January 1, DC’s Speed Cameras Rake In Millions, Trump Eyes Shutdown

Wyatt’s Take

• DC set up hundreds of speed cameras, churning out huge fines for drivers
• Trump’s DOT could pull the plug, shaking up the city’s finances
• Locals say some tickets seem unfair and target regular folks

Washington D.C.’s government used 547 automated traffic cameras in 2025, bringing in millions from tickets for speeding, running red lights, and not stopping at stop signs. The top ten cameras alone pulled in $65 million.

The most profitable camera, set up on the Potomac River Freeway by the Kennedy Center, issued $9.17 million worth of tickets last year. Another near Sibley Memorial Hospital on Massachusetts Avenue NW made nearly $6.5 million. Two more are posted close to the hospital, catching people coming and going in emergencies.

One new camera on Mass Ave NW caught drivers headed to the emergency room, generating over $6.4 million. Many say the city is getting carried away, and want it taken down.

D.C.’s Democrat Mayor, Muriel Bowser, warned that without the cameras there would be a “$1 billion hole” in the city’s budget in four years, noting, “Last year, traffic fatalities in Washington, DC fell 52%, marking the lowest number of roadway fatalities since 2014.”

“In addition to infrastructure upgrades and the hard work of our law enforcement teams, traffic enforcement cameras are a critical tool in the work to save lives and make our streets safer. Removing ATE cameras would endanger people in our community.”

A Department of Transportation spokesperson said, “USDOT is constantly examining a broad set of preliminary policy options on transportation matters. Many policy options are currently under internal review.”

In DC, cameras only fine drivers going at least 10 mph over the limit. Tickets range from $100 to $500, with bigger penalties for going 25 mph over, or passing a stopped school bus. Some folks complain about getting tickets for what seem like minor mistakes, like stopping just past a stop sign.

DC’s Oye Owolewa claimed, “Traffic safety cameras are not only about revenues, they’re about accountability, prevention, and saving lives. Stripping the District of these tools without a comprehensive safety plan sends a dangerous signal that reckless driving will be tolerated.”

One resident called the system a “lucrative racket,” explaining, “When I lived in DC, I got nailed by one on New York Avenue. They sent me a photo in the mail that showed my car (number plate clearly readable) and the radar readout showing 54 mph in a 45 zone. No court. They just said to mail in $120.”

Some believe the cameras are more about cash than safety.

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Wyatt Matters

Folks in heartland America see through schemes that squeeze working people for every penny. When government cameras take more of what you earn just to fill budget holes, it doesn’t sit right with those who value real fairness and common sense justice.