How much is a ticket for running a red light? Quick Answer
- A ticket for running a red light in 2025 typically costs between $50 and $150, but fines can exceed $500 in California and reach up to $1,000 in Oregon. Most states treat red light camera tickets as civil infractions without license points, but a few states, like California and Arizona, do apply points.
Summary
- The fine for running a red light varies from under $100 to up to $1,000
- Red light cameras capture evidence of signal violations automatically
- You can fight a red light ticket to avoid paying the fine
Why Are There Red Light Cameras?
Red light cameras serve several purposes. First and foremost, they are used to enforce traffic laws. Running red lights is illegal, and camera systems help punish the offenders.
Cameras also deter violators. Drivers know that the police cannot monitor every intersection. Thus, running a red light often has no consequences. Conversely, red light cameras catch every driver running red lights. Thus, drivers scrupulously avoid violations at intersections with cameras.
Finally, camera systems improve safety. When drivers run red lights, they can cause car accidents. Issuing citations consistently for violations encourages drivers to follow the rules.
How Do Red Light Cameras Work?
A description of red light camera operation comes from the New York City Vision Zero website. Red light cameras include sensors embedded in the road, a controller and a camera system connected to the traffic signal. When a signal turns red, sensors in the road determine whether any vehicle has entered the intersection.
The controller receives a signal from the sensors and triggers the cameras. In most jurisdictions, including New York City, the camera takes a picture of the front and rear license plates. It does not capture an image of the vehicle occupants.
In New York City, a Department of Transportation employee reviews the images to identify valid violations and issue citations to the registered owners.
How Much Does a Red Light Camera Ticket Cost?
Red light camera fines vary dramatically from state to state. In most places, they range from $50 to $150, though some are higher. California, for instance, charges a base fine of $100, but once administrative and court fees are added, the total often exceeds $500. Oregon takes it even further, with penalties reaching $1,000.
On the lower end, New York charges just $50, and Georgia caps the fine at $70. Most states do not treat red light camera violations as criminal offenses, and the tickets usually don’t add points to your license. Only a few states, like California and Arizona, specifically mention that these tickets do add points to your driving record.
Red Light Camera Fines and Record Impact by State
| State | Fine | Record Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $60–$110 | Not listed in criminal or driving record |
| Arizona | Up to $250 and 2 points on license | Not specified |
| California | Base $100 + ~$400 additional fees and 1 point on license | Not specified |
| Colorado | Maximum $75 | Not reported to CDPS; not on driving record |
| Connecticut | 1st: $50 + $15 fee; 2nd+: $75 + $15 fee | Not specified |
| Delaware | Up to $110 and DMV may suspend license for failing to pay | Not listed on record or insurance |
| District of Columbia | 150$ | No points |
| Florida | $158 | Not specified |
| Georgia | Up to $70 | Not listed in driving record; not used for insurance |
| Hawaii | 1st: $250; 2nd: $300; 3rd+: $500 | Not specified |
| Illinois | Up to $100 | Not a violation; not recorded on driving record |
| Iowa | $65–$100 | Not listed on driving record |
| Louisiana | $100–$125 | Not a criminal conviction; not in driving record |
| Maryland | Up to $100 | Not in driving record; not used for insurance |
| Minnesota | 1st: warning; 2nd: $40 (diversion); 3rd+: $40 | Not on driver record |
| Missouri | About $100 | Not specified |
| New Mexico | $66–$100; may seize vehicle if unpaid (some jurisdictions) | Not specified |
| New York | $50 | Not criminal; not in driving record; not used for insurance |
| North Carolina | $50–$100 | Not used for insurance |
| Ohio | Up to $150 | Not used for insurance |
| Oregon | Max $1,000 (Class B violation) | Not specified |
| Pennsylvania | Up to $100 | Not a criminal conviction; not in record; not for insurance |
| Rhode Island | $85 | Not a moving violation or criminal; not in record; not for insurance |
| Tennessee | $50 | Not in driving record; not for credit or insurance |
| Virginia | Up to $50 | Not a conviction; not in record; not for insurance |
| Washington | Up to $145 | Not a conviction; not part of driving record |
Data updated in September 2025. Source: IIHS
Are Red Light Camera Tickets Enforceable?
Yes, but how they’re enforced varies. In some states, red light camera tickets are treated like parking violations and don’t impact your license. In others, especially where license points apply, they are treated more seriously. If you receive one, it's important to check whether red light camera tickets are enforceable in your area and what your options are for payment or appeal.
What Should You Do if You Get a Red Light Camera Ticket?
Are red light cameras legal? In about half of the states, red light camera citations are valid. You typically have two options after receiving a red light ticket, depending on your state.
First, you can pay the fine. This option involves the least work and stress. However, by paying the fine, your state’s driver’s license division will assume that you committed the violation and add points to your driving record.
Second, you can challenge the citation. This option allows you to present defenses proving that the citation was improperly issued. If you succeed, a judge will dismiss the citation, and you will not pay any fines or receive any driver’s license points.
How Long After Running a Red Light Will I Get a Ticket?
In states that use red light cameras, you’ll typically receive your ticket by mail within 7 to 14 days after the violation. The notice will include the date, time, and a photo or video clip of the alleged incident. If you’re wondering, “how long after running a red light will I get a ticket?”—this short time frame means you should keep an eye on your mailbox if you suspect you were caught.
Can You Fight a Red Light Camera Ticket?
You can challenge traffic camera tickets in court. People often use the following arguments and supporting evidence to persuade a judge to dismiss their citation:
- The registered owner was not driving the vehicle
- The vehicle was misidentified
- The camera system malfunctioned
- The traffic light was inoperative
- The vehicle suffered an equipment failure, such as faulty brakes
- The vehicle was pushed into the intersection by a collision
In these situations, a judge might find the citation invalid, dismissing it.
How Often Do Red Light Cameras Give Tickets?
How often do red light cameras give tickets frequency depends on the area. Busy intersections with high violation rates may issue dozens of tickets a day. While some cameras are always active, others may only operate during specific hours or at high-risk intersections.
Final Thoughts
Red light camera fines can be as little as $50 or as much as $1,000, depending on your state. While some states enforce these tickets aggressively, others treat them as minor infractions or don’t allow them at all. Either way, knowing whether red light camera tickets are enforceable and how much tickets are for running a red light can help you respond smartly and avoid bigger problems down the road.
