Missouri Appeals Court: Red Light Camera Law Invalid

The future of red light cameras in Missouri communities could be in jeopardy after a state appeals court panel ruled that most municipal ordinances governing the cameras are not enforceable.

A Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District panel said that Ellisville’s red light ordinance conflicts with state statutes governing moving violations and assessing points against drivers.

Although the town’s ordinance considers red light violations caught by the cameras as non-moving, the judges said running a red light is clearly a moving violation under state law.

An attorney for four couples who challenged Ellisville’s ordinance says the ruling has broad implications statewide. A lawyer representing the company that operates the red light cameras disagrees with the court’s decision and predicts the matter will ultimately be decided by the Missouri Supreme Court.