What is a photo ticket?

A photo ticket, also known as a camera ticket or speed camera ticket, is a traffic citation issued to a vehicle owner based on photographic evidence of a traffic violation captured by a camera. These cameras are typically installed in fixed locations along roads and highways and are used to enforce speed limits, red light violations, and other traffic offenses.

When a camera detects a vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit or running a red light, it captures a photograph of the vehicle's license plate and sends it to the relevant traffic enforcement agency. The owner of the vehicle registered to that license plate is then issued a photo ticket.

Photo tickets typically include information such as the date, time, and location of the violation, the vehicle's make, model, and license plate number, the speed at which the vehicle was traveling (in cases of speeding violations), and the applicable fine or penalty. The recipient of the ticket may have the option to pay the fine, contest the violation, or enter a plea of guilty.

Photo tickets are designed to improve road safety by deterring traffic violations and promoting compliance with traffic laws. They are also used as a revenue-generating measure by some municipalities and jurisdictions. However, photo tickets have been the subject of criticism and legal challenges, with some arguing that they violate privacy rights and are susceptible to inaccuracies or technical errors.