DC issued nearly one million tickets to drivers over six month period in DC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All these things can be true:
-Drivers need to drive safer and slower.
-Many DC cameras are set up to maximize revenue and have little to do with safety
-That said, cameras can and do effectively change driver habits when deployed with safety in mind.
-If safety is the primary goal, big honking signs saying MANY SPEED CAMERAS AHEAD would be deployed. (Note: They are not.)
-Many DC speed limits are set artificially low in order to make the 10-over ticket-trigger lower. For instance, a speed limit of 25 mph on Conn. Ave in DC is a joke. 30 used to be the limit. But now, 35 will get you a ticket, not 40, so that's why it is set at 25.
-MD and VA drivers should pay their tickets. I paid my MD ticket (only one so far in 10 years!). Was last year in Rockville, and it was $40. Which brings me to my final point...
-DC's $100 fine is set too high and is obviously predatory. If deterrence --not revenue-- is the goal, make it $50. People will get the message!

I'm going to take issue with the speed limits being "artificially low." Many people seem to think speed limits are basically mathematical constants, when they really are just the political outcome of a hundred competing interests.

A lot has changed since CT was posted at 30. One of the most obvious things is that you now have people driving 5,000 pound SUVs instead of 2,500 pound sedans. That's a heck of a lot more kinetic energy and its in a form that is far more dangerous to other road users. High ground clearance and large wheels let them hop curbs and flip over more easily. High bumpers make them more dangerous to pedestrians.
Driver behavior is also different now. Drivers are far more aggressive in weaving through traffic and running red lights. Add in all the electronic distractions... The safety margin that once was there at 30 is gone now, so lowering the limit is one way to get that margin back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

According to the report, 973,431 tickets were mailed out to drivers between Oct. 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. A majority of those tickets – 739,876 – were for speeding.
Maryland drivers made up most of the tickets, amounting to roughly 40%. Virginia drivers followed with 26% of the tickets. D.C. drivers received 21% of tickets.

During that time, $87,470,702 in Automatic Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program tickets were collected by the District. Meanwhile, 525,452 tickets remained unpaid.

Of the uncollected tickets, more than 350,000 of them belonged to Maryland and Virginia drivers.

https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/ddot-district-traffic-cameras/

It's really infuriating the degree to which dangerous drivers come into DC from MD and VA and make our roads less safe but then don't even pay their speeding tickets. The suburbs of DC just abuse this city while relying on it for jobs and entertainment -- it's such a screwed up relationship.

The suburbs get your carjackers and robbers, so it’s a fair trade.

Just looking for excuses to not obey the law? Criminal is a criminal whether it is carjacking or driving recklessly.

Maryland drivers gonna drive like Maryland drivers.

Racist DC folks gonna be racist. The worst drivers in the city right now consistently have VA plates.

Are you okay? It’s not racist to say that Maryland drivers are bad. They are fking terrible drivers. Baltimore Parkway and 295 are filled with just speeding, no turn signal using idiots. Sorry you’re so neurotic and hyper vigilant.

You now going to pretend that “Maryland driver” isn’t a racist dogwhistle. You should stop being so racist and get a life.

As someone white who grew up in Montgomery County and now sometimes commutes by bike on Connecticut Avenue alongside a ton of northbound Maryland cars, I pretty much always only picture "Maryland drivers" as bad white drivers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

According to the report, 973,431 tickets were mailed out to drivers between Oct. 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. A majority of those tickets – 739,876 – were for speeding.
Maryland drivers made up most of the tickets, amounting to roughly 40%. Virginia drivers followed with 26% of the tickets. D.C. drivers received 21% of tickets.

During that time, $87,470,702 in Automatic Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program tickets were collected by the District. Meanwhile, 525,452 tickets remained unpaid.

Of the uncollected tickets, more than 350,000 of them belonged to Maryland and Virginia drivers.

https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/ddot-district-traffic-cameras/

It's really infuriating the degree to which dangerous drivers come into DC from MD and VA and make our roads less safe but then don't even pay their speeding tickets. The suburbs of DC just abuse this city while relying on it for jobs and entertainment -- it's such a screwed up relationship.

The suburbs get your carjackers and robbers, so it’s a fair trade.

Just looking for excuses to not obey the law? Criminal is a criminal whether it is carjacking or driving recklessly.

Maryland drivers gonna drive like Maryland drivers.

Racist DC folks gonna be racist. The worst drivers in the city right now consistently have VA plates.

Are you okay? It’s not racist to say that Maryland drivers are bad. They are fking terrible drivers. Baltimore Parkway and 295 are filled with just speeding, no turn signal using idiots. Sorry you’re so neurotic and hyper vigilant.

