Reckless Driving Crackdown: Traffic Enforcement Cameras Are Popping Up Around CT, Here’s What To Know

Pay close attention to the speed limit and be careful not to run red lights — or you’ll risk getting a fine in the mail.

More Connecticut towns and cities are getting traffic enforcement cameras to catch motorists committing traffic violations.

The state’s Automatic Traffic Enforcement Safety Device Program, which is gaining traction among municipalities, aims to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.

As of Nov. 26, the state Department of Transportation has approved municipalities’ plans for the devices in Beacon Falls, Greenwich, Marlborough, Middletown, Milford, New Haven, Stratford, Washington and Wethersfield.

Of these, Greenwich, Marlborough, Middletown and Washington already have the devices in operation.

Middletown Police Chief Erik Costa said the city’s cameras were fully operational as of July 9, and he is already noticing a positive difference in people’s driving.

“The impact has been unbelievable,” Costa said.

According to Costa, the cameras have been encouraging drivers to slow down, which will help reduce serious crashes and fatalities.

“We are hoping for a change of culture in driving - as there has been a lot of distracted driving and speeding,” Costa said. “I think the cameras will help with safer driving practices.”

Middletown’s cameras are in historically problematic areas, such as Route 66. According to Costa, speeders there have been clocked at around 70 miles per hour, while the speed limit is half that rate.

The program has helped raise money for the city. Middletown has issued $2.78 million in fines so far, and has collected $1.77 million, according to Costa.

Enforcement cameras in the town of Washington went live in early 2025. In Marlborough, its enforcement cameras were activated in June, with motorists getting citations starting in July.

The devices are very new in Greenwich. Greenwich police Sgt. James Smith said the town began issuing monetary fines for infractions after Nov. 19, and it has speed cameras in selected school zones.

Coming online in 2026

Wethersfield Chief of Police Rafael Medina III said he expects the town will have its cameras up and running sometime after the New Year.

Lenny Speiller, director of communications for New Haven, said the city has approval for 15 Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices, including 11 red light cameras and 4 speed safety cameras.

New Haven officials anticipate a contract with a vendor will be finalized in the first quarter of 2026, with the first device to be operational within six months of contract approval, according to Speiller.

“The post-contract process involves additional planning, surveying, engineering, permitting, installation, equipment calibration, testing, back/front office setups, public education and a warning period for 30 days,” Speiller said.

Stratford Police Captain Jerry Pinto said the town doesn’t currently have a timeline for when its cameras will go live, as he said a vendor is obtaining necessary permits. Milford police spokesperson Brianna MacDonald said the department has yet to determine its timeline also.

Beacon Falls’ plans were just approved by the state on Nov. 24.

The state Department of Transportation as of Nov. 26 was still reviewing formal plans to install the devices in three more municipalities, Fairfield, Hamden and Stamford.

Some other communities are currently developing plans to present to the state.

West Hartford’s Town Council, for example, has approved an ordinance to allow the use of speed and red-light cameras, and the municipality has unveiled its planned traffic camera layout. It hopes to get the necessary state approval in early 2026.

Vehicle owners are responsible

For the first month a new device is in operation, only a written warning can be issued. After that, motorists can get fined up to $50 for a first offense or up to $75 for additional offenses, according to the state DOT.

The registered owner of a vehicle captured speeding or running a red light is liable for citations, even if they weren’t driving. Citations go to the owner’s address.

The DOT has a website devoted to the program which outlines the rules and lists all of the communities which have submitted plans to the DOT to have the devices.

Groton Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro, who is president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, said the main purpose of the program is for safety, but it is also generating revenue.

“I feel it will enhance safety,” Fusaro said. “A handful of towns have the cameras or are pursuing them. Other towns are proceeding more cautiously. I think some communities are waiting to see how it works out in the ones that have started it.”

Fusaro predicts more Connecticut towns and cities will pursue having traffic enforcement cameras, but he believes others will decide against it and continue with traditional in-person traffic enforcement only.

“When police do traffic stops, it is to have a positive impact on people’s driving,” he said. “The community values seeing officers getting hazardous motorists off the road.”

When asked about feedback he is getting from police chiefs around the state, Fusaro said it is still very early, though “they have seen some benefits” from the program, including money raised through fines and improved safety.

What might motorists expect for traffic enforcement cameras around Connecticut in the future?

“As for 10 years from now, it is a wait and see,” Fusaro said. “Do I think they’ll be at every intersection? No.”

Rather, he anticipates towns and cities will take a deliberate approach and target problem areas.

Municipalities may use funds raised through fines toward costs associated with the devices and for transportation-related infrastructure improvements.

Keep track of approved plans and find details about each municipality’s cameras on the state Department of Transportation’s website. Find answers to frequently asked questions HERE.

Read more:
New Speed Camera Locations Added, Enforcement Set To Begin In Greenwich: Details
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Additional Speed Cameras Ready For Activation In Middletown
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