Feb 16, 2024
Fines, costs and risks for red light camera tickets
Getting a red light camera ticket can cost you, but not as much as a collision. Red light cameras were introduced to deter drivers from running red lights and potentially causing accidents. They are installed in the busiest and most dangerous intersections to reduce accident rates.
The Hamilton Spectator reported in 2018, the cameras captured evidence that resulted in 89,079 charges, showing a significant 47% increase from the previous year. The Richmond-Parliament intersection has been identified as the most charged camera for the second consecutive year. The intersection is located at the end of an overpass that serves as the entry point to downtown from the high-speed Don Valley Pkwy. The intersection alone accounted for more than 7% of all red-light camera tickets issued last year, with a total of 6,615 charges.
This blog will discuss red light camera tickets and provide information about fines, costs, and prevention.
Three key takeaways on red light camera tickets
- More than 300 red light cameras are currently operational in various municipalities throughout Ontario, with approximately half of them situated in Toronto.
- Since January 1, 2010, the fine for a red light camera ticket has stood at $325.
- The vehicle owner will receive a ticket by mail. It may take up to one month or more before you receive the red light camera ticket.
What's on this page:
Red light camera tickets in OntarioWhat is a red light camera ticket?
How much does a red light camera ticket fine cost?
How do I pay for a red light camera ticket?
How to fight a red light ticket in Ontario
How do you check a red light camera ticket online?
What is the penalty for not paying a red light camera ticket?
I lost my red light camera ticket – now what?
How to prevent red light camera tickets
Red light camera tickets FAQs
Red light camera tickets in Ontario
Red light cameras are familiar to Ontario. The first red light cameras were used in Ontario as part of provincial government Bill 102, Red Light Cameras Pilot Projects Act, 1998. The province passed legislation in 2004 to allow for red light cameras.
Over 300 red light cameras are in use in municipalities across Ontario, with about half of them located in Toronto. The following cities now use red light cameras in Ontario:
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Brampton
- Mississauga
- Hamilton
- London
- Kitchener
- Sudbury
Many other municipalities across the region are also discussing implementation.
What is a red light camera ticket?
Red light cameras are designed to prevent drivers from running red lights. They are installed at high volume or high accident rate intersections.
If a vehicle enters the intersection once the light has turned red (crossing the stop line), the camera will take a photo of the car and its license plate. An officer will review the photos to verify you have run a red light. The Ministry of Transportation will issue and mail a ticket to the vehicle's registered owner.
The vehicle owner, not the driver of the vehicle, is responsible for paying a fine. They will be notified via mail about the ticket. Failure to pay the ticket could result in the vehicle owner’s inability to renew their driver’s license or renew their vehicle registration.
If your vehicle enters the intersection when the light is yellow, or you were already in the intersection when the light turned red (for example, waiting to turn left), you will not be issued a ticket.
How much does a red light camera ticket fine cost?
Running a red light and receiving a ticket from a camera can be costly. The fine for a red light camera ticket is the same as that of a regular red light ticket. Since January 1, 2010, the cost of a red light camera ticket has been $325 and is broken down and set by the Provincial Offences Act ($260), a victim fine surcharge ($60), and applicable court costs ($5).
The fine for red light camera tickets is uniform throughout Ontario, which means that the fine for a red light camera ticket in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, or any other city that employs red light cameras at intersections will be the same.
Police have various ways to catch drivers who run red lights. For example, an officer can park their vehicle hidden from view at an intersection and observe drivers as they approach the traffic light.
If a driver is found to have run the red light, the police can follow them, pull them over, and request their license, proof of insurance, and ownership. If a ticket is issued, the driver can pay the fine or contest it in court.
If you are issued a red-light ticket by a police officer, it may result in receiving demerit points that will be recorded on your driving record. As a result, you may see an impact on your auto insurance from a red light camera, and you may also have a conviction recorded on your driving history for three years.
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How do I pay for a red light camera ticket?
Once you receive your red light ticket in the mail, follow the payment instructions provided. You can usually pay for a red light camera ticket online. You also have the option to pay in person, or make a payment by mail.
How to fight a red light ticket in Ontario
Many people want to know how to dispute a red light camera ticket. You can challenge a red light camera ticket like any other traffic violation citation. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to overturn your ticket successfully.
In most cases, drivers may be able to reduce the fine amount, but the outcome varies on a case-by-case basis. It is possible to dispute a red light camera ticket, but considering the time and effort required, it may be challenging.
How do you check a red light camera ticket online?
Checking your ticket status online is quick and easy to do. You can check the status of your red light camera ticket online through the Ontario.ca website. To view your red light camera ticket online you can also use the Provincial Offenses Act online services portal and look up your ticket. You will need the location code and offence number printed on your ticket. Follow the steps provided on the website.
What is the penalty for not paying a red light camera ticket?
The owner of the vehicle used when a red light ticket was issued is responsible for paying the ticket. Even though the ticket will not appear on your driving record, failure to pay the ticket could result in your license plate renewal permit being refused if your ticket is outstanding. You will have to pay for your ticket before you renew your driver’s license as well.
I lost my red light camera ticket – now what?
You can always visit your nearby courthouse if you misplace a traffic ticket, including a red light camera ticket. They can search for pending tickets on your driving record using your driver's license information. You can also pay off the ticket during your visit to the courthouse.
How to prevent red light camera tickets
Getting a red light camera ticket can be a costly mistake. Here are some tips for how to avoid red light camera tickets:
- Know where red light cameras are located in your city.
- Be on the lookout for red light camera warning signs as you approach intersections.
- Slow down and mine your speed when approaching intersections.
- Ease off the gas pedal when approaching intersections.
- Avoid entering an intersection once a traffic light has turned yellow.
- Only allow trusted individuals to use your vehicle.
Red light camera tickets FAQs
The owner of the vehicle will be issued a ticket in the mail. It can take up to one month or longer before you will receive the red light camera ticket.
Yes, you have the right to fight a red light camera ticket. Most people dispute the ticket to get a reduction in the fine amount. These tickets are only overturned during extenuating circumstances. Keep in mind, it won't usually impact your Ontario auto insurance.
Yes. The owner of the vehicle is required to pay the red light ticket.
You can receive your red light camera ticket in the mail in about two weeks or up to eight weeks. Most offenders receive their tickets within four weeks.
If you ignore a red light camera ticket you could have issues renewing your driver’s license, registering a vehicle, and renewing your current car registration.
Yes. It is possible to get your fine reduced to less than $325. You will be required to enter a plea of guilty with an explanation. With this option, you will ask the court to consider the circumstances and situation surrounding the violation. If you have a strong argument, your fine could be reduced. Be sure to reach out to a legal expert for more details.
