Red-light cameras are used in municipalities across the state of Texas in an effort to improve safety at intersections. The Texas Transportation Code outlines specific requirements for the revenue collected through red-light camera violations, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. For example, fines can be used to pay for the installation, operation, administration and maintenance of the systems, according to TxDOT.
However, the devices have garnered their share of controversy: Opponents claim they may lead to an increase in other types of accidents such as rear-ending, according to Gov. Greg Abbott’s office. Since 2014, Texas lawmakers have filed numerous bills to repeal or prohibit red-light camera ordinances. None of them have made it to the governor’s desk, according to Abbott’s office. Abbott in mid-September released a report in which he called for prohibiting local adoption of red-light cameras and preempting any local ordinances or policies permitting red-light cameras already in force. The law would need to be approved in the Legislature, which convenes Jan. 8.