Last Updated on October 11, 2022
Yes, you can obtain traffic camera footage in most cases. You will need to make a public records request to the municipality where the cameras are located. The municipality may charge a fee for the footage.
- Determine the location of the traffic camera
- This can be done by looking up the address or intersection online or by contacting your local police department
- Once you have determined the location of the traffic camera, contact the agency that manages the camera to request footage
- This information should be available on the website or through a customer service number
- Provide the date and time of the incident, as well as a description of what occurred, to the customer service representative
- They will then provide you with information about how to obtain the footage
- Follow the instructions provided by customer service in order to obtain access to the footage from the traffic camera
- In most cases, this will involve paying a fee and signing a release form waive your rights to sue for damages if you viewthe footage
Can You Obtain Traffic Camera Footage
Yes, you can obtain traffic camera footage in some cases. Generally, traffic cameras are considered public records, which means that anyone can request them. However, there may be some exceptions depending on the state or jurisdiction in which the cameras are located.
For example, some states may consider the footage to be part of an ongoing investigation and therefore exempt from public disclosure laws. Additionally, even if the footage is considered public record, there may be a fee associated with obtaining it.
How Do I Obtain Traffic Camera Footage
If you need to obtain traffic camera footage, there are a few different ways that you can go about doing so. One option is to contact the local police department or sheriff’s office in the jurisdiction where the cameras are located. Another option is to reach out to the state Department of Transportation (DOT) or equivalent agency.
And finally, some cities and counties make this type of footage available online.
Let’s say, for example, that you were involved in a car accident and you want to obtain footage from a traffic camera that may have captured the incident. If you live in New York City, you would need to contact the NYPD’s Accident Investigation Squad at (718) 822-3131.
For accidents that occurred outside of NYC, you would need to contact the local police department or sheriff’s office.
If your accident occurred on a state highway, then you would need to get in touch with the DOT. Each state has their own process for requesting this type of footage.
In New York State, for example, you would need to fill out an FOIL request form (FOIL stands for Freedom of Information Law). This form can be found on the DOT website.
Finally, some cities and counties make traffic camera footage available online through their websites.
For example, if your accident occurred in Los Angeles County, you could try searching for “traffic cameras los angeles county” which will bring up a link to the county website where you can view live images from various traffic cameras around LA County.
Who Can Obtain Traffic Camera Footage
When it comes to traffic camera footage, there are a few different scenarios in which this type of footage can be obtained. If you were involved in an accident that was captured on a traffic camera, then you or your attorney would likely be able to obtain the footage from the appropriate authorities. In some cases, insurance companies may also request access to this type of footage if it is pertinent to an ongoing claim.
If you were not involved in an accident but are curious about traffic camera footage from a specific incident (perhaps you witnessed something and want to know more), then you can file a public records request with your local government agency responsible for managing such requests. The process and turnaround time for these types of requests can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally speaking, if the requested footage exists and is considered public record, then it should eventually be made available to you.
ATTENTION UK Road Users – MOBILE PHONE Detection Cameras are HERE – UK First!
Conclusion
Yes, you can obtain traffic camera footage in most cases. You will need to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the appropriate government agency. The agency may charge a fee for the footage.