For the past five years, drivers in New Jersey have had to combat red-light cameras. These electronic devices monitor intersections and track any moving violations – meaning that drivers caught running red lights could be fined after the fact. However, the program may soon be ending in the Garden State.
The Governor Has Doubts
According to The Star-Ledger, the five-year pilot program for the cameras is set to expire in December, and there is very little support for a continuance. No bill has been introduced to extend the efforts, and even Gov. Chris Christie has expressed some doubts about signing off on the program.
"I have concerns about it, and my inclination is not to continue it, but I haven't made any final decisions," Christie told the source at a news conference.
Additionally, a number of other state representatives have spoken in opposition of the cameras.
Problems With The Red-Light Program
One of the reasons lawmakers may be opposed to continuing the red-light program is because of problems the cameras have encountered recently. Earlier in the year, a technical glitch in the system prevented tickets from being sent out for as many as 17,000 infractions across 17 towns, The Star-Ledger reported. As a result, motorists were not informed of potential fines.
While this was just one extreme example of the problems with the program, it has resulted in quite a bit of backlash, and it could be one of the big arguments against the red-light cameras.
Drivers Need To Stay Vigilant
Even if New Jersey does end its red-light camera program, drivers in the Garden State will still need to be aware of automated devices on the roads. Nearly half of states throughout the U.S. use red-light cameras, speed cameras or both, according to a separate article in The Star-Ledger – including many of New Jersey's surrounding regions, such as New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
While some lawmakers are campaigning to prevent other states from fining New Jersey residents for driving infractions caught on camera, any resolution is still off in the future. Until then, drivers will have to do their best to stay ahead of the law – starting with driving a safe car that is up-to-date with maintenance and safety features.
Motorists looking for a reliable used car should head to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans on site, ensuring that drivers can find a model that meets all of their needs.