There were some news reports a while back that Dallas was shutting down the cameras because they were costing the city more than they were bringing in.

Then a few months ago, I saw new cameras being installed.

So I guess they're back up and running. Go figure.

 

I also heard that there were more rear-end accidents because people were slamming their brakes at yellow in fear of the cameras. But we hear a lot of things.......

 

Just because more are going up doesn't have to mean that they aren't done renewing the contracts. I heard the contracts were going for 3 more years, so maybe they're still putting them up for XX number of months to get that extra income while it lasts? Who knows. I'd look in to it if i wasn't so lazy.

 

Not sure if it's the same in TX, but in CA safety has nothing to do with traffic laws. I fought a ticket once because if I had obeyed the law I would have had an accident, one that probably would have resulted in a multiple car pileup.

The judge basically said that while I had done the correct thing, he was unable to do anything about it because CA law specifically states that traffic laws can not be disobeyed for safety. He felt bad that I had to pay, but pointed out that it was probably less than my deductible and I wasn't in the hospital.

Still, it just reinforced my opinion that most traffic laws are for income generation vs safety.

 

from my wife the lawyer:

1. yes, it is a civil offense, no defensive driving or deferred. just have to pay it
2. there is a section to fill out if someone else was driving it. you have to sign this. if someone else wasn't driving, and you sign this, you will be in much more trouble. if someone else was driving, they will get a ticket.
3. texas will not be renewing the contracts, but those contracts are not up for another 3-4 (6 in some areas) years.
4. you can contest this, but you won't win. you will just delay having to pay the fine and make someone else do a little more work.

my wife will contest it for you, it will cost $45, but you will lose and still have to pay the ticket.

 

What happened to the video? I'd like to see it!