Traffic cameras have disappeared in many states, but many traffic light cameras in Ohio are still active. The reason why these cameras remain in the state is that our lawmakers see them as a way to collect funds and help to keep communities safe. If you face a ticket related to a traffic camera in Ohio, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney who can fight to make sure that your traffic ticket case resolves in the best possible manner.
The Ohio Supreme Court and Traffic Light Camera Cases
The Ohio Supreme Court has heard traffic light cases four times and three of those times the court ruled in favor of the government. The most recent decision occurred in a case from Toledo that challenged the state’s traffic camera laws.t
The Ohio Supreme Court recently struck down a law that required a law enforcement officer to be present at the site where a light is located. The court also struck down a requirement that a traffic study be conducted before the camera was used and a prohibition on citing motor vehicle drivers unless they are determined to be speeding by 10 miles or more above the speed limit.
Two of the other cases that the Ohio Supreme Court has heard include the 2008 case of Mendenhall v. City of Akron in 2008, when the court ruled that the city could use both speed and red-light cameras and issue fines to violators, and Walker v. Toledo, in which the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that traffic camera cases can be decided in mayor’s courts.
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The Changing Nature of Laws for Traffic Light Cameras in Ohio
There have been several General Assembly bills designed to limit the ways in which traffic cameras can be used:
- In 2006, lawmakers adopted the first bill that restricted camera use and required a law enforcement officer to be stationed near a traffic camera. This measure was later vetoed.
- In 2014, the General Assembly passed a bill similar to the 2006 bill that was also struck down.
- In 2015, a bill was created that required Ohio communities to comply with the 2014 law. Currently, traffic cameras are legal when cities post signs notifying the public before the intersection where the lights are located.
Why Traffic Light Cameras are Still Used
Cities and villages argue that traffic cameras keep areas safe because they deter people from traveling at unsafe speeds and racing through red lights. In theory, traffic light cameras free up law enforcement officers to pursue more serious offenses. Many lawmakers in the state also promote the use of traffic cameras because of the money the resulting tickets bring into the government.
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Speak with an Experienced Lawyer
If you have questions about traffic cameras or are charged with a camera ticket, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. At Kruger & Hodges, we have helped many people create legal strategies to respond to unfair traffic camera tickets. Contact our law office today to schedule your initial free case evaluation.
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