Sat, 27 Jul 2024 11:33:02 GMT

Controversy Over Chattanooga’s Use of Speed Cameras

In a developing controversy, drivers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are raising questions regarding the fairness and enforceability of fines generated by speed cameras. Without the “blue lights in the rearview mirror,” many are shocked to discover they’ve been ticketed for speeding upon receiving a citation in the mail. The question now is whether these mail-in tickets are enforceable.

Speed Camera Locations and Public Perception

Speed cameras throughout the Chattanooga area, including near Highway 153, Hamill Road, Gadd Road, and the S-curves of Hixson Pike, have been issuing these citations. According to online discussions, many drivers have been surprised by the unexpected fines arriving in their mail. Confusion and uncertainty also revolve around whether these fines must be paid, leading to extensive debate among local road users.

The Enforcement Dilemma

Jay Kennamer, a representative of McMahan Law Firm, stated on Friday that a traffic citation due to camera-detected speeding is essentially a civil penalty, devoid of any legal implications affecting the offender’s driving records, insurance, or credit rating. However, what remains unclear is the potential consequences for non-payment.

Points of Contention

Two factors highlight the enforcement issue. First, Kennamer pointed out that these camera tickets are easy to contest due to their classification as civil penalties. Given that law enforcement is not present when the alleged violation occurs, genuine verification that the registered car owner was driving at the time of the offence is not possible. Therefore, in cases where a car or license plate might have been borrowed or stolen, the only existing evidence is a ticket and a tag.

State Legislature’s Stand on Issue

According to Representative Greg Martin (R) of Hamilton County, safety concerns over busy intersections and areas close to schools are the key reasons behind speed camera deployment. Despite his own dislike towards these monitoring tools, Martin acknowledges their effectiveness in encouraging cautious driving. However, he is also aware of the potential for misinterpretation of these civil penalties, maintaining that a human presence on the road is valuable for issuing proper warnings.

The Legal Perspective

In the unlikely event that the City of Chattanooga takes a driver to court over non-payment of a camera ticket, Kennamer suggests the chances of the case progressing beyond a civil complaint are slim. Given the filing fee of around $130, pursuing recovery of a $50 traffic violation fine seems unreasonable. Moreover, contesting these tickets should be straightforward given the inanimate nature of the evidence source: the speed camera.