of license plates and issue tickets to car owners by mail, have been criticised for being "ticket-happy" and for issuing tickets outside of school hours. Some motorists have also complained of receiving multiple tickets in a row, while others have questioned whether they need to slow down when students and teachers are off for breaks.

There have also been reports of technical glitches, with some cameras in Jonesboro ticketing hundreds of drivers based on the wrong speed limit. The city eventually agreed to refund or dismiss 1,244 citations totalling $76,400.

The backlash against school zone speed cameras has gained the attention of state lawmakers and plaintiffs' attorneys. One bill pending in the state legislature would ban the cameras altogether, overturning the 2018 law that originally allowed them. Another bill, sponsored by state Sen. John Albers, would tighten the time window for issuing tickets, require uniform signage, and bar private companies from taking a financial cut of tickets paid.

Plaintiffs' attorney John Bell has also filed class-action lawsuits against two camera companies, RedSpeed and Blue Line Solutions, aiming to outlaw their business model. Bell argues that the companies are impersonating police officers and engaging in racketeering by retaining a percentage of the civil monetary penalty. The companies have denied the allegations, stating that their operations are permitted under the 2018 law.

Despite the backlash and legislative efforts to restrict or ban the cameras, they remain in place as of the 2024-25 school year. Supporters of the cameras argue that they enhance safety for children and teachers outside schools and free up police resources to focus on other crimes.

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