Photo Enforcement

Photo Enforcement


Photo enforcement in used with several different methods, but all use a computerized photo system.

Photo speed enforcement is set to photograph and/or video vehicles traveling above a predetermined speed (5 to 10 miles-per-hour over the speed limit).

Most fixed speed cameras use sensors that are embedded in the roadway to measure your speed.

Most portable speed cameras installed in vehicles use low powered radar radar guns.

Red light cameras also use sensors in the roadway to capture your violation.

Results are Reviewed and Your Citation is Mailed


Each image contains the date, time, location and vehicle speed.

The photo radar company processes the data and gets the owner information.

Anti Photo Enforcement Devices


There are five different types of counter measurement devices that you can use, to defeat the enforcement cameras.

GPS Based Warning Systems


These devices are very popular in European countries as radar detectors are illegal there.

The way this system works is that you download the latest locations of the speed enforcement cameras into your GPS system from the provider.

Then as you approach the location of a known camera, the GPS warns you to slow down.

GPS Equipped Radar Detectors


There are a number of radar detectors that now include GPS that work on the same principle as the GPS warning systems discussed above.

The main advantage of these of course is that you’re also afforded the ability to detect police radar.

High Performance Radar Detectors


Commonly referred to as photo radar and the most popular of the speed enforcement cameras, use low power radar at an angle to measure your speed.

A good radar detector such as the Escort Redline or the Escort MAX will detect these type of enforcement cameras in enough time for you to slow down.

However, radar detectors will not work with speed enforcement or red light cameras that use embedded sensors in the roadway to measure speed.

Flash Back Devices


The theory with flash back devices is that a strobe is mounted above your license plate and the moment it senses the flash of a photo enforcement camera it simultaneously flashes its own strobe light onto the license plate, washing out the numbers to the photo enforcement cameras.

I’ve tested a number of these devices and none of them have worked!

One major problem is that most photo enforcement cameras in use today use video instead of still digital photographs.

Because of this for a flash back device to work, it would have to remain on during the entire time your car is being video recorded.

Then also think about this?

Would it really be prudent for you to blind everyone around you with a Strobe light while driving and wouldn’t you think that this may also draw the attention of a law enforcement officer?

Another document problem with these devices is that they have been known to over heat and cause fires!

Photo Radar Plate Covers


A much less expensive alternative is the anti-photo enforcement license plate covers, such as the Super Protector.

These covers go over your license plate(s) and keep the plate visible while you are directly behind the vehicle.

However, if you are offset on an angle, where the photo enforcement cameras would be positioned, a portion of your license plate is blocked.

Washington D.C. do have strict laws regarding these covers and violations can cost well over $300.00.

Photo Blocking Spray


The photo blocking sprays at one time were very effective in blocking your plate.

However now because of new digital video technology these sprays today are practically worthless in blocking the photo/video of your license plate.