The Washington, D.C. Department of Transportation is planning to remove traffic cameras, including those used for speed enforcement, red-light violations, and stop-sign monitoring.
If approved, the measure could take effect by the end of the year.
Red-light cameras were first installed in 1999, followed by hundreds of speed and stop-sign cameras. Currently, there are 546 traffic cameras across Washington, D.C., issuing fines ranging from $100 to $500.
A draft proposal submitted to the White House suggests banning traffic cameras as part of an upcoming transportation bill.
Critics argue that the cameras function more as a revenue-generating tool than a public safety measure. In 2025 alone, traffic camera fines generated $267.3 million.
On the other hand, Mayor Muriel Bowser insists that the cameras are essential for saving lives and maintaining road safety, warning that their removal would result in a multi-billion-dollar funding shortfall.
Several city council members have also cautioned that without traffic cameras, the police would face increased pressure to enforce traffic laws, potentially overwhelming already limited resources.
