You might only have a very short window of time after a car accident to retrieve traffic camera footage. But do you know how long is traffic camera footage stored?

Traffic camera footage is stored for 30 to 90 days, after which it is typically erased or replaced.

Keep reading and find out more about traffic cameras.

How Long is Traffic Camera Footage Stored?

Traffic cameras are used to observe and document the movement of traffic, record license plates, and identify speeding incidents.

Every jurisdiction has a different policy regarding how long video should be kept on file.

In general, most jurisdictions keep the footage for a period of 30 to 90 days before it is deleted or overwritten.

Related Reading: How Long Does The Average Security Camera Store Footage?

Are There Any Legal Requirements for How Long Traffic Camera Footage Must Be Stored?

How long traffic camera recordings must be kept is not mandated by federal law.

The retention of surveillance footage is subject to specific laws in some states and localities, though.

State Regulations

The length of time that specific kinds of surveillance footage must be kept is governed by laws or regulations in many states.

For example, in California, red light camera footage must be kept for at least 30 days but can be retained longer if needed for an investigation or legal proceeding.

In New York City, speed camera footage must be deleted after 60 days unless it is needed as evidence in a court case.

Also Read: Do Traffic Cameras Record?

Municipal Regulations

Some municipalities might have their own guidelines regarding the length of time traffic camera footage is stored in addition to state regulations.

These rules might change depending on the objective for which the footage was captured and where the cameras were placed.

Privacy Concerns About Traffic Camera

While traffic cameras serve an important role in promoting road safety and enforcing traffic laws, there are concerns about privacy violations related to their use.

The risk of abuse or misuse of the private information captured by these cameras increases with the amount of time the footage is kept on file.

Data Protection Regulations

Some jurisdictions have put in place data protection laws that place time restrictions on how long personal data can be kept on file in order to address these concerns.

For instance, personal data must be deleted in accordance with European Union regulations (GDPR) after a specific amount of time unless there is a compelling reason to keep it.

Encryption and Access Controls

By using encryption and access controls, it is possible to address privacy issues with traffic camera footage in addition.

The risk of unauthorized access or misuse of personal information can be reduced by encrypting the data and limiting access to authorized personnel.

Conclusion: How Long is Traffic Camera Footage Stored

Images of your accident will probably be accessible for a while because law enforcement agencies use photos from red-light cameras to identify and ticket negligent drivers.

However, there is no guarantee that police officers will keep these pictures for a long time or that they will be accessible.

Read More: How to Access Traffic Camera Footage?