Red Light Cameras

The legislature took no action on a bill introduced late in the session to allow cities and towns to use “red light cameras.” The cameras take pictures of motor vehicles going through red lights, and the vehicle owners are then ticketed based on the photos. The ACLU has objected to the cameras on both due process and privacy grounds. The bill was introduced on behalf of the City of Providence, which last year passed a “red light camera” ordinance, but belatedly recognized that state legislative approval was needed. In light of the General Assembly’s inaction, it is unclear how the City will proceed.