What to Do When You Get a Red Light Camera Ticket

The first thing you should do is confirm the ticket is real and not a scam. Legitimate camera tickets come from your local municipality or court system, not from a private company demanding immediate payment. The notice should include: a citation number, the date, time, and location of the violation, photographs or video stills of your vehicle, the intersection where the camera is located, instructions for viewing the evidence online, and the amount of the fine with a deadline for payment or response. If you can view the evidence online, check that the photos clearly show your vehicle and license plate. Some jurisdictions provide video clips as well.

Red light camera laws vary dramatically by state. In some states like Texas and South Carolina, red light cameras have been banned entirely. In others like New York and Illinois, they are widespread. Key differences between states include: whether the ticket is a civil or criminal violation, whether points are added to your license, the fine amount (ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the state), whether you are required to respond, and whether ignoring the ticket has consequences. Check your state's specific laws on our laws page to understand exactly what you are dealing with.

Most camera tickets include a link or instructions to view the photographic or video evidence online. Take time to review this carefully. Look for: a clear image of your vehicle entering the intersection after the light turned red, a clear image of your license plate, timestamps showing the light was red when you entered the intersection, and whether the yellow light timing appeared adequate. If the images are blurry, do not clearly show your vehicle, or there are timing discrepancies, these could be grounds for contesting the ticket.

You generally have three options: pay the fine by the deadline, contest the ticket by requesting a hearing, or in some jurisdictions simply ignore it (though this is not recommended in most states). Consider contesting if: you were not the driver, the evidence is unclear, you had a valid reason (such as an emergency), or the camera or signage was not properly maintained. In most states, camera tickets carry no points on your license and do not affect insurance, which makes paying the fine the simpler option for many drivers.

Whether you choose to pay or contest, meeting deadlines is critical. Most jurisdictions give you 30 to 60 days to respond. Missing the deadline can result in: additional late fees, a referral to collections, a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, or in rare cases, a warrant (though this is uncommon for camera tickets). Mark the deadline on your calendar and take action well before it arrives.