Frequently Asked Questions

A red-light running violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Motorists already in the intersection when the signal changes to red, waiting to turn, for example, are not considered red-light violators.

The intersections with camera installations are listed below. Each intersection is marked clearly with signs.

• The Southbound Highway 101 off-ramp at Millbrae Avenue
• Millbrae Avenue at Rollins Road.
• El Camino Real at Millbrae Avenue

• The system activates when motion is detected just prior to the stop bar AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras capture three images of an alleged violation, two taken from the rear of the vehicle and one taken from the front of the vehicle
• The first rear image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar and the illuminated red light.
• The second rear image shows the violator in the middle of the intersection with the red light illuminated.
• The third image is taken from the front to show the driver of the vehicle.
• The license plate image is a close-up from one of the images captured.
• The driver's face image is a close-up from the front image.
• Data, including the time, date, and duration of the yellow and red lights, also is recorded.
• Cameras also record a 12-second digital video of the violation, including six seconds prior to and six seconds after running the red light.

The intersection safety camera system is designed to take three photographs of a vehicle that may be committing a violation. The first rear image captures the vehicle prior to entering the intersection with the traffic signal red, the second image shows the vehicle continuing through the intersection during the red signal phase, and the third image captures the front of the vehicle.

On occasion, a vehicle approaching an intersection with a red light may come to a stop before entering the intersection yet trigger the safety camera system, causing the flash to discharge. In addition, a vehicle approaching the intersection and making a right turn may not come to a complete stop but only slow before continuing to turn, triggering the road safety camera system and causing the flash to discharge.

The Police Department reviews each violation event captured by the intersection safety camera system and makes the final decision to issue a citation. All flash incidents do not equate to a citation.