- 1). Inspect the roads. Look for a rectangular box mounted on a pole angled diagonally down into an intersection. There are usually two cameras, or one two-headed camera, surveying both sides of traffic simultaneously. Department of Transportation officials place cameras mainly on major streets, highways, expressways and underground tunnels. High poles and traffic light signals serve as especially successful posts for surveillance. But don't confuse traffic cameras with traffic sensors mounted on the crossbars above traffic lights. These smaller, round cameras replace underground road wires and operate the traffic signals.
- 2). Search for official signs. Most traffic cameras are clearly marked even though drivers may think they are being tricked by the police into paying fines. The U.S. Department of Transportation's official sign is a rectangular post depicting a colored traffic light on a white background with a black border. The sign reads "TRAFFIC LAWS PHOTO ENFORCED" and is placed for drivers to see as they approach the camera. A sign with the words "PHOTO ENFORCED" is located closer to the surveillance device.
- 3). Try a flashlight. If you want to investigate whether a camera is working, shine a beam of light into the lens. If any light reflects back at you, you have most likely found a working camera. Optical fibers buried beside or under the road power the camera. Most up-to-date traffic cameras are online and stream video to the local Department of Transportation headquarters.
- 4). Hunt online. Most local police departments list on the Internet where local DOT traffic cameras are located. Search through your police department's web pages for a listing of camera types and locations. Again, it is your legal right to know who is watching you and why.
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