You now going to pretend that “Maryland driver” isn’t a racist dogwhistle. You should stop being so racist and get a life.

As someone white who grew up in Montgomery County and now sometimes commutes by bike on Connecticut Avenue alongside a ton of northbound Maryland cars, I pretty much always only picture "Maryland drivers" as bad white drivers.

As someone with critical thinking skills, it's abundantly clear that when white DC residents make comments about "Maryland drivers" -- and it's *always* white residents using the term -- they are talking specifically about black drivers. It's racist as hell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All these things can be true:
-Drivers need to drive safer and slower.
-Many DC cameras are set up to maximize revenue and have little to do with safety
-That said, cameras can and do effectively change driver habits when deployed with safety in mind.
-If safety is the primary goal, big honking signs saying MANY SPEED CAMERAS AHEAD would be deployed. (Note: They are not.)
-Many DC speed limits are set artificially low in order to make the 10-over ticket-trigger lower. For instance, a speed limit of 25 mph on Conn. Ave in DC is a joke. 30 used to be the limit. But now, 35 will get you a ticket, not 40, so that's why it is set at 25.
-MD and VA drivers should pay their tickets. I paid my MD ticket (only one so far in 10 years!). Was last year in Rockville, and it was $40. Which brings me to my final point...
-DC's $100 fine is set too high and is obviously predatory. If deterrence --not revenue-- is the goal, make it $50. People will get the message!

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

According to the report, 973,431 tickets were mailed out to drivers between Oct. 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. A majority of those tickets – 739,876 – were for speeding.
Maryland drivers made up most of the tickets, amounting to roughly 40%. Virginia drivers followed with 26% of the tickets. D.C. drivers received 21% of tickets.

During that time, $87,470,702 in Automatic Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program tickets were collected by the District. Meanwhile, 525,452 tickets remained unpaid.

Of the uncollected tickets, more than 350,000 of them belonged to Maryland and Virginia drivers.

https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/ddot-district-traffic-cameras/

It's really infuriating the degree to which dangerous drivers come into DC from MD and VA and make our roads less safe but then don't even pay their speeding tickets. The suburbs of DC just abuse this city while relying on it for jobs and entertainment -- it's such a screwed up relationship.

The suburbs get your carjackers and robbers, so it’s a fair trade.

Just looking for excuses to not obey the law? Criminal is a criminal whether it is carjacking or driving recklessly.

Hilariously doesn’t understand difference between a violent felony crime and a civil infraction. This is what DC victimhood doesn’t people’s brains.

Reckless driving is a felony in many jurisdictions and directly causes the deaths of thousands of people every year. It’s the very definition of a “violent felony crime”, you pelican.

You think an ATE ticket = “reckless driving” and you like to call people names. You’re a sharp cookie.

Does it take a "sharp cookie" to equate "driving recklessly" with "reckless driving"? Please look through the thread before you comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to consider DC's traffic cameras as predatory, but while I live in Maryland, I always pay my tickets. I have started working in DC and travel frequently down South Dakota Ave, where there are a number of cameras. I have become a better driver because I am following the 25 miles-per-hour speed limit. South Dakota Ave (and so many others) are busy streets, but they are neighborhood streets. This is where people live; we don't need to be tearing through people's neighborhoods.

Historically two of the highest revenue cameras in the city are the K St underpass and E St expressway. Pedestrians are not allowed in either location.

The K Street Underpass has pedestrian crossings either side of it. Tunnels in general are death traps. It’s completely understandable why the city wouldn’t want drivers flying along that stretch of road.

The camera is intentionally at the bottom of the hill. It’s uphill both directions up. It’s nothing but revenue gimmick to catch commuters, like the cameras on New York Ave, and everyone knows it.

You can't even get the basic facts straight. The two cameras photograph cars not as they are coming down the hill but are exiting the tunnels and proceeding up the hill. It would be better both for purposes of revenue collection and safety for the cameras to be placed as you believe them to be. I'll be in touch DDOT to request this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to consider DC's traffic cameras as predatory, but while I live in Maryland, I always pay my tickets. I have started working in DC and travel frequently down South Dakota Ave, where there are a number of cameras. I have become a better driver because I am following the 25 miles-per-hour speed limit. South Dakota Ave (and so many others) are busy streets, but they are neighborhood streets. This is where people live; we don't need to be tearing through people's neighborhoods.

Historically two of the highest revenue cameras in the city are the K St underpass and E St expressway. Pedestrians are not allowed in either location.

