Can You Get a Speeding Ticket From a Traffic Light Camera in NH?

Years ago, the world was introduced to one of the scariest things in law enforcement: traffic light cameras.

Now, I am obviously being facetious. However, there really were a lot of nerves around this topic.

Traffic light cameras are exactly what they sound like: a camera on a traffic light that catches people breaking the law. This can range from running red lights to accidents, and even speeding.

And when these traffic light cameras started popping up around the country, the nation seemed divided.

On one end, the cameras can instill fear into speed demons, catch hit-and-runs, and be used as additional law enforcement. On the other end, many thought it was creating a world where we are always under surveillance.

Is it fair, morally, to have a camera "enforce" the law? Is it legal to receive a speeding ticket from a camera instead of a human being?

In New Hampshire, the answer is no. It is not legal, it is not just, and it will not happen.

According to a National Conference of State Legislature article, New Hampshire is one of a few states that don't use these cameras to enforce the law. So if you are speeding through an intersection, you will not be ticketed by a camera, but that does not mean a human police officer is not around the corner.

Communities in 18 states – Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia – all utilize the traffic light cameras.

Speeding, accidents, and running red lights can all be ticketed in these states from the use of the camera. So when you are driving there, be mindful.

Maine and New Hampshire currently prohibit traffic light cameras, but would you want to see them in the future?

There are certainly pros and cons to utilizing the cameras, but do we really want them as a community?

It feels like another level of control and unnecessary surveillance, in my opinion.