Thomas C. Grajek | August 7, 2025 | Florida Law
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 1,000 people were killed in crashes caused by at least one driver running a red light in 2023 alone. Understanding that running red lights can have devastating consequences in Florida, the city of Lakeland began installing red light cameras in 2009 in hopes of curbing disturbing driving behaviors.
In the years since, Lakeland has built a significant arsenal of traffic cameras at some of the area’s busiest intersections. Here is what you need to know about Lakeland’s red light camera program and how it can help you if you’ve sustained serious injuries in an accident.
Understanding Lakeland’s Red Light Camera Program
Traffic and red light cameras are critical to citizen safety. These devices can discourage people from willfully violating the law by speeding through a red light. In fact, a spokesperson for the Lakeland Police Department stated that 85% of drivers who receive a red light camera citation are not cited a second time.
Additionally, IIHS data shows that these programs have had a significant impact on road safety. So far, they have reduced fatal red light running crashes by 21% in major cities and all types of fatal crashes by 14%.
How Traffic Cameras Work
Lakeland’s camera program is currently managed by transportation technology company Verra Mobility. These cameras activate when motion is detected at the stop bar after a light has turned red. They capture two images before and after the car moves over the stop bar, both with the traffic light in view.
The third-party company then records the date and time of the incident, the duration of the red and yellow lights, and the car’s license plate number, which is reconciled with data from the Department of Motor Vehicles to determine the vehicle’s owner.
Lakeland’s Traffic Camera Locations
Traffic cameras are most often found in school zones and at Lakeland’s busiest intersections, such as:
- Florida Avenue and Memorial Boulevard
- Cleveland Heights Boulevard and East Edgewood Drive
- U.S. 98 and Griffin Road
- Harden Boulevard and Beacon Road
- East Memorial Boulevard and North Massachusetts Avenue
The city currently has 19 cameras. According to recent news reports, it plans to keep expanding this program to help mitigate violations and increase safety.
What Happens When A Violation Is Caught On Camera?
The Lakeland Police Department reviews and verifies all footage. If a driver violates the law, a close-up picture of the license plate and citation are mailed to the person who registered the vehicle. Florida law currently sets the fine at $158.
You may either pay the fine, file for a 60-day extension, or request a hearing. If someone else was driving the vehicle or the violation happened when you tried to follow a police officer’s direction or move out of the way of an emergency vehicle, you can submit an affidavit for an exemption.
The citation is considered a civil penalty, so no driver’s license points or insurance rate penalties will typically be assessed. However, if you are found guilty, it will be recorded as a conviction on your driver’s record.
Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law For A Free Consultation With A Lakeland Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be able to use traffic camera footage to prove that another car running a red light caused or contributed to the crash. However, obtaining this footage can prove challenging. It involves a lot of paperwork and must be done in a timely fashion, as some companies delete footage and pictures after a short period.
If you’re wondering how you can use traffic camera images to bolster your case, it’s a good idea to reach out to an experienced Lakeland car accident attorney for help. Not only can they do the legwork to get your hands on the footage you need, but they can also ensure your images are clear and well presented to give you the best chance of getting compensation for your injuries.
Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation.
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