The K Street Underpass has pedestrian crossings either side of it. Tunnels in general are death traps. It’s completely understandable why the city wouldn’t want drivers flying along that stretch of road.

The camera is intentionally at the bottom of the hill. It’s uphill both directions up. It’s nothing but revenue gimmick to catch commuters, like the cameras on New York Ave, and everyone knows it.

So you can exceed the speed limit because you are going down hill?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All these things can be true:
-Drivers need to drive safer and slower.
-Many DC cameras are set up to maximize revenue and have little to do with safety
-That said, cameras can and do effectively change driver habits when deployed with safety in mind.
-If safety is the primary goal, big honking signs saying MANY SPEED CAMERAS AHEAD would be deployed. (Note: They are not.)
-Many DC speed limits are set artificially low in order to make the 10-over ticket-trigger lower. For instance, a speed limit of 25 mph on Conn. Ave in DC is a joke. 30 used to be the limit. But now, 35 will get you a ticket, not 40, so that's why it is set at 25.
-MD and VA drivers should pay their tickets. I paid my MD ticket (only one so far in 10 years!). Was last year in Rockville, and it was $40. Which brings me to my final point...
-DC's $100 fine is set too high and is obviously predatory. If deterrence --not revenue-- is the goal, make it $50. People will get the message!

No this is a stupidity tax. The cameras are in a fix location for years. The speed limit in DC is 25 unless posted otherwise. Only an idiot would keep getting the same ticket over and over again.

[Anonymous]

It is amazing that Maryland and Virginia who have problems with reckless drivers will not go after these people. Speeding and accumulating tickets show problematic behavior and usually ends with injuries, property damage or death. Maybe DC should report the tickets to the insurance companies of the drivers?

Though the insurance companies are already pushing real time monitoring apps. If you do not use them you will rightfully pay a lot more for insurance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

According to the report, 973,431 tickets were mailed out to drivers between Oct. 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. A majority of those tickets – 739,876 – were for speeding.
Maryland drivers made up most of the tickets, amounting to roughly 40%. Virginia drivers followed with 26% of the tickets. D.C. drivers received 21% of tickets.

During that time, $87,470,702 in Automatic Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program tickets were collected by the District. Meanwhile, 525,452 tickets remained unpaid.

Of the uncollected tickets, more than 350,000 of them belonged to Maryland and Virginia drivers.

https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/ddot-district-traffic-cameras/

It's really infuriating the degree to which dangerous drivers come into DC from MD and VA and make our roads less safe but then don't even pay their speeding tickets. The suburbs of DC just abuse this city while relying on it for jobs and entertainment -- it's such a screwed up relationship.

The suburbs get your carjackers and robbers, so it’s a fair trade.

Just looking for excuses to not obey the law? Criminal is a criminal whether it is carjacking or driving recklessly.

Maryland drivers gonna drive like Maryland drivers.

Racist DC folks gonna be racist. The worst drivers in the city right now consistently have VA plates.

Are you okay? It’s not racist to say that Maryland drivers are bad. They are fking terrible drivers. Baltimore Parkway and 295 are filled with just speeding, no turn signal using idiots. Sorry you’re so neurotic and hyper vigilant.

You now going to pretend that “Maryland driver” isn’t a racist dogwhistle. You should stop being so racist and get a life.

As someone white who grew up in Montgomery County and now sometimes commutes by bike on Connecticut Avenue alongside a ton of northbound Maryland cars, I pretty much always only picture "Maryland drivers" as bad white drivers.

As someone with critical thinking skills, it's abundantly clear that when white DC residents make comments about "Maryland drivers" -- and it's *always* white residents using the term -- they are talking specifically about black drivers. It's racist as hell.

Is it factually incorrect though? That is the question

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All these things can be true:
-Drivers need to drive safer and slower.
-Many DC cameras are set up to maximize revenue and have little to do with safety
-That said, cameras can and do effectively change driver habits when deployed with safety in mind.
-If safety is the primary goal, big honking signs saying MANY SPEED CAMERAS AHEAD would be deployed. (Note: They are not.)
-Many DC speed limits are set artificially low in order to make the 10-over ticket-trigger lower. For instance, a speed limit of 25 mph on Conn. Ave in DC is a joke. 30 used to be the limit. But now, 35 will get you a ticket, not 40, so that's why it is set at 25.
-MD and VA drivers should pay their tickets. I paid my MD ticket (only one so far in 10 years!). Was last year in Rockville, and it was $40. Which brings me to my final point...
-DC's $100 fine is set too high and is obviously predatory. If deterrence --not revenue-- is the goal, make it $50. People will get the message!

