How Much Is a Red Light Camera Ticket? (All 50 States)
Last updated: 2026-03 | Category: Tickets & Fines
The cost of a red light camera ticket varies widely across the United States, ranging from $50 in some states to over $500 in others when court fees and surcharges are included. Understanding the fine structure in your state is essential for knowing what to expect and whether fighting the ticket is worth the effort. This guide breaks down red light camera ticket costs across all states that use them.
State-by-State Fine Overview
Here are the typical red light camera fines in states where cameras are active. Arizona: $250. California: $100 base fine (but total with fees can exceed $500). Colorado: $75. Delaware: $75 to $150. District of Columbia: $150. Florida: $158 (uniform statewide). Georgia: $70. Illinois: $100. Iowa: $75. Maryland: $75. Minnesota: $100. Missouri: $100. New Jersey: $85. New York: $50. North Carolina: $100. Ohio: $100 to $150. Oregon: $260. Pennsylvania: $100. Rhode Island: $75 to $150. Tennessee: $50. Virginia: $50. Washington: $136. Fine amounts are subject to change, so always verify with your local court.
Base Fine vs. Total Cost
The advertised fine amount is often just the base fine. The total cost can be significantly higher when you factor in court costs and processing fees (often $25 to $75), technology surcharges, state and county assessment fees, late payment penalties (typically an additional $25 to $100), and collection agency fees if the ticket goes to collections. For example, California red light camera tickets have a base fine of $100, but the total with mandatory fees and assessments often exceeds $490. Always check what the total amount due is on your specific citation.
How Fines Compare to Officer-Issued Tickets
Camera-issued red light tickets are generally less expensive than officer-issued red light tickets. An officer-issued ticket often includes higher base fines, mandatory court appearances, points on your license (which increase insurance premiums), and the possibility of additional charges. Camera tickets are civil violations in most states, which means lower fines and no impact on your driving record. This is by design, as legislatures set camera ticket fines lower to make them more politically acceptable.
What Affects the Fine Amount
Several factors can influence how much you pay for a red light camera ticket. Your state sets the base fine. Some cities add local surcharges on top of the state fine. Repeat offenses may carry higher fines in some jurisdictions. Late payment always increases the total. Some states offer reduced fines for prompt payment. A few jurisdictions offer traffic school as an alternative to paying the full fine.
States with No Camera Fines (Banned States)
If you live in a state that has banned red light cameras, you will not receive these tickets. States that have banned all camera enforcement include: Texas (banned in 2019, though some existing contracts were allowed to expire), South Carolina, Mississippi, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Arkansas. If you receive what appears to be a camera ticket in one of these states, verify its legitimacy, as it may be a scam.
Check Your State's Laws
Camera ticket laws vary dramatically by state. Check the specific laws, fines, and deadlines for your state.