Ticketed by technology: Chattanooga drivers question the fairness of camera fines

Unwanted Surprises in Chattanooga Mailboxes

Drivers in Chattanooga, Tennessee are facing a different kind of ticketing experience. Instead of seeing the alarming flash of blue lights in their review mirror, they’re learning of their speeding indiscretions through the mail—thanks to speed cameras.

However, some local drivers are questioning the validity and enforcement of these surprising fines. Investigating the issue, it becomes clear that the answers are not as straightforward as one would imagine.

Speed Cameras Around Chattanooga

Various speed cameras are stationed across the Chattanooga area, notably near Highway 153, Hamill Road, Gadd Road and the twisty Hixson Pike. Internet forum discussions reveal people receiving surprise tickets in their mail from these areas, leading to questions about their legal obligation to pay.

A Gray Area of Enforcement

Jay Kennamer, a representative from the McMahan Law Firm, shed some light on the issue. According to Kennamer, these traffic citations are classified as a civil penalty. As such, they will not affect one’s driving record, insurance, or credit rating. Yet, the question remains: what happens if you don’t pay?

“It doesn’t affect your points on your license. It doesn’t affect your insurance. It can’t affect your credit rate…,” says Kennamer, cautiously advising that he isn’t encouraging nonpayment, but pointing out that the penalties seem nonthreatening.

One peculiar aspect of these fines is their ease of contestation. As Kennamer elaborates, since the issuance of these fines is not tied to the physical presence of an officer, they could have caught anyone driving the vehicle in question, including those who may have borrowed or even stolen your vehicle. As noted by Kennamer, all the authorities have to back their fine is a ticket and a tag.

Views from the Law

Holding a differing perspective is Tennessee State Representative Greg Martin, who sees the cameras as a measure of precaution. “I know two individuals, who were personal friends of mine, that died on the S curves on Hixson Pike decades ago, before those cameras were installed,” Martin shares. He believes that the mere awareness of the speed cameras encourages drivers to be careful, thereby enhancing road safety.

The City’s Stand

While the city of Chattanooga could legally take you to court for non-payment, most cases do not escalate to that level, according to Kennamer. The cost of pursuing a suit for a relatively small fine does not justify the effort or expense. Moreover, defending such a fine in court may not be as daunting, because “You can’t bring the camera. It’s not a live person, so you know, it’s not tough to contest these things,” says Kennamer.

Pending Queries

Attempts have been made to contact the Chattanooga city authorities to learn more about these camera fines. Questions about the ownership and source of the cameras, as well as the allocation and total amount collected from these fines, remain unanswered. Updates will follow upon response from the city.

In the meantime, Rep. Martin seems to favour the old fashioned method of traffic regulation: “It ought to be a police officer, a sheriff’s deputy, that pulls you over,” he suggests, stressing the value in personal interaction and in-the-moment corrective guidance.