Red Light and Speed Cameras to Flicker On Around Bend

Heads up to heavy-footed drivers and privacy advocates, alike: Red light and speed cameras are just around the corner in several parts of Bend.

On April 15, the Bend Police Department launches its Automated Traffic Enforcement program.

The intersections include NE 27^th and Neff Road, SE Reed Market at Third Street and SE Powers at Third Street.

Bend PD picked these intersections because of a high level of complaints, collisions and other issues, says Bend PD Communications Manager Sheila Miller. Oregon law mandates that a city put up signs before each intersection with a camera, warning drivers.

Drivers who run a light, roll through a right-hand turn or speed through a green light will catch that unmistakable, groan-inducing overhead camera flash. Within a couple weeks, a traffic citation will arrive in the mail. Yet during the first-month trial, that citation will just be a warning. Beginning May 15, however, those envelopes will contain tickets.

The fine for running a red light is $265. The fine for speeding is generally $169 for 11 to 20 miles per hour over the limit, $265 for up to 30 miles over and $440 for more than 31 miles over the limit.

The citation will include information about the location, date, time and duration of the yellow and red lights at the time of the violation.

The camera system, which includes both red-light cameras and speed cameras, activates when a vehicle is about to enter an intersection. A 12-second digital video will be taken of the violation, including 6 seconds prior and 6 seconds after running a red light. An image will be sent to the address listed on the license plate registration. Speed cameras use radar to scan a vehicle’s speed. If it’s 11 MPH or more over the speed limit, the camera snaps photos of the vehicle, its license plate and the folks inside. That information is stored to a computer system, according to the City of Bend’s webpage dedicated to the program. Police compare the photo from the camera to make sure it matches with the registered owner of the vehicle’s Oregon DMV photo and description.

The automated traffic enforcement system is operated by Arizona-based Verra Mobility. Bend city councilors directed Bend PD to implement the program in 2024. According to the City, Verra’s program is cost-neutral, which means it pays for itself. Money from tickets go into a special fund for future traffic safety projects, education and enforcement.

But what if you get a ticket in the mail but you weren’t the person driving? Fill out an affidavit (under penalty of law) that swears you were not the driver photographed in the citation. The Municipal Court will review it and go from there. If you want to contest a ticket, it’s just as if an officer had pulled you over — you get a court date at which you can contest it to a judge.

The City is hosting public information sessions about the system on April 9 at Larkspur Community Center at 5 pm and on April 13 at Bend Municipal Court on NE 15^th Street.