When you drive on roads, you can notice traffic cameras at signals, highways, school zones, toll booths and busy roads. They actually play a very important role to keep you safe.
That’s why you need to know about types of traffic cameras, how they work and their locations. This is exactly what we have explained in today’s guide.
30 Types of Traffic Cameras
1. Red Light Traffic Cameras
You will find red light enforcement cameras at stoplights and intersections. This camera has high resolution, sensor based activation and can perform automatic detections. If you drive your car through a red light camera, then it will take your picture.
In such a case, it will quickly capture you as proof to show which rule you didn’t follow. So, whenever you see a red light, you must make sure to completely stop. This helps you to reduce crashes at busy intersections
What does a red light camera look like?
Generally, red light cameras have a rectangular box shape. You will notice it on a tall pole or attached with traffic lights. You will also see a round & dark-colored glass area. The camera lens will be inside that glass. Red light cameras can be in different colors such as white, yellow, silver or black.
2. Speed Camera
Speed cameras are installed to catch you when you are driving your vehicle over the limit. These cameras have high quality lenses. These lenses help the camera take a clear photo of your car. You will also find built-in radar with speed enforcement cameras. They can also measure your vehicle speed.
Further, when you pass through speed cameras, its sensor turns on automatically. Always remember, these cameras can also record your car information such as license plate and exact speed. This helps traffic offices to identify who breaks rules. Mostly, you will observe these cameras at highways, expressways and busy intersection zones.
3. Fixed Speed Cameras
Once you place a fixed speed camera in one location then they permanently will stay there. These cameras are used to monitor your vehicle speed 24/7. To identify your vehicles quickly, they have automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).
In addition, fixed speed cameras are also able to record your license plate, speed, time as well as location. Generally, you see these cameras at dangerous curves, highways, near schools and in areas with a history of crashes.
4. Mobile Speed Camera
Basically, mobile speed cameras are a type of portable camera which you can move from one to other places. They are small in size as compared to fixed cameras. You can set them up inside your vans, cars, tripods & handheld devices.
Also, mobile cameras can be placed anywhere such as on roadside tripods and held by police officers too. Its radar or laser technology is used to measure speed. Its high-quality lenses capture clear images of your overspeeding vehicles.
5. ANPR Cameras
Law enforcement agencies used ANPR cameras to read and record your vehicle license plates. Because they contain high-speed lenses, infrared lights & smart software. All these work together to capture your plates clearly (at day & night).
Moreover, these cameras can quickly check your number plate against a database to find stolen cars, expired registration and fines that you didn’t pay. You will see ANPR cameras at highways, toll booths, city roads, border checkpoints, parking lots & police vehicles.
6. Traffic Sensor Cameras
To monitor traffic flow, you can use a traffic sensor camera. You will have many features with this camera. For example: smart sensors, motion detection and video recording ability. However, they may not always record video like your regular CCTV.
Because, their primary focus is to detect your car movement, speed and traffic conditions on highways. Then it sends all your information to traffic control systems. So that they can manage signals, control congestion and track real-time traffic conditions. You can find these cameras at intersections, freeway ramps & traffic-heavy zones.
7. Traffic Monitoring Camera
Traffic monitoring cameras are also made to watch and record traffic in real time. They have high-resolution lenses & wide viewing angles. With its zoom feature, you can easily cover large road areas. Traffic monitoring cameras mostly have night vision property and weather proof housing.
This camera is very helpful for traffic control centers. Because, they can notice situations like accidents, traffic jams and roadblocks. You should install these cameras when you want to closely watch heavy traffic on roads.
8. Dual Red Light Camera
Dual red light cameras are mainly places to catch drivers who did not follow red lights rules. When you drive near a red light, this camera will snap your photo from two different angles.
You will see a clear bright flash when the camera takes your vehicle photo. Mostly, they are located at busy intersections and attached with tall poles or traffic lights. These cameras monitor traffic flow from both directions of the road.
9. Gatso Speed Camera
Gatso cameras are one of the most common types used to catch drivers who go over the speed limit. It will snap a clear photo of your vehicle when you break the speed rule. In short, they operate with radar technology to measure how fast you are going.
Furthermore, they have a flash, high-quality lens & sometimes film or digital storage to save the photo. You will also find some newer versions of this camera that may also include ANPR to read your license plate automatically.
