Dec 17, 2020
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 with the objective of reducing accident rates.
In this blog, we will discuss red light camera tickets, and provide information about fines, costs, prevention, and the impact on car insurance in Ontario.
Red Light Camera Tickets In Ontario
Red light cameras are not new 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 the use of red light cameras across the province.
There are currently over 300 red light cameras in use in municipalities across the province of Ontario, with about half of them located in Toronto. The following cities currently used 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 already turned red (crossing the stop line) the camera will take a photo of the vehicle and its license plate. The photos will be reviewed by an officer to verify you have actually run a red light. A ticket will be issued and mailed by the Ministry of Transportation to the vehicle's registered owner.
If your vehicle enters the intersection when the light is yellow or if you were already in the intersection when the light turns 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 red light and getting a camera ticket will cost you. A red light camera ticket fine is the same as a red light ticket. As of January 1, 2010, a red light camera ticket cost is $325. Ontario red light camera tickets cost the same across the province. A red light camera ticket in Toronto will result in the same fine as Ottawa, Hamilton or any other city that uses red light cameras in intersections.
How Many Demerit Points For A Red Light Camera Ticket In Ontario?
Unlike a traditional red light traffic ticket, there are no demerit points for a red light camera ticket in Ontario. You are still subject to the $325 fine.
Red light camera tickets are unique because they are one of the only ticket that is issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver. Vehicle owners are assigned the ticket because drivers cannot be identified through red light camera photos.
How Do I Pay 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 may a payment by mail.
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Fighting A Red Light Camera Ticket in Ontario
Many people want to know how to fight a red light camera ticket. Like any other ticket, you have the right to fight a red light camera ticket. It is, however, highly unlikely that you will be able to overturn your traffic ticket. At best, most drivers may be able to reduce the fine amount but results vary on a case-by-case basis.
You can dispute a red light camera ticket, but considering the time and effort, challenging a red light camera ticket may not be worth it.
Does A Red Light Camera Ticket Impact Insurance?
Many drivers are concerned about red light camera tickets and insurance. They want to know if a red light camera ticket affects their policy. Fortunately, there is no insurance impact if you get a red light camera ticket. It doesn’t go on your driving record and there are no demerit points. Again, with no impact on insurance, it reduces the need to fight a red light camera ticket.
Learn more about how tickets affect insurance in Ontario.
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 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 your ticket before you renew your driver’s license as well.
I Lost My Red Light Camera Ticket – Now What?
If you lose a traffic ticket, including a red light camera ticket, you can visit your local courthouse. They can look up any outstanding tickets on your record using your driver’s license. You can also pay for your ticket at this time.
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 ticket :
- 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.
It won’t go up. Red light camera tickets do not go on your driving record and have no impact on your car insurance quotes.
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.
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.
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 as little as two weeks or up to eight weeks. Most offenders receive their ticket 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.
It’s possible. You will be required to request a trial and provide sufficient evidence to the judge as to why your ticket should be dismissed. Beating a red light traffic ticket is not common.
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.
Yes. All red light cameras used in Ontario are legal.
