Getting a Red Light Camera Ticket
Red light cameras monitor intersections to catch drivers who run red lights. These automated systems capture clear images of vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has already turned red.
The camera activates when a vehicle crosses the stop line after the light has turned red. If your vehicle triggers the system, it takes two high-resolution photos. The first shows your vehicle just before it enters the intersection. The second, taken two or three seconds later, proves that the vehicle continued through. These images record your vehicle’s speed and how long the light had been red when you entered.
An officer reviews the evidence and certifies the violation before issuing a ticket. The fine is then mailed to the registered owner at the address on record. Unlike a traditional traffic stop, no police officer needs to be present when the violation occurs.
You can read our full guide on Red Light Camera Tickets here
Can You Fight a Red Light Camera Ticket in Ontario?
Fighting a red light camera ticket is difficult, but not impossible. Your options depend on the municipality that issued the ticket.
Some municipalities allow you to dispute the fine in court, while others use the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). The AMPS process removes the option of a traditional court trial and replaces it with an administrative review. Municipalities are moving toward this system, making it harder to challenge fines. The Ontario government allows the use of administrative penalties for red light cameras under Ontario Regulation 355/22.
Common defences include:
- Errors in the ticket, such as the wrong date, location, or license plate number
- Poor visibility or unclear evidence in the photos
- Issues with the camera’s operation or maintenance
Municipal officers check and certify red light cameras regularly to confirm they work correctly. This process leaves little room to argue that the equipment malfunctioned. The law assumes that the recorded violation is accurate unless you can prove otherwise.
It’s rare to successfully get a red light camera ticket dismissed, but municipalities may reduce the fine or offer more time to pay. If you believe an error exists in your case, you should act quickly to request a review or schedule a hearing.
What is the Fine?
A red light camera ticket in Ontario carries a set fine (total payable) of $325. This amount includes a $260 base fine (the “set fine”), a $60 victim surcharge, and a $5 court fee. The total does not change based on how long you were in the intersection or how many times you have received a red light camera ticket.
Does it Affect Insurance?
Red light camera tickets do not affect your insurance rates because they are issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver. Insurance companies assess risk based on driving records, and since these tickets do not appear on a driving record, they do not contribute to rate increases.
The province treats red light camera violations like parking tickets. They are fines against the vehicle, not the driver, which means they carry no direct consequences for your insurance. However, if you fail to pay the fine, the government may take action against your vehicle permit, which could cause other administrative issues.
Does it Carry Demerit Points?
You do not receive demerit points for a red light camera ticket. The system only captures the vehicle’s license plate, not the person behind the wheel, so the province cannot assign points to any individual’s driving record.
Demerit points apply only to traffic violations where an officer pulls over the driver and issues a ticket in person. Since red light camera tickets do not involve direct enforcement, they do not impact your driving history or result in point penalties.
For Commercial Vehicles (CVOR)
Commercial vehicle operators must take red light camera tickets seriously. While these fines do not affect insurance or demerit points for personal vehicles, they can impact a company’s Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) score.
A red light camera violation adds points to the CVOR record, which regulators use to monitor fleet safety. A high CVOR score can lead to increased inspections, higher operating costs, and potential restrictions on your business. If you manage a fleet, you should track violations carefully and address them promptly to avoid long-term consequences.
Questions About Traffic Tickets? Contact X-Copper.
Traffic tickets can lead to fines, demerit points, and higher insurance rates. Fighting a ticket requires knowledge of the law and the right approach. X-Copper’s legal team helps drivers challenge speeding tickets, careless driving charges, and other traffic violations.
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