10. HADECS Speed Cameras
HADECS speed cameras are small digital cameras which you can use on smart motorways (in the UK). They check your speed with the help of radar. You will never see any flash when it tracks you. It will be difficult for you to spot them.
However, these cameras can track multiple lanes and adjust its setting according to road speed limits. In case you drive too fast, they will snap a photo of your vehicle. You will see them installed on road sign bridges or near electronic signs. Its colors are often grey & white.
11. Truvelo Cameras
Truvelo cameras are actually speed cameras. It takes a photo from the front of your car instead of the back side. That means, they can catch your face and number plate clearly as well. Moreover, they use hidden sensors to measure your speed.
If you don’t follow the speed limit, you will be captured by cameras as you pass over the sensors. You will see only small boxes which traffic authorities place on poles at busy roads & near traffic lights too.
12. SPECS / Vector Cameras
If we talk about a vector camera, it is used to monitor your average speed on roads. For example: this camera will record you over a distance, not just at one point. That means, it will keep your record of how fast you drive between two or more cameras.
In addition, they operate with ANPR technology. It is helpful to read your licence plate and track your car speed. You will also be caught when you are overspeeding but slow down near the camera. It’s placed on tall poles and sign frames. You will mostly find them in pairs or groups along road works.
13. Box Safety Cameras
They are packed in large and visible metal boxes which are installed on the roadside. Its purpose is to catch drivers who drive overspeed or don’t follow red lights. To detect violations, they work with radar & sensors which are placed in roads.
They are mostly present on busy streets or at dangerous intersections. It’s easily visible to you because of its yellow, grey & white colors.
14. Toll Cameras
Toll cameras are also called LPR cameras. Whenever you cross toll roads, you will always be captured by these cameras. Generally, they capture your car license plate & deduct a fine amount automatically from your online account when you violate rules. Hence, you don’t need to stop your car and pay by hand.
You will observe toll cameras at above toll booths and overhead frames across the highways. At night time, they use infrared to see vehicles due to less visibility. Always remember, if your car is registered, the toll fee will simply be sent to your account.
15. Weigh-in-Motion Cameras
When you drive your car on the motorway, these cameras will check your vehicle’s overall weight with the help of its sensor. These sensors are installed under the roads. So, they detect your automobile weight when you drive over them.
For instance: If your truck/car is too heavy, the camera system records it and may send a fine to you. Usually, you will notice these cameras on highways or near freight checkpoints.
16. Rail Crossing Cameras
Rail crossing cameras are placed near train tracks and busy rail lines. They are used to catch drivers who break rules. When warning lights flash or gates are down, it will turn on. So, when you try to cross during this time, the camera will record your vehicle & license plate as well. This helps you to stop accidents at railway crossings.
17. Weather Monitoring Cameras
Sometimes, the transport department also needs to monitor weather conditions in real time. For this purpose, they placed weather monitoring cameras on your roads. Actually, they detect fog, rain, snow and icy roads.
Then they send messages to traffic control centers, so they can keep roads safe. Well, these cameras also work with sensors to measure temperature. You may spot them on highways, crossing bridges & hilly roads.
18. LCVDS Traffic Cameras
LCVDS traffic cameras are placed to track and count your vehicles. It helps you to manage traffic flow and spot busy zones. They can detect your cars, buses and trucks. You will often find them at traffic signals and busy roads. Their major purpose is to improve signal timing and make the road safe for driving for you.
19. Parking Violation Cameras
This camera will catch your vehicles which are parked in the wrong place. In fact, it will take images of your car if you park where it’s not allowed. It also snaps your visual if you stay too long in a timed zone. Parking violation cameras are helpful to reduce illegal parking and maintain traffic movement. It will send you a fine when you violate traffic laws.
20. SPECs Speed Cameras
Road safety agencies place multiple SPECs cameras along the road sides. These all work together to track your average speed over long distances. For example: they will read your licence plate at each point on the road. Then the camera will also perform a calculation about how fast you drive your car.
21. Point-to-Point Speed Cameras
To monitor your driving speed between two fixed points, these cameras are installed on reads. First, it will take a picture of your license plate at the start point and then later at the end point. After that, the camera will also measure the time you took to travel between these points. In case you drive too fast, you may face a fine.
22. Road Safety Camera Trailers
They are mobile speed cameras placed inside trailers. You will see them on the side of busy roads, risky highway zones, school zones and work areas. These cameras are also used to take pictures of your overspeeding automobiles. To make roads safe for every road user, they regulate slow driving.
