FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is red light running really a problem?
Yes. National estimates show that more than 9,000 crashes are caused annually by drivers who run red lights. These crashes tend to be more severe as they are usually right angle crashes (T-bone) which are much more likely to cause serious injury. Red light cameras have been shown to substantially decrease the severity of traffic crashes at intersections where traffic enforcement cameras are installed. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has additional information on this subject.
Isn't conventional police enforcement sufficient?
Police cannot be everywhere at one time. Communities do not have the resources to allow police to patrol intersections and roadways as often as needed to ticket all motorists who run red lights. Red light cameras help keep our roads safer and allow Hannibal police officers spend their time protecting citizens in other ways.
Are cameras being used in other communities?
Photo red light enforcement has been used in the United Stated for more than 15 years. Systems are used in more than 160 communities in 25 states across the U.S.
Where are the installed red light cameras?
Hannibal currently has red light cameras installed at the following intersections: US 61/Hwy 168 and Diamond Blvd, US 61/West Ely Rd and Pleasant St, US 61/Market St and Paris Gravel Rd Plans are underway to install cameras at the US 61/ Rt. MM and James Rd intersection as well.
Is there any type of warning when approaching these intersections?
Yes. Signs are posted at each intersection warning drivers that photo enforcement is in use.
How do the cameras work?
Red light cameras constantly monitor the intersections where they are installed. The camera triggers when a vehicle crosses the stop bar into the intersection after the light has turned red. The camera records the date, time, the time elapsed under red, the vehicle speed, images before and after the violation occurred, the license plate, and the driver's face. The cameras will not trigger if the intersection was entered on a yellow light.
What happens after a violation is recorded?
The data is downloaded to the Hannibal Police Department where a sworn Hannibal Police Officer views all photographs and videos from the violation. If the officer determines that a violation did occur, the violation is then approved by that officer to issue a citation. The citation is then issued and mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
What does the citation include?
The citation will list all the information gathered from the recorded violation including 4 photographs. Information will also be given where the registered owner can view the video of the violation online.
What are my options if I receive a citation?
Included along with the citation are forms to use to choose one of the 3 options:
You can choose to pay the violation. You can nominate the actual driver, or inform us if your vehicle was sold or stolen. You can request a court hearing.
What happens if I nominate another driver?
Upon receiving the affidavit from you, Hannibal Police Department will dismiss the citation against the registered owner and reissue the citation in the nominated driver's name. That person will then receive a citation in the mail. (It is important to note that pursuant to RSMO 304.120, registered owners are required to provide information on the driver, and any registered owner who fails to do so shall be held liable for the violation.)
What is the penalty for red light running?
The Municipal Judge has set the fine at $130.00 for red light running. If you do not pay your fine, or respond to the citation with a nomination or stolen/sold information by the due date on the citation, your fine will be assessed court costs and a court date will be issued. If you fail to respond to the court summons, you may be issued a Fail to Appear Warrant for your arrest.
Will the violation affect my driving record?
The City of Hannibal does not regard this as a moving violation, and it is not reported to the Driver's License Bureau. It is considered a municipal fine, much like a parking ticket.