New Legislation Could Bring Photo Cop Cameras Back to Utah Road

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Red-light cameras, once banned in Utah, may be making a comeback as lawmakers revisit the controversial enforcement tool. Representative Jake Fitisemanu, D-Salt Lake City, is leading the effort, arguing that new technology can help address previous privacy concerns while improving road safety.

Addressing a Growing Problem

Utah previously used red-light cameras at intersections but prohibited them in 1996. However, Fitisemanu believes it’s time to reconsider. Speaking on Dave & Dujanovic, he emphasized the urgency of the issue.

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“This is a rampant problem,” he said. “I’ve spoken with the Department of Transportation and the Utah Transit Authority. People are running red lights, and it’s costing lives.”

The proposed legislation wouldn’t immediately reinstate the cameras but would authorize a study to explore their effectiveness in select test locations.

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Overcoming Privacy Concerns

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Fitisemanu acknowledges that similar bills have failed in the past due to privacy objections. However, he insists that modern advancements make it possible to implement red-light cameras while safeguarding constitutional rights.

“Many concerns stem from outdated perceptions of surveillance,” he explained. “Technology today is much more advanced. People have Ring cameras on their front doors. We can implement this with community consent and full respect for privacy.”

He pointed to Hawaii as an example of a state successfully using technology-assisted enforcement.

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“There will always be a human element,” Fitisemanu noted. “A police officer will review footage to ensure accuracy before issuing citations.”

A Trial Approach

Rather than pushing for an immediate statewide rollout, Fitisemanu’s bill focuses on gathering data first.

“Let’s test it,” he said. “Let’s study it, analyze the results, and determine if there’s a compelling reason to proceed. If not, I’ll drop it.”

With red-light violations remaining a persistent issue, the debate over photo enforcement in Utah is far from over.

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