Red light safety cameras are mounted near an intersection, capturing vehicles that do not stop during the red-light phase with photo and video. When a vehicle violates the red light, a citation is sent to the registered owner.  

Speed cameras photograph a speeding vehicle and the driver, then send a citation to the registered owner. Mobile and fixed cameras are used to cover multiple road segments. Automated speed enforcement is used to supplement traditional enforcement.  

This is about keeping as many members of our community safe and cutting down on motor vehicle crashes in our community. We hear frequently from members of our community that traffic safety should be a high priority for Bend Police, and this is one method for responding to those concerns.  

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in cars are the result of speed-related crashes. And running red lights is a leading cause of crashes in the U.S., with more than 127,000 people injured in red light-running crashes in 2019.  

Red light enforcement: Cameras monitor intersections approaches, taking multiple photos and a short video of the vehicle passing through a red light. The cameras also view the traffic signal and connect to sensors that monitor traffic flow just before the crosswalk or stop line.  

Photo Speed Enforcement: Using the same equipment as red light enforcement, the speed of vehicles is measured as they enter the intersection using radar. Violations occur when the speed exceeds the established threshold of 11 miles above the posted speed limit. Cameras capture images of the vehicle violating the speed limit, the occupants of the vehicle, and its license plate, computers capture all relevant information associated with the violation.   

Running a red light is a violation of ORS 811.265, driver’s failure to obey a traffic control device, and is a Class B traffic violation punishable with a presumptive fine of $265. Please note: You must make a complete stop at a red light before turning right at the light. If you fail to make a complete stop, you could be cited for a red light violation.    

Speeding violations identified by photo enforcement are the same as other speeding tickets, set by ORS 811.109.  

Traveling 11-20 mph over the speed limit is a Class C violation with a presumptive fine of $165.  

Traveling 21-30 mph over the speed limit is a Class B violation with a presumptive fine of $265.  

And traveling 31 mph or more over the speed limit is a Class A violation with a presumptive fine of $440.  

A technician and a Bend Police traffic officer or traffic enforcement agent will review the potential violations before citations are issued. If you are cited, you will receive a citation package in the mail within two weeks. 

When it comes to insurance, automated traffic enforcement citations are treated in the same way as moving violations in Oregon, so your insurance may be affected.  

Bend Police will go out for a request for proposal that will require that the City of Bend pay no out-of-pocket costs for the equipment. The contracted company will handle all installation, configuration, service and support. It may also handle all processing, printing, mailing and customer support.  

While this program is expected to require additional staff, those costs will be offset by the funds raised from citations, so that there is no cost to the City of Bend to implement and run the program. 

This program is not designed to raise funds for our Department. Our community has repeatedly told us that traffic enforcement is a high priority for them, and this program is another way we can help address their concerns.  

The system will be cost neutral, with no out-of-pocket cost to the City or the taxpayers. Any revenue raised from citations will be collected in a special fund dedicated to future traffic safety, education, and enforcement projects.  

Our Department has not yet identified where we will place these cameras, and will conduct a study with the contractor to determine which intersections have the highest incidence of crashes and complaints.  

Oregon law requires that we place signs before each intersection that has automated traffic enforcement.