Are red light cameras legal? Quick Answer
- Red light cameras are legal in many U.S. states, including California, Florida, Washington, and New York, where violations can lead to fines and license points. However, states like Texas, Mississippi, and South Carolina ban their use entirely.
Summary
- Red light cameras are legal in about half of U.S. jurisdictions
- These cameras are controversial because they issue citations automatically
- Drivers may have defenses against tickets from red light cameras
What Are Red Light Cameras?
Before addressing red light camera laws, you must first understand how these systems work and why they are controversial. Texas law provides a good example of how states have defined these camera systems. Under the Texas statute, a red light camera system has the following two features:
- A camera system and vehicle sensor connected to a traffic light
- Software to take images of vehicles that disobey the traffic light
Thus, these systems automatically identify and produce evidence of a traffic violation. The benefits of these systems are that they document the violation with photographs and that they operate without bias. As a result, these systems help reduce traffic stops based on prohibited grounds like race or gender.
On the other hand, these systems are controversial because they bypass human review. For example, someone might receive a citation for running a red light because their vehicle skidded on wet pavement or their brakes failed. A police officer could have used their official judgment to excuse these violations.
Red Light Camera Laws by State
Many states have made red light cameras legal, and they’re used in cities to enforce traffic laws. As of September 2025, a total of 25 states and D.C. currently allow their use. In some cases, only certain cities or zones are authorized to operate them. In these states, drivers can be fined even if a police officer did not witness the violation. Notable examples include California, Florida, New York, Washington, Illinois, and Arizona.
| State | Is It Legal? | State | Is It Legal? | State | Is It Legal? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | New York | Yes | Nebraska | No state law |
| Arizona | Yes | North Carolina | Yes | Nevada | No state law |
| California | Yes | Ohio | Yes | New Jersey | No state law |
| Colorado | Yes | Oregon | Yes | North Dakota | No state law |
| Connecticut | Yes, in limited zones | Pennsylvania | Yes | Oklahoma | No state law |
| Delaware | Yes | Rhode Island | Yes | Utah | No state law |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Tennessee | Yes | Vermont | No state law |
| Florida | Yes | Virginia | Yes | Wisconsin | No state law |
| Georgia | Yes | Washington | Yes | Wyoming | No state law |
| Hawaii | Yes | Alaska | No state law | Maine | No – Prohibited |
| Illinois | Yes | Arkansas | No state law | Mississippi | No – Prohibited |
| Iowa | Yes, some cities allow. | Idaho | No state law | Montana | No – Prohibited |
| Louisiana | Yes | Indiana | No state law | New Hampshire | No – Prohibited |
| Maryland | Yes | Kansas | No state law | South Carolina | No – Prohibited |
| Minnesota | Yes | Kentucky | No state law | South Dakota | No – Prohibited |
| Missouri | Yes, some cities allow. | Massachusetts | No state law | Texas | No – Prohibited |
| New Mexico | Yes | Michigan | No state law | West Virginia | No – Prohibited |
Data updated in September 2025. Source: IIHS
States That Do Not Allow Red Light Cameras
Not all states support the use of traffic enforcement cameras. Currently, red-light cameras are illegal in 8 states: Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia. These states prohibit the use of red-light cameras.
States Without Clear Red Light Camera Laws
The other 17 states on this list, such as Michigan, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Indiana, Wisconsin, and others, have no specific state law on red light cameras, meaning their use is neither explicitly legal nor illegal. Drivers in these states are less likely to face automated traffic tickets, but that does not mean red light violations are ignored. Traditional enforcement still applies. It is important to remember that traffic laws can change, so staying informed about red light camera laws by state can help you avoid fines.
Red Light Camera Restrictions
Many states that allow cameras restrict their use. For example, some states only permit red light cameras during certain hours. Similarly, certain jurisdictions require signs warning drivers that the intersection has a traffic light camera.
Red Light Cameras in School and Work Zones
Another common use of red light cameras is near school or work zones. Since these areas have a high risk of accidents involving a pedestrian hit by a car, some states allow red light cameras in these locations, even when they do not allow them elsewhere.
Can You Get a Ticket From a Red Light Camera?
The purpose of red light cameras is to issue warnings and citations. Some states use systems that automatically use the information from red light camera systems to issue citations without any human oversight. Other states require government workers to review photos before issuing a citation.
How much is a ticket for running a red light? The fine or civil penalty varies, but you should expect to pay a few hundred dollars in fines and court costs because most states classify this violation as a moving violation that creates a significant risk of motor vehicle accidents.
What Happens If You Run a Red Light with a Camera?
If you run a red light in a state that uses red light cameras, the system may capture photos or videos of your vehicle's license plate. A citation is usually mailed to the registered owner. This can lead to a fine, license points, or even increased insurance rates. And if the vehicle has historic tags being used improperly, such as for everyday driving, it could result in additional penalties beyond the standard citation.
If You Run a Red Light, Does the Camera Flash?
If you run a red light at an intersection with a traffic camera, there's a good chance the camera will flash. This flash is used to take clear photos of your car, license plate, and sometimes the driver. Some cameras use a visible flash that’s easy to notice, especially at night, while others may use infrared technology that doesn’t produce a noticeable flash. Whether or not you see the flash, the camera can still record the violation if it's triggered.
Legal Help for Red Light Camera Tickets
You have defenses against red light camera citations, including the following:
- You were not driving the vehicle
- The camera or the traffic signal was malfunctioning
- You were pushed into the intersection by a rear-end collision
- The road surface was slick
- Your brakes malfunctioned
To prove these defenses, you may need a traffic ticket lawyer to gather and present evidence.
Final Thoughts
Red light camera laws differ across the U.S., so knowing your state’s rules is essential. Whether cameras are strictly enforced or banned, safe driving should remain your priority. Staying informed helps you avoid fines and protect your record wherever you drive.
