Speeding Ticket Cameras: How Fast Before Getting Snapped?

Getting a speeding ticket is never ideal, but with the implementation of speed cameras, it can be hard to know when you might receive one. Speed cameras are designed to autonomously detect and record speeding vehicles, using radar technology to measure the speed of a vehicle and triggering a camera to capture an image of the license plate when the speed limit is exceeded. While the threshold for receiving a ticket varies depending on location, in most cases, driving even 1 km/h or 1 mph over the speed limit is enough to get a ticket. However, some places may have a reasonable buffer, without disclosing the exact speed threshold. Typically, you should expect to receive a speeding ticket within 14 days of the offence, with penalties including financial fines, demerit points, and in some cases, educational courses.

Some police forces have a reasonable buffer

While some police forces are clear that any speed over the limit can result in a ticket, others have a more flexible approach. In some jurisdictions, there is a ""reasonable buffer" between the posted speed limit and the speed at which a driver will be issued a ticket. However, the police are often tight-lipped about the specifics of this buffer, likely to maintain public support and prevent the buffer from becoming the new de facto speed limit.

Calgary Police, for example, confirmed the existence of a buffer but refused to disclose the exact speed, with Lindsay Nykoluk of Calgary Police Public Affairs stating, "We do not release this speed... To do so may effectively create the new speed limit." Similarly, Toronto Police declined to reveal their threshold, but in a 2019 interview, Spt. Scott Baptist, head of Toronto Police Traffic Services, expressed that he didn't anticipate tickets for vehicles going just 1 km/h over the limit.

The average speed for all photo radar tickets in Calgary in December 2020 was 16 km/h over the limit, providing some insight into the potential range of the buffer. However, the lowest speed over the limit that resulted in a ticket was not disclosed.

While the specific buffer amount may not be publicized, police emphasize that obeying the posted speed limit is the best way to avoid a ticket. Sgt. Marie-Michèle Moore, a spokeswoman for the Sûreté du Québec, affirmed, "All I can tell you is that you have to respect the limit. As long as you're over the limit, you could have a ticket."

The implementation of photo radar technology in speed cameras allows for the autonomous detection and recording of speeding vehicles. These systems use radar to measure a vehicle's speed, triggering a camera to capture an image of the license plate when the speed limit is exceeded. Trained officers then review the images to verify the violation and issue tickets accordingly. While the presence of photo radar has been shown to reduce speeding, it also raises concerns about potential revenue generation and the privacy implications of capturing vehicle data.

The threshold for a ticket varies by location

The threshold for receiving a speeding ticket varies depending on your location. In some places, you can receive a ticket for going as little as 1 km/h or 1 mph over the speed limit. In Calgary, for example, police have confirmed that there is a "reasonable buffer" between the posted speed limit and the speed at which you will receive a ticket, but they have not disclosed the exact threshold. Similarly, Toronto has not revealed its threshold, but a police spokesperson has stated that they do not expect tickets to be issued for cars going 1 km/h over the limit.

On the other hand, some locations have specific thresholds that will trigger a speeding ticket. In Washington, D.C., speed cameras are activated when a vehicle exceeds the speed limit by up to 10 mph. In Montgomery and Prince George's counties, the threshold is slightly higher, with speed cameras triggered at 11 mph or 12 mph over the posted speed limit. These thresholds can vary from state to state, and even within different counties or cities within the same state.

It's important to note that while some places might have a buffer or grace period for minor speed limit violations, this is not always the case. In general, the best way to avoid a speeding ticket is to adhere to the posted speed limit. Additionally, the consequences of speeding can vary depending on the location and the severity of the offence. In the UK, for instance, the minimum penalty for speeding includes a £100 fine and three penalty points added to your driving licence.

The use of photo radar technology, also known as Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems, is becoming increasingly common. These systems operate without the need for a police officer on-site and use radar technology to measure vehicle speed. When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the camera captures an image of the license plate, along with other relevant details such as the exact speed, date, time, and direction of travel. The ticket is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

While photo radar tickets typically carry financial penalties, they generally do not result in demerit points or affect insurance rates. This is because the camera system identifies the vehicle and not the individual driver. However, it is important to note that the laws and enforcement methods surrounding speeding violations can differ across jurisdictions.

Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems

Here's how ASE systems work:

• Speed Detection: The integrated radar system within the camera measures the speed of a vehicle as it passes through the camera's range.
• Image Capture: When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the camera is automatically triggered to capture a clear image of the vehicle's license plate.
• Data Recording: In addition to the image, the ASE system records crucial details, including the exact speed of the vehicle, the license plate number, the date and time of the infringement, and the direction in which the vehicle was travelling.
• Data Verification: A Provincial Offences Officer reviews the data captured by the ASE system to verify the accuracy of the speeding violation.
• Ticket Issuance: If the officer confirms a speeding violation, a speeding ticket is issued and mailed to the registered address of the vehicle's owner. The ticket includes information about the detected speed, the allowed speed limit, and the details of the violation.
• Penalty Enforcement: The penalties associated with ASE-issued tickets typically include financial fines but do not carry demerit points or affect insurance rates. The infraction is registered to the vehicle itself rather than the individual driver.

ASE systems are implemented with the primary goal of improving road safety and encouraging drivers to adhere to speed limits. The automated nature of these systems ensures consistency and objectivity in speed limit enforcement, reducing the potential for human error or bias.

While the specific thresholds for triggering a speeding ticket vary across different jurisdictions, it is generally advised to respect the posted speed limits to avoid receiving a ticket. Some police departments maintain a "reasonable buffer" between the posted speed limit and the speed at which a ticket is issued, but these thresholds are not always disclosed to the public.

No insurance implications for photo radar tickets

Photo radar speeding tickets are issued when a camera detects a vehicle exceeding the speed limit. The camera captures an image of the vehicle's license plate, which is used to identify and ticket the registered owner of the vehicle. While receiving a photo radar speeding ticket has financial consequences, it does not impact your insurance rates or driving record.

No Impact on Insurance Premiums

Photo radar speeding tickets do not affect your insurance rates or result in any demerit points. This is because the ticket is assigned to the vehicle, not the individual driver, as the camera system cannot identify the driver. Insurance companies will not have access to this information, and it will not be added to your driving history. Therefore, photo radar tickets have no insurance implications.

Consequences of Photo Radar Tickets

While photo radar tickets do not impact insurance, they still carry financial penalties. The main consequence is the fine associated with the ticket, which is determined by the speed at which the vehicle was travelling over the limit. The faster the speed, the higher the fine. There may also be additional fees, such as a victim surcharge fee and court costs, included in the total amount owed.

Disputing Photo Radar Tickets

It is important to note that even if you were not the one driving your vehicle when the photo radar ticket was issued, as the registered owner, you are still responsible for paying the fine. Disputing the ticket in court may not be a worthwhile option, as there are no consequences related to demerit points, driving record, or insurance. However, if the fine is excessive, you may choose to appear in court to request a reduction.

Comparison with Police-Issued Tickets

In contrast to photo radar tickets, when you are pulled over and ticketed by a police officer, your insurance rates may increase significantly. Police-issued tickets are given directly to the driver and are added to their driving record, resulting in higher insurance costs and possible policy cancellation. This difference in consequences between photo radar and police-issued tickets has led some to view photo radar as a "license for the wealthy to speed" without significant repercussions.

Penalties: fines, no demerit points, no driving history impact

The penalties for speeding vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the incident. In some places, like Washington, D.C., you can get a ticket for going as little as 1 mph over the speed limit. However, in most places, there seems to be a buffer zone where you are unlikely to get a ticket for going just a few miles over the limit. For example, in Calgary, the average speed for photo radar tickets was 16 km/h over the limit, and Toronto police have stated that they do not expect to ticket cars going 1 km/h over the limit.

While the specifics of speeding penalties vary, in general, if you are caught speeding by a camera, you will likely only face a fine, with no demerit points or impact on your driving history. This is because the camera system identifies the vehicle, not the driver, so the infraction is registered to the vehicle itself rather than the individual driver. As such, there are also typically no insurance implications for photo radar tickets, and they do not affect insurance rates.

The process for issuing a photo radar speeding ticket usually involves a Provincial Offences Officer or another qualified individual reviewing the data and issuing a ticket if they believe the vehicle was speeding. The ticket is then mailed to the registered address of the vehicle's owner and includes information about the detected speed, the allowed speed limit, and the date and time of the violation.

While there may be no demerit points or driving record impact, it's important to note that there can still be consequences for ignoring a photo radar ticket. For example, in some places, if the owner refuses or neglects to pay the fine, it can be placed upon the vehicle license, resulting in a "plate denial" where the owner must pay the fine before being allowed to renew their license plate.

Overall, while speeding camera tickets may not carry the same weight as those issued by police officers, it's important to respect the speed limit and be aware of the potential penalties and consequences.

Frequently asked questions