New speed camera is the biggest money-maker in D.C.

The most lucrative speed camera in D.C. is a relatively new one installed on the Potomac River Freeway, issuing tickets in the first half of 2024 totaling nearly $5.9 million.

Why it matters: D.C. is increasing penalties for dangerous driving and adding more speed cameras, becoming an even greater contributor to the city's budget.

State of play: The Potomac River Freeway camera near the Kennedy Center was added in January 2023. It issued warnings for about the first three months, a grace period before imposing the fines. Its revenues declined slightly over time — perhaps as more people caught on to the camera.

• It dethroned the DC 295 traffic camera near Exit 1 that was previously on top, per D.C. government data. That one still made almost $3.9 million.
• Two infamous speed cameras on K Street at the Washington Circle underpass made the top 10 again, issuing a total of $4.2 million in tickets.

Zoom out: The top 10 cameras totaled $27.7 million in fines during the period.

Between the lines: D.C. has long struggled to collect all of the traffic fines it issues. Maryland and Virginia drivers owe hundreds of millions of dollars in fines that are difficult to recover.

• The D.C. attorney general this year gained new power to bring civil suits against drivers who have a large balance of fines, whether they are from D.C. or not.

What they're saying: "The goal and result of automated traffic enforcement cameras in the District is increasing safety—to prevent speeding, injuries, and fatalities," the District Department of Transportation's acting director Sharon Kershbaum told Axios in a statement.

Friction point: D.C.'s speed cameras are the target of Republicans in Congress.

• House Republicans want to ban D.C.'s automated traffic cameras for speed, red light, and stop sign enforcement. It may not currently have enough votes to pass Congress, but it shows how far the GOP wants to go to manage D.C.'s affairs.

The complete list:

1. Potomac River Freeway NW/B @ 25TH ST NW = $5,861,951
2. DC295 SW .05 mile S/O Exit 1 N/B = $3,886,787
3. New York Ave SW/B @ N Capitol Street NE = $3,183,412
4. 2200 block of K Street NW W/B = $2,774,589
5. 600 block of Kenilworth Ave NE S/B = $2,726,668
6. 600 block of New York Ave NE W/B = $2,258,977
7. 2500 block of North Capitol Street NE N/B = $2,210,988
8. 200 block of New York Ave NW E/B = $1,970,868
9. 2200 block of K Street NW E/B = $1,418,716
10. 200 block of H Street NE E/B = $1,412,560

Editor's note: This story has been updated to add a statement from DDOT.

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