The long lens of the law.

Teigen, Anne

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

To remove red light cameras, or not to remove red light cameras. That is the question facing lawmakers in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, New Jersey and Ohio.

In Florida, which collected $100 million in fines last year from drivers caught on camera running red lights, lawmakers are considering two bills to do away with them. Senator Jeff Brandes (R), sponsor of one of the bills, says the cameras are a backdoor tax increase and an inappropriate source of state revenue.

Should the bills succeed, Florida would join seven other states that ban the cameras.

But the cameras also have many supporters. More than 500 communities use them, in part because evidence shows they reduce dangerous side-impact collisions (although some evidence shows they increase less severe rear-end collisions). Red light running killed more than 700 people in 2011 and injured an estimated 118,000. Proponents also point to polls and referenda which indicate the public favors them.

Some states have considered legislation that would restrict or limit the revenue red light cameras generate. A measure this year in Missouri would have required cities and towns that use red light and speed enforcement cameras to give the fines to local school districts for transportation. California enacted a law last year that prohibits a government agency from taking revenue into account when considering red light camera installation.

In a 2012 AAA survey, 92 percent of drivers said it is unacceptable to go through a red light if it is possible to stop safely, but 38 percent reported doing so in the past month. With so many admitted violations, proponents argue the cameras are necessary, while others question whether it is more about increasing revenue for communities.

Stiffest Red-Light Fines

Alabama        $110
Arizona        $165
California     $490
Delaware       $110
D.C.           $150
Florida        $158
Illinois       $100
Maryland       $100
Oregon         $260
Pennsylvania   $100
Washington     $250

Source: Governor's Highway
Safety Association, Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety