Differences between Red Light Cameras, Traffic Cameras, Speed Cameras, and More

Let’s talk about the camera that merely captures footage, just like what a dash cam does. Traffic cameras, or traffic sensor cameras are typically put atop traffic lights to help monitor traffic and determine the timing of the lights. They are almost always compact, cylindrical or dome-shaped cameras housed in a waterproof enclosure.

You cannot be ticketed for speeding or any other traffic violation simply because you were caught on this camera. As a result, the traffic camera program is referred to as non-enforcement surveillance.

You've probably seen red light cameras on television, especially on the news.

"Suspect's vehicle was last seen driving through the red light at the intersection of Main and Mulberry at approximately 6:13 pm."

The idea behind the red light camera is that when a vehicle runs a red light, images are taken before, during, and after the traffic violation. These images show the driver, the infraction, and the vehicle's license plate.

Automatic ticketing systems are also used with red light cameras. If you get caught on one, expect to get your ticket in the mail. Don't worry - you can have your day in court to object.

Wondering what this camera looks like? It’s a bulky system that consists of a large box with two external flashlights mounted on each end of an intersection. You can find most of these cameras within busy intersections in the city, and not much in rural areas.

Now, the next one is more focused on the details. ANPR cameras, which can automatically scan and analyze a vehicle's license plate numbers, are commonly found at intersections. These cameras might be movable (attached to a police cruiser) or stationary (mounted to poles).

So how does an ANPR work? ANPR cameras operate in the infrared (invisible) light spectrum. They do this to improve low-light sensitivity, allowing the cameras to operate at night. As a result, most are outfitted with an infrared "spotlight" made up of clusters of infrared LEDs. If you observe these LED clusters, you can almost certainly be convinced that the cameras are of the ANPR sort.

It’s important to know that ANPR cameras are not used to issue tickets, but rather to track the positions of specific vehicles and drivers. These cameras are capable of retrieving vehicle and driver information from government databases, which some people may find unsettling.

We only hope this technology can one day be used in dash cams to clearly identify all license plates on the road.

Finally, the camera behind the speed tickets drivers hate. Speed cameras work in many of the same ways that red light cameras work, but instead of monitoring the red light violations, they monitor and enforce speed. They are often placed in less populated areas such as back roads or residential areas. Similar to ANPR, speed cameras can also be fixed or mobile.

Fixed Speed Cameras

Fixed speed cameras are the easiest to spot, since they are almost always mounted on elevated poles on the side of the road. These cameras are easy to find due to their bulky weatherproof enclosures and external flashes, often mounted on a separate pole.

Mobile Speed Cameras

Mobile speed cameras are more difficult to detect. These cameras are not fixed to the ground and can be found on a camera tripod, held by an officer, or inside a vehicle. Because mobile speed cameras are frequently repositioned, crowdsourcing programs embedded into most radar detectors have difficulty being used to reliably locate them.

Mobile speed cameras are also distinguished by the use of a form of radar that is difficult for most radar detectors to detect: low-powered K-band and MRCD (or Multaradar). In fact, the majority of radar detectors on the market are incapable of detecting these dangers efficiently. Long-distance detection of MRCD and low-powered K band requires a radar detector with a particular hardware circuit designed specifically for this purpose.

The mobile speed camera space is continually being updated, as different law enforcement and government organizations receive new equipment. Those interested in blocking and jamming such connections may find themselves in a battle of upgrading equipment, as each side continues to upgrade and modernize their equipment.

Just like how these cameras make a witness to all the motorists on the road, a dash cam can also serve as your personal companion and defender in court when you’re given tickets that you deem to be wrong.

Our dash cams usually have GPS features, which can determine your exact location when driving. At the same time, they also have speed stamps that can prove whether you are exceeding the limit or not.

And if you have an IR dash cam, it can also capture what’s happening inside your vehicle — including you, which can prove if you’re really wearing a seatbelt or not, or if you’re doing anything that could lead to distracted driving.

The dash cam’s built-in microphone is also a plus! This one aids in recording the conversation between you or a police officer, where some might claim that a driver made an admission. No more lies here, the dash cam will be your truth teller.

On top of the dash cam, a radar detector is a useful device to keep yourself protected from tickets, especially for speed cameras. There are many radar detectors in the market, but the only one we trust is the Escort Max 360c MKII.

When compared to other radar detectors, the Escort Max 360c MKII has an increased performance of 50%, ensuring that detecting speed cameras are precise, improving your overall situational awareness with the outstanding false alert filtering that reduces CAS (Collision Avoidance System) and BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring).

We mentioned under mobile speed cameras that most radar detectors cannot detect MRCD – and the Max 360c is an exception. The 360c MKII’s Defender Database feature alerts you to stationary cameras which use MRCD and MRCT technology, so there’s no need to worry! In fact, Escort also offers a Limited Ticket Guarantee – this means that when you purchase a Max 360c MKII, Escort ensures that you will never encounter radar or laser speeding tickets. If you do, Escort will pay for those tickets!