Automated Enforcement Program
The City of Germantown has implemented an Automated Enforcement Program. Automated Enforcement (Sept. 2002) will utilize technology to capture violations of red light running at selected intersections within the City of Germantown. The program is managed and maintained by the Germantown Police Department.

For information on Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ), see below. Program Goals:
  • Reduce the number of red light violations
  • Reduce the risk of red light running collisions
  • Promote safer driving in general
  • Increase police officer safety

Primary Objectives:
The basic objectives of this program are to reduce traffic crashes and serious injuries, as well as the economic costs these crashes impose on our community and the individuals involved in those crashes.

Why is it necessary?
Disregarding or "running" red lights is dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
  • More than 800 people die and an estimated 200,000 plus are injured in crashes that involve red light running each year.
  • Disregarding traffic controls is a leading cause of urban crashes in the US today.
  • It has been reported that 40% of all vehicle collisions occur at intersections and these right-angle collisions are 50% more likely to result in injury.

The Technology:
The City of Germantown will be using a video-based red light camera system. The City of Germantown has contracted with Nestor Traffic Systems for the installation of the system.

The system detects vehicles as targets as they approach the intersection. The vehicles are tracked by an overview camera which provides a "bird's eye" view of the intersection. Once a vehicle is detected, the system monitors its speed, acceleration and deceleration to determine the probability of that vehicle stopping for the red light. If it is determined that the vehicle will not stop, the recording camera is triggered and the red light violation is recorded and transmitted to the police department for review by a police officer. (Note: Only violations are recorded) The recorded violation will be available for review by the violator and the court.

Revenues from the program will be used for traffic safety programs (as outlined by Ordinance).

Frequently Asked Questions

For more Automated Enforcement Information, call 901-757-7348 or E-mail Gary Wheeler.

FAQ: How do I pay an automated enforcement ticket?
Answer: Information about how to pay an automated enforcement ticket is on the back of the citation. For more details about how to pay traffic tickets, click here.

FAQ: Does a violation go on my driving record?
Answer: An Automated Enforcement violation does not go on the operators driving record.

FAQ: Is the violation considered a "moving" violation?
Answer: An Automated Enforcement violation is treated as a civil penalty and not considered a moving violation.

FAQ: What if I'm in the intersection when the light turns red?
Answer: City of Germantown ordinance states that vehicles "shall not enter or cross the intersection when the red signal is exhibited." However, the Automated Enforcement System targets and captures on video those vehicles that have not crossed the stop bar when the light has changed to red.

FAQ: How do I avoid being caught by the system?.
Answer: Simple. Stop on red. Additionally, drivers approaching intersections should always be alert and anticipate a light change and be prepared to stop.

Comments: E-mail your comments to Inspector Rodney Bright, Germantown Police Department.