At the beginning of this year, the New Jersey Legislature cleared the way for digital photography enforcement of intersection violations. In layman's terms, cameras will be enforcing "red-light" violations in the future.
The program will only be starting as a "pilot" with several municipalities throughout the state participating. The cameras will be posted in stationary positions at intersections that qualify, probably those with the highest incidence of violations and accidents.
Interestingly, the new law will hold both the owner and operator jointly and severally liable for an alleged offense. That is, if someone is operating your vehicle, then you, the owner, will be getting the ticket. Presumably, the ticket could be amended in court to name the operator as the proper defendant.
Essentially, the summons will be similar to those issued for parking offenses. In these cases, the state need not prove who actually violated the law-- just that the vehicle was in the intersection when the light was red.
Now the good news for those charged: no motor vehicle or insurance eligibility points will be issued for a violation of this offense, because the standards of proof are relaxed.
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