City of Lancaster, PA

Automated Red Light Enforcement

Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE), also known as Red Light Cameras, are automated systems that photograph vehicles that run red lights. The photographs are then reviewed by police officers to confirm the violation. Once confirmed, a citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

In Pennsylvania, red light camera systems cannot be used to generate revenue for municipalities. Any revenue generated by these systems beyond their operating cost is turned over to PennDOT, which uses the funds for road safety programming and grants throughout the state.

Red light camera citations are civil offenses that carry a $100 fine. These citations do not add points to a driver’s license record or have insurance implications. Red light camera systems are designed to promote safe behavior by drivers at intersections by enforcing traffic laws.

Street with stoplights and traffic
Red Light Cameras can reduce fatal crashes by
21%

Hu, W., & Cicchino, J. B. (2017). Effects of turning on and off red light cameras on fatal crashes in large U.S. cities. Journal of Safety Research, 61, 141–148.

Red Light Cameras can reduce angle crashes by
29%

Cohn et al. (2020). Red Light Camera Interventions for reducing traffic violations and traffic crashes: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 16(2).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ARLE stand for?

ARLE is an acronym for Automated Red Light Enforcement, otherwise known as red light cameras.

What is the goal of the Red Light Cameras?

The primary goal of red light cameras is to improve traffic safety by reducing angle crashes. Roughly 40% of crashes at signalized intersections in Lancaster City can be linked to red light running.

What are “angle” crashes?

An “angle crash” is a vehicle collision where the two vehicles impact each other at an angle. This includes “T-bone” or side-impact collisions, where the front of one vehicle hits the side of another, often at an intersection. These crashes can be very dangerous and are a leading cause of traffic fatalities.

When will Red Light Cameras be installed?

The City expects to begin installing the cameras in Spring 2026.

Where will Red Light Cameras be installed?

Five locations have been approved by PennDOT and City Council. These locations were selected based on data showing that red light running is causing crashes.

Approved intersections include:

  • E. King Street / N. & S. Lime Street
  • W. King Street / N. & S. Water Street
  • Columbia Avenue / N. & S. West End Avenue
  • N. Lime Street / E. Walnut Street
  • Manor Street / Hershey Avenue / S West End Avenue

How will I know if there’s a Red Light Camera?

The city must post a “conspicuous sign” at intersections with red light cameras. The signs will say “Photo Enforced” or similar language.

What is the penalty for running a red light?

The penalty for triggering a red light camera is a civil fine of $100. There is no criminal penalty and no points are assessed on a driver’s license.

How many cameras will be installed?

The City will install red light cameras at up to 5 intersection locations cameras in Spring 2026. More intersections may be added in the future based on the results of the initial installation.

Can I turn Right on Red in Lancaster?

At all red lights, a driver’s first responsibility is to come to a complete stop. After looking and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, drivers can turn right on red unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted at the intersection. Turning on red is NOT permitted at intersections where a No Turn on Red sign is posted. If a No Turn on Red sign is located at an intersection with red light cameras, a right turn on red would result in a citation.

How will money generated from the red light cameras be used?

Funds from red light camera tickets will pay for the cost of the cameras, equipment, and program management. Any additional funds will go back to PennDOT’s ARLE competitive grant program to fund other traffic safety projects. By law, this program cannot be used as a revenue generator for the City—the purpose is improving traffic safety.

What legislation enables the use of Automated Red Light Enforcement systems?

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75, § 3117 concerning automated red-light enforcement systems in municipalities.