Photo Enforcement Program - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a red-zone violation? Pursuant to Florida Statutes §§ 316.0083, 316.074(1) and 316.075(1)(c)1, it is a violation of the red light if a vehicle proceeds into an intersection equipped with a photographic traffic control monitoring system when the traffic control signal for that vehicle’s direction of travel is emitting a steady red signal. When a motorist receives a Notice of Violation, it has been determined that their vehicle has proceeded into an intersection by entering the crosswalk on the near side of an intersection when the traffic control signal, for the direction in which the vehicle was traveling, was emitting a steady red signal. Motorists already in the intersection when the signal changes to red, when waiting to turn for example, are not considered red light violators.
Why has the City of Cocoa Beach implemented a Photo Enforcement Program? As a tourist destination, Cocoa Beach has more vehicular and pedestrian traffic than many other communities. The mixture of cars and people increases the chances that a mishap can result in serious injury or worse. It also underscores the importance of compliance with traffic regulations. The use of technology (cameras and video) to supplement police manpower is a cost-effective way to increase law enforcement at more locations.    According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 2 million crashes annually occur in intersections. In 2006, red-light running resulted in almost 900 fatalities and 144,000 injuries. It is believed that an automated red-light camera program will result in greater compliance to traffic signals and thereby reduce the number of red-light collisions and injuries associated with these crashes.
		ON	RED
	Cameras Ahead
	Why does the camera flash when no one actually runs the red light? The red-light camera system is designed to take two rear photographs of a vehicle that may be committing a violation. The first rear image captures the vehicle prior to entering the intersection with the traffic signal red, and the second image shows the vehicle continuing through the intersection during the red signal phase. On occasion, a vehicle approaching an intersection with a red light, may come to a stop before entering the intersection, yet trigger the red-light camera system, causing the flash to discharge. In addition, a vehicle approaching the intersection and making a right turn, may not come to a complete stop, but only slow before continuing to turn, triggering the red-light camera system and causing the flash to discharge. What company provides the red-light camera program in Cocoa Beach? The City of Cocoa Beach has contracted with American Traffic Solutions Inc. (ATS) to provide the Photo Enforcement program. ATS will install and maintain all equipment related to this program, and process violations captured by the equipment. More information about ATS is at http://www.atsol.com
How does the photo-enforcement camera work? The system activates when motion is detected just prior to the stop bar, AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras capture images of an alleged violation from the rear of the vehicle. • The first image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar and the illuminated red light. • The second image shows the violator in the middle of the intersection with the red light illuminated. • The image of the license plate is also captured. Data on time, date, and duration of the light is recorded.
Where are the cameras located? The intersection with camera installations are listed below. The intersections are marked clearly with signs. North Atlantic Avenue (Northbound S.R. A1A) and Fischer Park Drive SRA1A and SR520 (Northbound lanes of A1A as well as the two left-turn lanes heading west onto SR520) SRA1A Northbound and Southbound at Shepard Drive
What to do if you receive a Notice of Violation?
Why did I receive this Notice of Violation? Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have failed to comply with a steady red signal. As the owner of the vehicle, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you. For every violation captured by the cameras, the images and video are reviewed and approved by the Cocoa Beach Police Department before a Notice of Violation is issued and mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.	Where can I view information on the Notice of Violation? Visit http://www.ViolationInfo.com to view information about your Notice of Violation. You will be asked to enter your Notice and PIN numbers, found on the front of the Notice of Violation, in the upper right corner, inside the red box.
What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation? If you fail to respond, a Uniform Traffic Citation (“UTC”) will be issued to you, THE FINE AMOUNT UNDER THIS STATUTE FOR THE STATED INFRACTION WILL INCREASE PER STATE STATUTE and you may become responsible for court fees and costs. Upon issuance of a UTC, you shall have the remedies specified in Florida Statutes § 318.14, which include the right to have a hearing before a designated official, who shall determine whether an infraction has been committed. If the official concludes that no infraction has been committed, no costs or penalties shall be imposed. If the official concludes that an infraction has been committed, the official may impose an additional civil penalty not to exceed $500 and court fees and costs.
Will I receive any points on my driving record for this violation? No, this is a non-criminal infraction that is not reported to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
Will my insurance rates be affected? No, this is a non-criminal infraction and is not reported to any insurance agencies.
How much time do I have to pay my Notice of Violation? The payment or affidavit must be received 8 days prior to the due date shown on the front of your Notice, which is thirty days (30) from the issue date of the notice, to ensure proper processing. If you have questions regarding payments please contact Customer Service at 1-888-225-8875.
How much is the fine? Fines will be $158.00 per ticket
What are my options?
A. Pay the fine. • Pay Online. Log on to http://www.ViolationInfo.com by entering your Notice number and PIN number shown in the red box on the front right of your Notice. Click the Pay button. A convenience fee of $4.00 is assessed at the time of payment. • Pay by Mail. Mail your check or money order, payable to the City of Cocoa Beach, in the enclosed envelope along with the coupon printed at the bottom of the notice. Write the Notice number and the license plate number on your check or money order. Do not mail cash. The mailing address is: City of Cocoa Beach, Traffic Safety Camera Program, and P.O. Box 742503, Cincinnati, OH 45274-2503. • Pay by Phone. Call toll free 1-866-225-8875, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday- Friday. • Pay in Person (check or cash only). Cashier Window Cocoa Beach City Hall, 2 S. Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, Fl 32931 A convenience fee of $4.00 is assessed at the time of payment. What if my check bounces: Pursuant to Florida law, Chapter 832.07, you will be responsible for payment of the original fine amount plus a service charge for a returned check fee of at least $30.00 Can I make payments in installments or set up a payment plan? Payment plans are not available.
B. Request a hearing. If you choose to appear before an official of the county court or plead not guilty, do not respond to the Notice of Violation. You will receive a Uniform Traffic Citation within 60 days of the Violation Date via certified mail. Instructions will be provided to you by the county clerk’s office as to how you should proceed.
C. Submit an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility. As the registered owner of the vehicle, you are deemed responsible for the violation and the payment the penalty unless, in compliance with Florida Statute § 316.0083(1)(d)1.a-d, you establish by a sworn affidavit that a statutory exemption applies. The exemptions are that the motor vehicle: (a) passed through the intersection in order to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle or as part of a funeral procession; (b) passed through the intersection at the direction of a law enforcement officer; (c) was, at the time of the violation, in the care, custody, or control of another person; or (d) a UTC was issued by a law enforcement officer to the driver of the motor vehicle for the violation of Florida Statute § 316.074(1) and § 316.075(1)(c)1 stated in this Notice. The affidavit must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths. If you assert that the vehicle was in the care, custody, or control of another person, you must provide the name, address, date of birth, and, if known, the driver’s license number of the person who leased, rented, or otherwise had care, custody, or control of the vehicle at the time of the violation. Acceptance of this assertion by the Cocoa Beach Police Department will result in the issuance of a uniform traffic citation to the person named in the affidavit. If the vehicle was stolen, then the affidavit must include a copy of a police report showing the vehicle to have been stolen. If you assert that a UTC was issued by a law enforcement officer for the violation of Florida Statute § 316.074(1) and 316.075(1)(C)1 stated in this notice, then you must include the serial number of the UTC. For faster processing, you may, but are not required to, include a copy of the UTC. You may obtain an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility by visiting http://www.ViolationInfo.com Complete an Affidavit, sign, notarize, and mail with all supporting documentation to: City of Cocoa Beach, Traffic Safety Camera Program, P.O. Box 22091, Tempe, AZ. 85285-2091.