SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Drivers who tend to speed may want to ease off the gas pedal. A new traffic enforcement tool being used in Bexar County can now detect and cite speeding drivers automatically, without any direct contact with law enforcement.
Bexar County Precinct 3 Constable Mark Vojvodich said his deputies have started using Scanning LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems along local roadways to help deter reckless driving and promote public safety.
How the System Works
The Scanning LIDAR system uses cameras equipped with infrared lights to scan up to five lanes of traffic simultaneously. When a vehicle exceeds a preset speed, the system activates a camera flash, capturing both the driver’s face and license plate number.
“These are the people that are driving 60, 80 miles per hour, riding your tail, cutting you off,” said Vojvodich, labeling these motorists as “road bullies.”
He added that such drivers are responsible for a large portion of local crashes.
The Deadly Consequences of Speeding
According to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) data, there were 209 fatal crashes in Bexar County in 2023—surpassing the number of murders during the same year.
“So you have a greater chance of being killed in a car crash than a murder,” Vojvodich noted.
On Monday morning, deputies set up the system along San Pedro Avenue near Bitters Road. In just one hour, the LIDAR system detected 340 speeding vehicles.
Warnings Now, Citations Coming Soon
For now, violators caught on camera are receiving warnings. However, mailed citations will follow in the near future.
“If you’re not speeding, if you’re not following too closely, you have absolutely nothing to fear from traffic enforcement in general,” Vojvodich emphasized.
The goal, he says, is to educate the public and reduce road fatalities.
Comparisons to Red-Light Cameras
Some may see similarities between this new system and red-light cameras, which were banned in Texas in 2019. Those stationary devices were mounted at traffic signals to capture and fine red-light violators.
Michael Smith, an assistant professor of law at St. Mary’s University, explained that the legal frameworks differ.
“The law that bans red light cameras specifically applies to traffic signals,” Smith said.
Portable and Relocatable Enforcement
The Scanning LIDAR system is portable, mounted on a tripod, and can be moved to high-risk areas by deputy constables based on enforcement needs.
Still, Smith cautioned the program might face legal or political challenges down the road.
“I really think it’s more of a political issue and that it could face that political backlash,” he added.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Vikas Lalit is an experienced content writer at OTE News, covering business, economy, and international affairs. With a degree in Journalism, he combines analytical thinking with engaging storytelling to deliver well-researched updates. Vikas is passionate about uncovering underreported stories that impact readers.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing chess, following cricket, and writing short stories. His commitment to integrity and in-depth analysis strengthens OTE News’ mission of providing trustworthy journalism.