23. Bus Lane Traffic Cameras
Bus lanes are legally allowed to bus drivers only. To enforce this law, bus lane traffic cameras are installed. They will catch you if you drive your other type of vehicle on bus lanes. Your car and its license plate both will be recorded by these cameras. Additionally, you will often see them on poles, traffic lights & near lane signs.
24. D-Cam Speed Cameras
D-Cam speed camera is a type of modern digital camera. It records your vehicles that are speeding. These cameras have the ability to take high-quality images and work in all weather. They are set on roadsides, on poles or at intersections.
25. SpeedSpike Average Speed Cameras
They use automatic number plate recognition to check your car average speed across two different locations. If you are too fast, you may get a fine. These cameras can work day and night plus in all weather. You will spot them on your long roads, highways & near schools also.
26. SpeedCurb Speed Cameras
SpeedCurb cameras are roadside units that capture your vehicles if you cross the speed limit. They use radar and sensors. Also detect drivers who violate traffic lights. They can take clear rear photos and are installed near traffic lights and busy roads.
27. REDFLEX Speed Cameras
Well, REDFLEX cameras use radar and video to detect red-light violations. It will shoot your license plate if you break the rules. There are many different types of this camera available such as fixed, customized and mobile REDFLEX cameras too.
28. DS2 Speed Cameras
This camera operates with hidden system sensors which you will find in the road surface. Its purpose is to catch fast drivers. For that purpose , they work with nearby camera units to perform better.
29. Aecom Mobile Speed Cameras
Aecom mobile cameras are mainly portable devices. It’s placed inside your vehicles and also on roadside units. At different locations, they note your Jeep’s speed. Mostly, you will see them in school zones or temporary speed areas.
30. Ramp Metering Traffic Camera
When you enter your car on the highway, this camera will definitely spot you. Beast, they work with traffic lights to control traffic flow. Moreover, they are helpful for you to reduce congestion during peak hours.
How Do Traffic Enforcement Cameras Work
Traffic enforcement cameras operate with the help of radar, inductive loops & laser sensors. These all components work together to detect violations such as your over speeding cars or signal bypass.
These cameras have high resolutions which can easily detect your vehicle data including plate. Later, all this information will be transmitted to the center system. So they can check situations and properly enforce traffic rules.
Traffic Camera Locations
You can find traffic cameras in many areas where they monitor road safety and traffic flow.
- Intersections
- Highway
- School zones
- Toll plazas
- Bus lanes
- Construction zones
- Pedestrian crossings
- Tunnel entrances
- Railway crossings
- Bridge approaches
Conclusion
We can say, traffic cameras are smart tools that maintain your safety while you are driving. You can see, whenever you drive too fast, violate red light and break traffic rules, these cameras will catch you. So, you should always follow traffic rules to avoid fines and keep yourself & other people safe on roads.
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FAQs
Do All Traffic Lights Have Cameras?
No, not all traffic lights have cameras. In most cases, traffic cameras only place at busy junctions/intersections or dangerous zones where traffic violations rate is more high.
Do the Cameras on Traffic Lights Give Tickets?
Yes, you will see some cameras on traffic lights that will also give you tickets if you break the rules. Basically, they scan your license plate when you run a red light as well as speed through an intersection.
What are the Penalties if You are Caught on a Speed Camera?
- Fines
- Points on your driving license
- Your license suspension (for repeated offenses)
- Higher insurance rates
- Mandatory driving safety course
What Range Do Speed Cameras Have?
The range of speed cameras are between 75 meters to 20 kilometers. But, it depends on your camera type. Mobile and advanced cameras can detect & capture images around 1.6 kilometers away.
What Do Traffic Enforcement Cameras Look Like?
Traffic enforcement cameras have shapes like small boxes or tubes. They are placed on top of tall poles. Some of them are attached to traffic lights. These cameras can be white, grey, black & yellow in color.
How Do Speed Cameras Know Which Car is Speeding?
Speed cameras measure your car speed with the help of radar, laser or sensor. If your speed is higher than the exact limit, the camera will take your picture and record your information too.
What States Have Speed Cameras on Highways?
Some USA states allow speed cameras on highways (especially in work areas) to catch fast drivers. These states include: Illinois, Maryland, Colorado, Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia and Texas.
