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The goal of the SafeLight program in Raleigh is to reduce angle collisions at intersections where the red light running problem continues after other safety measures have failed to work. Cameras are a safe, effective tool to alert drivers to the danger of the intersection and reduce red-light runners.
Red Light Camera Violations
A red-light violation has occurred when a car enters the intersection, crossing the stop bar, after the traffic signal has turned red. (N.C. General Statute § 20-158)
When a red light violation occurs, two pictures are taken of the vehicle.
- First image - rear of the vehicle before it enters the intersection showing the red-light traffic signal. This will show city officials that the signal was red before the vehicle entered the intersection.
- Second image - of the vehicle in the intersection with the red traffic signal. This will show City officials that the vehicle continued through the intersection.
A photo will not be taken if the traffic signal turns red after the vehicle is past the stop bar or if the vehicle gets stopped in the middle of the intersection.
Occurrences that are Not Considered Violations:
- Being directed through the intersection by a uniformed officer or emergency worker
- Moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle
- In a funeral procession
According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2019, across the United States, 846 people were killed and 143,000 people were injured in crashes that involved red-light running. Cities across the country have reported reductions in crashes at intersections where they have installed red-light cameras.
The City of Raleigh manages the red-light camera program using an automated enforcement vendor who is responsible for camera installation, maintenance, imaging processing, violations, payment processing, customer service, and appeals hearing support (Adjudication).
Citations are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle and carry a $50 civil fine with an additional $50 penalty if the fine is not paid within a specified period. No driver's license or insurance points will be assessed
SafeLight cameras are located at intersections where chronic red light running causes frequent crashes.
View a list of the City of Raleigh's Red Light Camera Enforced Intersections.
Appeal a Red Light Citation
The SafeLight program provides an appeal process for individuals who feel unjustly cited for a red-light violation. Appeal forms must be received no later than thirty (30) days from the date of issuance of the ticket.
Customer Service
Safelight Customer Service can assist with appealing a citation, transferring responsibility to another driver, and general questions and correspondence.
Office Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday except for City-observed holidays.
- Phone: 919-832-7436 (Press 0 to speak to a customer service representative.)
- SafelightRaleighCustomerCare@conduent.com
Citation Payment Proceeds
State law requires that the County School Fund (Wake County Public School System) receive annually calculated "clear proceeds". Clear proceeds are defined as the remaining money from the payment of citations after paying the expenses for the lease, lease purchase, or purchase of the traffic control photographic system; paying a contractor for operating the system; and paying any administrative costs incurred by the municipality related to the use of the system.
Red Light Cameras in other Cities
Red Light camera programs are currently in operation within the following North Carolina cities: Raleigh, Fayetteville, Greenville, and Wilmington. (as of 2021)
Legal Authorization
SafeLight Raleigh is part of a statewide initiative, allowing red light photo enforcement in certain cities and towns under NC General Statute § 160A-300.1.
- 2001 - Senate Bill 243 authorizes red light photo enforcement systems in Wake County.
- 2003 - City-Council authorizes a red light camera program under City Code, Section 11-2135.
- 2003 - House Bill 786 clarifies red light camera rules throughout North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to other questions about red light running or ordinances, visit Frequently Asked Questions.