Bend Rolls Out Red Light Camera Enforcement Program

Drivers face $265 fines for red light violations and speeding at three high-risk intersections.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and distorted red light camera lens, lit by a harsh direct flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the controversy surrounding Bend's new traffic enforcement program.Bend's new red light camera program sparks debate over public safety, privacy, and due process.Bend Today

Bend, Oregon has launched a new red light camera enforcement program, with the first warning notices going out last week and the first actual citations set to be mailed out starting May 15. The cameras are located at three intersections identified as having the highest incidents of red light running, crashes, and speeding. Bend Police are providing examples of what the citations will look like, including photos, video footage, and details on the violation.

Why it matters

Red light running and speeding are major contributors to traffic crashes and injuries. Bend's new camera program aims to improve public safety by changing driver behavior at these high-risk intersections. However, the program has also raised concerns about privacy and due process, as citations are mailed to vehicle owners rather than the actual driver.

The details

The red light cameras are located at three intersections in Bend: NE 3rd Street and NE Greenwood Avenue, NW Galveston Avenue and NW Wall Street, and NW Crossing Drive and NW Mt. Washington Drive. Bend Police say these locations have the highest incidents of red light running, crashes, and speeding based on traffic data and officer observations. The cameras will capture two images of a vehicle approaching and passing through the intersection, as well as a 12-second video clip. Citations will include the date, time, location, vehicle details, speed, and the specific law that was violated. The presumptive fine for a red light violation is $265, and speeding fines range from $160 to $500 depending on how fast the vehicle was traveling.

  • The first warning notices from the new red light camera program were sent out on April 15, 2026.
  • The first actual citations will be mailed out starting May 15, 2026.

The players

Bend Police

The Bend Police Department is overseeing the implementation of the new red light camera enforcement program.

Verra Mobility

A private company contracted by the City of Bend to install and operate the red light camera system.

Bend Municipal Court

The local court that will handle any contested citations from the red light camera program.

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What they’re saying

“Please read your citation carefully.”

— Bend Police

What’s next

Drivers who receive a citation will have the opportunity to contest it in Bend Municipal Court. The court will review any affidavits submitted by vehicle owners claiming they were not the driver at the time of the violation.

The takeaway

Bend's new red light camera program aims to improve public safety, but it has also raised concerns about privacy and due process. Drivers will need to carefully review any citations they receive and understand their options for contesting the violations.