Red Light Camra Q&A
Driving through Loveland, you may have seen intersection cameras flashing and wondered, “Why do they flash so often? or What just happened? I didn’t run a red light!” To help answer some common red light camera questions, I’ve created this Q&A.
Why do the cameras flash so often?
There are four reasons why you might see a camera flash:
Someone ran a red light,
Someone didn't stop before the white stop bar or before entering a crosswalk (some intersections might not have stop bars before the crosswalk),
The camera is adjusting to changing sunlight, or
The camera is broken.
If someone runs a red light, stops in the crosswalk/after the white stop bar, or rolls through what is supposed to be a full stop, the software first checks the video. Then, a person at the Loveland Police Department (LPD) looks at the photos and a 12-second video before sending out a warning or a ticket.
Why do we have these cameras?
There are two goals for these cameras:
Keep People Safe: The LPD wants to stop drivers from running red lights and keep pedestrians in crosswalks safe. According to the LPD, “Monitored intersections have shown improvements in driver behavior, similar to results seen nationwide. Red light cameras help improve roadway safety while reducing the need for officers to conduct traffic stops in hectic intersections. Fewer traffic stops also means fewer chances for everyone to enjoy Colorado’s favorite roadside activity: explaining themselves on the shoulder of a busy roadway.”
Revenue Neutral: The goal is to be revenue neutral, not to make money. The ticket money pays for the cameras, and if there is any extra money, the city uses it to make local streets and sidewalks safer.
How much money does the city collect from these cameras?
In 2025, the program generated roughly $140,000. The LPD pays Verra Mobility $39,700 a month. The goal is to be revenue neutral, not to make money. If any additional revenue is collected, it goes directly to the general fund with the intent of paying for traffic safety improvements..
How many cameras are there?
Three; they are at 1st and Taft, Eisenhower and Boise, and W 57th and 287.
What company provides and runs the cameras?
The LPD contracted Verra Mobility to run our red light cameras. They provide technology solutions for automated safety enforcement, commercial fleet management, parking, and more.
How do I avoid getting a ticket?
Come to a complete stop before crossing the white stop bar or entering a crosswalk (when the light is red). Some intersections may not have a stop bar before the crosswalk. Yes, this includes right turns on red.
How are red light cameras different from Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)?
Unlike ALPRs, these cameras only record if the system thinks someone broke the law. These cameras can be used to find suspects of other crimes, but only if they run a red light. For example, a bank robber flees the scene and runs a red light.
How much does a red light violation cost?
These violations carry a $75 fine. No points are added to your driver’s license, and it can’t be reported to your insurance. The same ticket issued by an LPD officer can add four points to your license and cost $165.
What happens if I want to dispute a ticket/citation?
If you believe you received a ticket in error, you can contest it through the Loveland Municipal Court. This information will be on your ticket. Also, it’s important to note that the ticket goes to the owner of the vehicle, not the person driving.
Questions
Want to keep learning more? The Loveland Reporter-Herald has a very in-depth article about our red light cameras and the mobile radar speed vehicle. You can also contact the LPD, the city manager’s office (CMO@cityofloveland.org), or city council (ccouncil@cityofloveland.org) with any questions.