Rotlichtüberwachung

Rotlichtüberwachung, often translated as red-light monitoring or red-light enforcement, refers to the use of automated systems to detect and enforce traffic violations at intersections, specifically for running a red light. These systems typically consist of cameras and sensors installed at traffic signals. When a vehicle passes a designated point after the light has turned red, the system captures images or video of the vehicle, including its license plate, and records the date and time of the offense.

The primary purpose of Rotlichtüberwachung is to improve road safety by deterring drivers from entering intersections against a red signal. Running red lights is a significant cause of intersection collisions, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. By enforcing this traffic law, authorities aim to reduce the number of accidents and create safer road environments for all users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Information gathered by the surveillance system is usually forwarded to a central processing facility. If a violation is confirmed, a citation or ticket is typically mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The enforcement policies and penalties associated with Rotlichtüberwachung vary by jurisdiction, with some areas employing a strict enforcement approach while others may have warning periods or different fine structures. The implementation of these systems is often accompanied by public awareness campaigns to inform drivers about their existence and the consequences of violations.