I agree with the first bolded point to an extent. What DC should do is put camera boxes on every block on the city (i.e., thousands) and then move the hundred or so cameras between them on a randomized basis. This would serve the goal of slowing traffic across the entire city rather than just the few spots where everyone who is not a complete ignoramus knows them to be. That DC doesn't do this and directs speed camera revenue to the general fund suggests to me that, yes, at least part of the goal is to raise revenue.

DC speed limits are not "set artificially low". A 35 mph impact will kill most pedestrians and cyclists; a 25 mph impact is generally a serious injury, but usually not death. Outside of 295, 395, and 695, almost all streets in DC have pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, or host bicycle and e-scooter riders. There is no good reason why DC should encourage drivers to endanger these people's lives just to allow drivers a few extra seconds to hang out at the next red light.

The $100 fine is applied to drivers who are traveling at least 11 mph above the posted limit. Per the point above, such speeds are incredibly dangerous and the high fine is warranted to deter them. The argument that lowering the fine is necessary to deliver the "message" is silly. What DC should do, however, is introduce smaller fines ($40 or $50) for drivers caught doing 5-10 mph above the limit.

It's very difficult to have sympathy for those who catch speeding tickets in DC. It is every driver's responsibility to obey the rules of the road, of which speed limits are among the most important. Drivers who decide to speed assume the risk that they will be caught and sanctioned accordingly. Claims that DC's cameras are "predatory" are very childish. The speed limits are clearly posted and every speed camera is preceded not just with a sign with the speed limit but with a notice that the speed limit is enforced by camera. Moreover, the locations of every speed limit in the city are posted not just on the DDOT website, but included in every navigation app (Waze, Google Maps etc.).

If you not only fail to obey basic road rules but also ignore all the multitude of visual prompts that you are approaching a speed camera, you really need to examine your self-control, respect for the life and well-being of others, and whatever it is you are doing in your vehicle that causes you to be so oblivious to your surroundings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live in Maryland and I always pay camera tickets. Am I a fool? Should I just not pay them? I don’t get them often.

Your only risk -- and it's a minuscule risk -- is if they catch your car parked on a city street (DC cannot ticket on private property, including parking garages). Then they can call the tow truck, but even then it probably will take hours until one is available. Otherwise you can safely throw those tickets in the trash (not paying them will not ding your credit, because the credit agencies no longer consider debt that arises from parking tickets).

Exactly! I love calling the DC office and taunt them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is amazing that Maryland and Virginia who have problems with reckless drivers will not go after these people. Speeding and accumulating tickets show problematic behavior and usually ends with injuries, property damage or death. Maybe DC should report the tickets to the insurance companies of the drivers?

Though the insurance companies are already pushing real time monitoring apps. If you do not use them you will rightfully pay a lot more for insurance.

Is it really that amazing that Maryland and Virginia authorities have concerns about the way DC handles its speed-camera program. Is it really that amazing that both states are perfectly within their rights not to have reciprocity with DC?

And insurance companies don't care if you get speed-camera tickets because they don't lead to points on your driving record.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All these things can be true:
-Drivers need to drive safer and slower.
-Many DC cameras are set up to maximize revenue and have little to do with safety
-That said, cameras can and do effectively change driver habits when deployed with safety in mind.
-If safety is the primary goal, big honking signs saying MANY SPEED CAMERAS AHEAD would be deployed. (Note: They are not.)
-Many DC speed limits are set artificially low in order to make the 10-over ticket-trigger lower. For instance, a speed limit of 25 mph on Conn. Ave in DC is a joke. 30 used to be the limit. But now, 35 will get you a ticket, not 40, so that's why it is set at 25.
-MD and VA drivers should pay their tickets. I paid my MD ticket (only one so far in 10 years!). Was last year in Rockville, and it was $40. Which brings me to my final point...
-DC's $100 fine is set too high and is obviously predatory. If deterrence --not revenue-- is the goal, make it $50. People will get the message!

I agree with the first bolded point to an extent. What DC should do is put camera boxes on every block on the city (i.e., thousands) and then move the hundred or so cameras between them on a randomized basis. This would serve the goal of slowing traffic across the entire city rather than just the few spots where everyone who is not a complete ignoramus knows them to be. That DC doesn't do this and directs speed camera revenue to the general fund suggests to me that, yes, at least part of the goal is to raise revenue.

DC speed limits are not "set artificially low". A 35 mph impact will kill most pedestrians and cyclists; a 25 mph impact is generally a serious injury, but usually not death. Outside of 295, 395, and 695, almost all streets in DC have pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, or host bicycle and e-scooter riders. There is no good reason why DC should encourage drivers to endanger these people's lives just to allow drivers a few extra seconds to hang out at the next red light.

