Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) is a safety focused system that uses cameras and sensors to automatically detect and record vehicles that run red lights at intersections.

In line with Pittsburgh’s Vision Zero goals, ARLE is recognized as an effective and proven treatment for increasing safety of all road users at intersections. ARLE additionally has the benefit of extending the capacity of public safety officers who are not able to be everywhere at every time.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety red light cameras reduced the fatal red light running crash rate by 21%

338 US Cities use Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) systems.

In 2022 over 100,000 people were injured and 1,149 people were killed nationwide in Red Light Running Crashes. Half of those killed were pedestrian, cyclists, and divers who were hit by red light runners.

Red Light Running Crashes in Pittsburgh 2019 to 2023:

759 total

7 Fatal

Locations will be announced.

Is ARLE Legal in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

Yes, ARLE is legal in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Explore PA Vehicle Code 75 § 3117 to learn more about the enabling legislation. The state requires municipalities that want to stand up an ARLE program to also go through local authorization. Bill 2024-0792 provides the first of several necessary steps in standing up an ARLE program.

How does the ARLE process work?

1. Violation is recorded, processed, and sent to police.
2. An officer reviews and validates the violation via photo and video before a ticket is sent to the offender by mail.
3. Offenders have 30 days to pay the fine or appeal the violation.

How many communities in the commonwealth have ARLE program?

According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as of July, 2024 - 4 communities in the commonwealth have ARLE program. They are:

• Abington Township
• Bensalem Township
• City of Philadelphia
• Warrington Township

How will the locations be selected?

Locations have not yet been selected. Per State Code, all ARLE intersections must be approved by PennDOT. DOMI will identify locations through a data-driven approach based on safety need as well as being informed by the Pittsburgh High Injury Network. Some further variables that will be considered during the selection process include previous reported red light running crash percentage, angle crash percentage, vulnerable road users’ concentration, aggressive driving behavior, age and visibility of the signal system along with yellow interval.

Will there be signage to notify the drivers about the ALRE camera?

Yes. The intersections will have Signage notifying drivers of camera enforcement installed on the approach. This is required by Commonwealth law.

Will there be warning period since this is a newer enforcement system for the City of Pittsburgh?

Yes, as required by State Code there will be a 60-day warning period at the first operational ARLE location before issuing fines. Then there will be 30-day warning period for the each of the subsequent ARLE locations before issuing fines. Information regarding all location activation dates and warning periods will be clearly shared to the public by the City of Pittsburgh.

What is the maximum fine this system can enforce?

Fines are capped at $100 by State Code. However, theses fines can be set lower under local ordinance. According to the Commonwealth of PA law, a municipality cannot collect an amount equal to or greater than 5% of its annual budget through this program. If the fine hasn’t been paid off in a timely manner, additional late fees will be added.

Is this program just a way for the city to make money?

No. Safety is the only priority of this enforcement system.

• PA legislation requires that ARLE violation revenue, minus operating expenses, are remitted to PennDOT's Motor License Fund for use in the Transportation Enhancement Grants Program.
• According to Commonwealth of PA law, a municipality cannot collect an amount equal to or greater than 5% of its annual budget through this program

The City of Pittsburgh has benefitted from these grant funds for signal upgrades estimating $1.7M since 2021.

What happens to my license or insurance if I pay the ticket, or I am found guilty in court?

Per State Code, these tickets are treated these fines like a parking infraction. There is no impact on license or insurance.

What if someone else is driving my car and runs through an ARLE intersection red light, what will happen?

If someone else is driving your registered vehicle and runs the red light, you can appeal the ticket. This is a defense to an ARLE violation under Commonwealth law, that the person named in the notice of the violation was not operating the vehicle at the time of the violation. The owner may be required to submit evidence that the owner was not the driver at the time of the alleged violation. The City may not require the owner of the vehicle to disclose the identity of the operator of the vehicle at the time of the violation.

Will I be able to appeal a fine?

Yes. A clear and detailed process will be made available before the system goes live and start issuing any fines.

Will there be more outreach before installing the ARLE system?

Yes, the engagement information will be available on this page as dates and events are finalized in the future days.

What about privacy?

No, the technology does not include facial recognition software. Images/video are recorded 2 seconds before, during and 2 seconds after an infraction is triggered.

What else are you doing with this data?

Recorded images obtained through the use of automated red light enforcement systems shall be destroyed within thirty (30) days of final disposition of any recorded event.

Are you tracking speeding or anything else as well with these ARLE cameras?

No, Commonwealth legislation only allows ARLE for the sole purpose of capturing red light running infractions.

Does ARLE enforce motorcycle, e-bike and regular bicyclists as well?

Any vehicle that is required to carry license and registration by state law will be enforced through this system.