Massachusetts Lawmakers Consider Speed and Red-Light Cameras

There was once a popular television show called Candid Camera. The show's hosts, Allen Funt and Durward Kirby, used hidden cameras to catch unsuspecting folks in the act of doing something silly, before telling them, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera!" It was usually good for a few yucks.

Lawmakers Propose Traffic Camera Bills

You may not find it yuck-worthy, though, that Massachusetts politicians are considering their own version of Candid Camera to snag folks who might exceed the speed limit and then fine them.

What the Proposed Bills Would Do

State House News Service reported that two bills, S 2344 and H 3754, are pending in the Massachusetts Legislature that would "give cities and towns the option to set up cameras to enforce speed limits, red light compliance, safe driving in school zones, and the rules against blocking an intersection."

Anyone yucking it up yet?

The legislation, before the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, was sponsored by Sen. William Brownsberger of Belmont and Rep. Steven Owens of Watertown.

How Much the Fines Could Cost Drivers

"Fines would start at $25 and be capped at $150, with revenue going to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund," reported SHNS, and not to the local coffers to help communities balance their budgets.

What It Could Mean for Drivers

So how would this moving violation affect your car insurance?

The legislation stipulates that the traffic cameras would focus on license plates, not on the vehicle's driver and passengers.

Transportation for Massachusetts Senior Policy Director Pete Wilson told a legislative hearing in June 2025, "These programs are about changing behavior, not raising revenue." I'm glad they have our best interests at heart and aren't just looking to suck us dry of our hard-earned cash.

Either way, it stinks. I think it is without a doubt about creating a new revenue source, but if it is about changing behavior, we have local police to enforce the traffic laws.

Where Traffic Cameras Are Already in Use

Traffic cameras are in use in East Providence and Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and they are intrusive and disruptive.