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.
Red Light Camera Laws by State
Many states have made red light cameras legal, and they’re used in cities to enforce traffic laws. A total of 25 states 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 | North Carolina | Yes | Nevada | No state law |
| Arizona | Yes | Ohio | Yes | New Jersey | No state law |
| California | Yes | Oregon | Yes | North Dakota | No state law |
| Colorado | Yes | Pennsylvania | Yes | Oklahoma | No state law |
| Connecticut | Yes, in limited zones | Rhode Island | Yes | Utah | No state law |
| Delaware | 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 |
| New York | Yes | Nebraska | No state law |
Source: IIHS
States That Do Not Allow Red Light Cameras
Not all states support the use of traffic enforcement cameras. As of May 2025, 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.
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.
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.
Final Thoughts
Red light camera laws can vary widely across the United States, making it important to know the rules in your state. Whether you're driving through a city with strict enforcement or a state that doesn't allow cameras at all, safe driving should always be your priority. Understanding are red light cameras legal and how to handle one if it arrives can help you avoid unexpected fines and protect your driving record. Staying informed on red light camera laws by state ensures you're prepared no matter where the road takes you.
