Ithaca may use red-light cameras after adopting a local law

Ithaca may adopt a local law allowing cameras to record red-light violations and hold vehicle owners responsible. The program covers red-light violations within the city of Ithaca. The city must adopt a local law or ordinance before using this program. Cameras may operate at no more than 12 intersections at any one time. Equipment purchases and leases must follow the municipal purchasing law cited in the act. The act takes effect on the 30th day after becoming law. It and any local law adopted under this authorization expire December 1, 2030.

Under an adopted program, vehicle owners face fines for camera-recorded red-light violations committed with their permission. Owner fines do not count as driving convictions, go on driving records, or affect vehicle insurance. Owners who were not driving may sue the driver for repayment. Owners are not liable if the driver was convicted of the underlying violation or drove without their consent. Consent is presumed unless challenged successfully. Owners may defend a charge if the signal malfunctioned or the vehicle was reported stolen before the violation and had not been recovered. Rental owners may shift responsibility to renters by providing the required rental records or renter information. Cases handled by a parking violations bureau also require a filing made before the violation. Notices must explain how and when to challenge the charge. Missing that deadline counts as admitting liability and may lead to a judgment. Rental owners must provide the required records or renter information within 37 days after receiving the violation notice to transfer responsibility.

Ithaca must protect privacy in camera images and report program results to state leaders each year. Reports go to the governor and legislative leaders. They cover available crash data, ticket results, program income and costs, and how charges are decided. The city must use technology to avoid identifying drivers, passengers, and vehicle contents as far as practical. An image showing vehicle contents alone does not require dismissal if the city made a reasonable effort to meet that safeguard. The first report is due June 1 following the section's effective date. Further reports are due each June 1 while the program operates.