Loveland Police Emphasize Right Turn Safety as Red Light Camera Program Approaches
Loveland Police are reminding drivers that red lights require a complete stop even when turning right, reinforcing traffic safety rules as the city prepares to launch its red light camera enforcement program in January 2025.
The department emphasized October 16 that failing to stop at red lights before turning right remains a persistent problem across the city, resulting in citations that carry significant financial and legal consequences for drivers.
"Red means stop. Seems simple, right?" the department stated. "When you approach a red light—even when turning right—that same red signal still means stop."
Camera Citations Cost $75, Officer Tickets Exceed $100
Drivers caught rolling through right turns on red face different penalties depending on how the violation is detected.
Red light camera violations result in a $75 civil citation when cameras document the offense. Officer-issued citations for the same violation exceed $100 and add four points to a driver's license, according to Colorado's traffic violation point system administered by the Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles.
The four-point penalty from officer-issued citations moves drivers significantly closer to license suspension thresholds. Adult drivers accumulating 12 points within 12 consecutive months or 18 points within 24 consecutive months face license suspension under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-2-127.
Points remain on Colorado driving records for 24 months from the violation date and typically increase auto insurance premiums as carriers view accumulated points as indicators of higher risk. Camera-issued citations carry no points and generally do not affect insurance rates.
Red Light Camera Program Begins January 2025
Loveland's automated enforcement program is scheduled to begin issuing citations on or after January 15, 2025, following a 30-day warning period during which only warnings will be issued.
The city will initially deploy cameras at three intersections: East Eisenhower Boulevard at Boise Avenue, West 1st Street at Taft Avenue, and North Garfield Avenue at East 57th Street.
The program operates under authority granted by Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-110.5 governing automated vehicle identification systems. Loveland Police staff will review each camera-captured image for accuracy before civil citations are mailed to registered vehicle owners.
The city received $524,000 in funding for camera infrastructure in 2024, according to Loveland budget documents.
State Law Requires Complete Stop Before Right Turn
Colorado traffic law found in Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-604 and the Model Traffic Code for Colorado allows right turns at steady red signals only after drivers come to a complete stop and yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians, unless posted signs prohibit the turn.
A complete stop requires the vehicle to cease all forward movement behind the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic with the right of way before proceeding.
Local authorities may prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections by posting "No Turn on Red" signs. The base rule remains in effect at all other signalized intersections unless properly signed exceptions exist.
Department Frames Safety Over Revenue
Loveland Police emphasized that enforcement focuses on preventing injuries and deaths rather than generating citation revenue.
"The half-second saved by skipping a proper stop isn't worth the citation—or someone's life," the department stated. "For us, it's not about tickets; it's about safety. Pedestrians, cyclists, and cross traffic depend on drivers obeying that stop."
The department acknowledged that some drivers justify rolling through red lights by claiming they have never caused crashes, comparing that logic to saying "I've never choked on food, so chewing's optional."
Traffic violations at intersections create particular risks for vulnerable road users including pedestrians and cyclists who depend on drivers following signal requirements to cross safely.
The safety message comes as Loveland joins other Northern Colorado municipalities in addressing intersection safety through a combination of education, enforcement and technology-based monitoring systems designed to change driver behavior at high-risk locations.