Are There Red Light Cameras in Texas?: Your 1 Minute Guide to Understanding Texas Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras, once a common sight at intersections throughout Texas, have largely been discontinued across the state. The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1631 in May 2019, which banned the use of photographic traffic signal enforcement systems, effectively ending the state's red light camera programs. While some cities were permitted a short grace period to fulfill existing contracts, most have since removed their cameras. As a result, as of 2024, there are no active red light cameras operating in Texas for issuing new violations.

From a designer’s perspective, such policy changes directly impact urban planning and the flow of traffic in public spaces. When redesigning city intersections or updating road layouts, traffic regulation elements—like signage and signal timing—become even more vital to ensure both safety and efficiency. If you’re considering how best to integrate traffic control features into your project’s spatial arrangement, tools such as a 3D floor planner can help you visualize and optimize these urban layouts for both form and function.

Tips 1:

If you're navigating a city or evaluating property for residential or commercial use, always pay attention to traffic signals and posted signs, since enforcement now typically relies on on-the-ground police presence and conventional ticketing.

FAQ

Q: Are there still any cities in Texas using red light cameras?

A: No, red light cameras have been banned statewide since 2019. Existing contracts have expired and most systems have been deactivated and removed.

Q: What happens if I received a red light camera ticket before the ban?

A: Tickets issued before the ban may still be enforced. However, many cities have opted not to pursue outstanding fines after the law changed.

Q: How is red light enforcement handled in Texas now?

A: Enforcement is carried out directly by law enforcement officers who issue citations in person rather than through automated systems.

Q: Were there any exceptions to the red light camera ban?

A: Temporary exceptions were made for cities with existing vendor contracts as of 2019, but these have since expired.

Q: Can a city in Texas bring back red light cameras in the future?

A: Not unless the state law banning them is overturned or amended by future legislation.