The $100 fine is applied to drivers who are traveling at least 11 mph above the posted limit. Per the point above, such speeds are incredibly dangerous and the high fine is warranted to deter them. The argument that lowering the fine is necessary to deliver the "message" is silly. What DC should do, however, is introduce smaller fines ($40 or $50) for drivers caught doing 5-10 mph above the limit.

It's very difficult to have sympathy for those who catch speeding tickets in DC. It is every driver's responsibility to obey the rules of the road, of which speed limits are among the most important. Drivers who decide to speed assume the risk that they will be caught and sanctioned accordingly. Claims that DC's cameras are "predatory" are very childish. The speed limits are clearly posted and every speed camera is preceded not just with a sign with the speed limit but with a notice that the speed limit is enforced by camera. Moreover, the locations of every speed limit in the city are posted not just on the DDOT website, but included in every navigation app (Waze, Google Maps etc.).

If you not only fail to obey basic road rules but also ignore all the multitude of visual prompts that you are approaching a speed camera, you really need to examine your self-control, respect for the life and well-being of others, and whatever it is you are doing in your vehicle that causes you to be so oblivious to your surroundings.

Well, you are very opinionated. The 25mph speed limit on Independence coming around the armory/RFK is awfully low for a road like that. It's practically a limited access highway at that point. Should be higher after the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All these things can be true:
-Drivers need to drive safer and slower.
-Many DC cameras are set up to maximize revenue and have little to do with safety
-That said, cameras can and do effectively change driver habits when deployed with safety in mind.
-If safety is the primary goal, big honking signs saying MANY SPEED CAMERAS AHEAD would be deployed. (Note: They are not.)
-Many DC speed limits are set artificially low in order to make the 10-over ticket-trigger lower. For instance, a speed limit of 25 mph on Conn. Ave in DC is a joke. 30 used to be the limit. But now, 35 will get you a ticket, not 40, so that's why it is set at 25.
-MD and VA drivers should pay their tickets. I paid my MD ticket (only one so far in 10 years!). Was last year in Rockville, and it was $40. Which brings me to my final point...
-DC's $100 fine is set too high and is obviously predatory. If deterrence --not revenue-- is the goal, make it $50. People will get the message!

I agree with the first bolded point to an extent. What DC should do is put camera boxes on every block on the city (i.e., thousands) and then move the hundred or so cameras between them on a randomized basis. This would serve the goal of slowing traffic across the entire city rather than just the few spots where everyone who is not a complete ignoramus knows them to be. That DC doesn't do this and directs speed camera revenue to the general fund suggests to me that, yes, at least part of the goal is to raise revenue.

DC speed limits are not "set artificially low". A 35 mph impact will kill most pedestrians and cyclists; a 25 mph impact is generally a serious injury, but usually not death. Outside of 295, 395, and 695, almost all streets in DC have pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, or host bicycle and e-scooter riders. There is no good reason why DC should encourage drivers to endanger these people's lives just to allow drivers a few extra seconds to hang out at the next red light.

The $100 fine is applied to drivers who are traveling at least 11 mph above the posted limit. Per the point above, such speeds are incredibly dangerous and the high fine is warranted to deter them. The argument that lowering the fine is necessary to deliver the "message" is silly. What DC should do, however, is introduce smaller fines ($40 or $50) for drivers caught doing 5-10 mph above the limit.

It's very difficult to have sympathy for those who catch speeding tickets in DC. It is every driver's responsibility to obey the rules of the road, of which speed limits are among the most important. Drivers who decide to speed assume the risk that they will be caught and sanctioned accordingly. Claims that DC's cameras are "predatory" are very childish. The speed limits are clearly posted and every speed camera is preceded not just with a sign with the speed limit but with a notice that the speed limit is enforced by camera. Moreover, the locations of every speed limit in the city are posted not just on the DDOT website, but included in every navigation app (Waze, Google Maps etc.).

If you not only fail to obey basic road rules but also ignore all the multitude of visual prompts that you are approaching a speed camera, you really need to examine your self-control, respect for the life and well-being of others, and whatever it is you are doing in your vehicle that causes you to be so oblivious to your surroundings.

Well, you are very opinionated. The 25mph speed limit on Independence coming around the armory/RFK is awfully low for a road like that. It's practically a limited access highway at that point. Should be higher after the school.

DP continue exceed the speed limit. Fight the power! You know best. Do your own research! I bet you could go 100 on the beltway!