How to Access Traffic Camera Footage
Whether you need footage for an insurance claim, accident investigation, or legal matter, this guide explains exactly how to request recordings from transportation agencies.
VIEW LIVE CAMERAS →Accessing traffic camera footage requires understanding the difference between live feeds and stored recordings. Live traffic camera streams are freely available through public websites and platforms like TrafficVision.Live. Obtaining stored footage — recordings from a specific date and time — typically requires a formal request to the government agency that operates the cameras.
Can You Access Traffic Camera Footage?
Yes, you can access traffic camera footage in most cases — but the method depends on what type of footage you need. According to 2024 data, state DOT recording policies vary significantly, with many agencies (such as NYSDOT and TxDOT) opting not to record continuous video unless a specific safety or operational need exists.
Live Footage: Freely available on public DOT websites and aggregators like TrafficVision.Live. No request needed — just visit the site and start watching.
Stored/Recorded Footage: Requires a formal public records request (FOIA or equivalent) to the agency that operates the camera. Availability varies by agency and retention policies.
The key factor is the retention period. Most agencies that record footage have very short windows before data is overwritten:
- Ohio DOT (ODOT): 72-hour (three-day) buffer
- New Jersey DOT (NJDOT): 7 days
- Seattle DOT: 10 days
- Los Angeles: Up to 5 years (for specific systems)
- Red Light Cameras: Typically 30 days or until fine processing
Not all traffic cameras record footage. Many are live-stream only with no storage capability. Before submitting a request, contact the agency to confirm whether recordings exist for your specific camera and time frame.
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VIEW LIVE CAMERAS →How to Request Traffic Camera Footage
Traffic camera footage from government-operated cameras is typically considered a public record. In the United States, you can request this footage through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at the federal level, or through state-level public records laws.
Public Records Laws by State
- Federal — Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
- California — California Public Records Act (CPRA)
- Texas — Texas Public Information Act
- New York — Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
- Florida — Florida Sunshine Law
- Other States — Open Records Act, Right to Know Law, etc.
The requesting process is similar regardless of which law applies. You submit a written request to the agency, they search for responsive records, and they either provide the footage or explain why they cannot.
Step-by-Step Process
Identify the Correct Agency
Determine which agency operates the camera. Traffic cameras are typically operated by state DOTs (highways and interstates), city/county DOTs (local streets and intersections), toll authorities (toll plazas and toll roads), or police departments (some jurisdictions).
Verify Recording Availability
Contact the agency to confirm whether the specific camera records footage, how long recordings are retained (often 24 hours to 30 days), and whether footage from your requested date/time still exists.
Submit Your Request
Prepare a written request including your name and contact information, the specific camera location (intersection, mile marker, or camera ID), exact date and time range, reason for the request (optional but may help expedite), and preferred format for receiving footage.
Pay Any Required Fees
Agencies may charge fees for staff time to search and retrieve footage, media costs (DVDs, USB drives), and reproduction or copying fees. Fees typically range from $5 to $50.
Receive the Footage
Once processed, you'll receive the footage in your requested format — or a denial letter explaining why the footage cannot be provided.
How to Access Traffic Camera Footage for Free
If you need live traffic camera footage — to check current road conditions, monitor traffic, or view real-time activity — you can access cameras completely free.
Free live access options:
- TrafficVision.Live: 135,000+ cameras aggregated from 600+ official sources across 130+ countries
- State 511 websites: Official DOT cameras for each state
- City DOT portals: Local traffic camera feeds
For stored or recorded footage, the request process through public records laws is the only official route. While the request itself is free, agencies may charge processing fees.
TrafficVision.Live provides live camera streams only — we do not store or archive footage. For recorded footage from a past incident, you must submit a request directly to the operating agency.
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VIEW LIVE CAMERAS →Typical Response Times
Response times for traffic camera footage requests vary significantly:
| Timeframe | Situation |
|---|---|
| 1–5 business days | Simple requests to responsive agencies |
| 10–15 business days | Standard processing time for most agencies |
| 20–30 business days | Complex requests or agencies with backlogs |
| 30+ days | Requests requiring legal review or redaction |
Many states have statutory deadlines for responding to public records requests — typically 5–10 business days for an initial response. However, agencies may request extensions for complex requests.
Expedite Your Request
Be as specific as possible about the camera location and time frame. Submit requests promptly — before the retention period expires. Including a police report number (for accidents) can also speed processing.
Reasons Requests May Be Denied
Not all requests for traffic camera footage are granted. Common reasons for denial include:
- No recording exists: The camera doesn't record, or footage was already deleted per retention policy
- Ongoing investigation: Footage related to an active criminal or accident investigation may be withheld
- Privacy concerns: Some footage may be withheld to protect individuals' privacy (varies by jurisdiction)
- National security: Cameras at sensitive infrastructure may have restricted access
- Request too broad: Requests for excessive amounts of footage may be denied or narrowed
United States Road Safety
In 2024, more than 44,000 people died in US motor vehicle crashes, highlighting the critical importance of post-incident review and data-driven safety improvements. The NHTSA recently projected an 8.2% decline in roadway deaths for early 2025, a milestone achieved in part through better utilization of real-time monitoring and investigative footage. Accessing recorded data is a vital tool for insurance clarity and legal accountability following an accident on high-volume interstate corridors.
If your request is denied, you typically have the right to appeal. The denial letter should explain the appeals process and the specific exemption being cited.
Related Guides
- Do Traffic Cameras Record?
- How Traffic Cameras Work
- Types of Traffic Cameras
- Free Live Street Cameras
How do I request traffic camera footage?
Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or public records request to the relevant DOT or municipality. Include the specific date, time, location, and camera ID if known. Response times vary from days to weeks.
Is traffic camera footage free to access?
Live traffic camera feeds are typically free to view online through DOT websites and aggregators like TrafficVision.Live. However, requesting recorded footage may involve processing fees depending on the jurisdiction.
How long is traffic camera footage stored?
Most traffic cameras only stream live footage and don't record. Cameras that do record typically store footage for 24–72 hours, though some jurisdictions retain recordings for up to 30 days for incident investigations.
Can I get traffic camera footage for an accident?
Yes, if the camera recorded at the time of the incident. File a FOIA request with the agency that operates the camera. For insurance claims or legal matters, request footage as soon as possible before it's overwritten.
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