Supreme Court Justices Probe Minneapolis Photo Cop System

The Minnesota state Supreme Court justices are examining the Minneapolis’ Stop on Red program, questioning whether it conflicts with state law because it issues tickets to the owner a vehicle that runs a red light _ even if someone else was driving.

Justice Sam Hanson said there are only a few instances under state law in which an owner can be held liable for what a driver does with his or her car, including failing to stop for a school bus and failing to yield to emergency vehicles.

“None of them involve running a red light,” he said.

“I would encourage this court not to take such a narrow view,” said Mary Ellen Heng, a Minneapolis city attorney.

Heng told the court that the city has about 12,000 traffic accidents each year, and regulating traffic is essential to keep people safe.

The city of Minneapolis started the photo cop system in 2005, but suspended it last year after the American Civil Liberties Union challenged it in Hennepin County Court.

The program, also called PhotoCop, placed cameras at 12 dangerous intersections in the city that snapped photos of a vehicle’s license plate as it blew through a red light.

Lawmakers have drafted bills this session that could eliminate the potential conflict between state and local laws.

One justice, Alan C. Page, recused himself from Monday’s arguments because one of his relatives had received a photo cop ticket.

The attorneys in the case said they expect a decision within three months