Missouri Supreme Court Deems St. Louis Red Light Safety Camera Ordinance Invalid, as Written

Court Suggests Photographs to Prove Driver Identity

August 18, 2015 | 2 min reading time

This article is 10 years old. It was published on August 18, 2015.

red-light-camera
ST. LOUIS –The Missouri Supreme Court today ruled that while red light safety cameras and speed cameras are permissible law enforcement tools, cities must meet a more rigorous burden of proof in its camera prosecutions. 

The Court's rulings in the City's case and two other camera decisions issued today confirm that the use of photo and video evidence does not conflict with state law. It also provided guidance on how to administer a photo enforcement program.

"When we appealed this decision, we hoped to obtain a clear direction from the Supreme Court, and that's what we received," Deputy City Counselor Michael Garvin said. "The City's goal from the outset has been to utilize technology in a way that allows us to make optimal use of police manpower while at the same time safeguarding individuals' constitutional rights. We will work with the Board of Aldermen to prepare a new ordinance that complies with the Court's rulings."

The City of St. Louis's red light safety camera program has been a very effective safety tool. Red light running has gone down significantly in intersections with cameras. The low recidivism rate is more evidence of the cameras' effectiveness. Furthermore, red light safety cameras serve as an additional tool to help solve crimes.

Most Read News

  1. City of St. Louis Outlines Preparations for Extreme Cold Weather Event Forecasted temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits overnight, with daytime highs in the teens and 20s, and wind chills falling below zero at times. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Friday night through Sunday morning.
  2. 600 Emergency Shelter Beds Opening in St. Louis for Severe Cold This Weekend, Street Department Prepares for Snow The City of St. Louis Department of Human Services will move to the highest Code Blue activation level on Friday, bringing a record number of emergency shelter beds online.
  3. Mayor Spencer Declares State of Emergency, Giving City Additional Tools to Tackle Winter Storm The declaration provides additional tools as the City braces for a dangerous winter storm

Related Services

  1. Obtain or Renew a Drivers License Information on drivers licenses, non-driver licenses, and permits with the MO Department of Revenue.
  2. Register a Car Steps to register a Motor Vehicle in the City of St. Louis
  3. Obtain or Renew a Disabled Placard Information on temporary and permanent disabled placards, which allow a vehicle with a disabled driver or passenger to park in accessible parking spaces.
  4. Towing - Retrieval of a Towed Car Information on the procedure for reclaiming a towed car.
  5. Report Lost or Stolen License Plates or Tags How to replace lost or stolen license plates and/or tags

Help Us Improve This Page

Did you notice an error? Is there information that you expected to find on this page, but didn't? Let us know below, and we'll work on it.

Was this page helpful?



Comments are helpful!
500 character limit

Feedback is anonymous.