I don’t know if legal or not but what I do know is in 2006 City of Auburn installed traffic cameras and began issuing traffic citations through them. Their program lasted 8 yrs. In 2012 Opelika mayor touted traffic cameras as the end all to making the intersection much safer and reduce the number of traffic accidents. In 2012 the cameras went up with about as much fanfare as a turd floating in the country club pool or any pool for that mater. Citizens stated that they were nothing more than a way to bilk people out of their money. Both contracts were canceled, speed cameras were removed and replaced with surveillance cameras. Opelika and Auburn cited that accidents actually increased due to the cameras.

Follow the money.
The City of Phenix City added red light cameras in 2013 upon signing a contract with Redflex Camera Systems. The cameras are located at the intersections of 13th St./Broad St., Crawford Rd./17th Ave., Crawford Rd./Opelika Rd, and Summerville Rd./Stadium Drive. A citation is $100, if paid on time. If paid late, there is an additional $25 fine. Red light camera revenue for 2021 came to $663,256.66, and for 2022 the revenue from the cameras was $418,950.23. These are net amounts after 10 percent is paid to the state and less equipment costs.