How Do Red Light Cameras Work
Red light cameras are installed at intersections to catch drivers who run red lights. These systems use laser sensors to detect when a vehicle crosses the stop line after the traffic light turns red. If you enter the intersection after the signal has changed, the camera will activate.
The system takes two photos to document the violation. The first captures your vehicle just before crossing the stop line, and the second captures it two or three seconds later. This sequence provides proof that the vehicle moved through the intersection while the light was red. The images also record your speed and the time elapsed since the light changed. Since the camera is automated, the ticket goes to the registered owner of the vehicle, not necessarily the driver.
Turning Right on a Red Light with a Camera
Red light cameras do not enforce prohibited turns, only whether or not a vehicle enters an intersection on a red light.
Red Light Camera Locations in Ontario Cities
Cameras are placed at intersections where drivers frequently run red lights, and collisions are more likely. These locations are selected based on traffic data, accident reports, and patterns of high-risk driving behaviour. Municipalities install them to increase compliance with traffic signals and improve safety.
The locations of red light cameras are not a secret. Municipal websites publish lists of intersections where cameras operate, and warning signs are posted before you reach an enforcement zone. If you see one of these signs, you should assume the camera is active and follow the rules accordingly.
- City of Toronto
- Peel Region
- York Region
- Durham Region
- Halton Region
- Waterloo Region
- City of Hamilton
Receiving the Ticket
If a red light camera captures your vehicle running a red light, the ticket will arrive in the mail. The notice goes to the registered owner of the vehicle, not necessarily the person who was driving at the time. It includes the date, time, and location of the violation, along with photos showing the vehicle and its license plate.
The ticket does not arrive immediately. It usually takes a few weeks but can take up to a month. The delay happens because an officer must review and certify the evidence before the ticket is issued. Once you receive the notice, you have a set period to either pay the fine or request a trial if you believe there was an error.
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.
How Do You Pay?
You can pay your ticket online, in person, or by mail. The fastest way is through the provincial or municipal payment portal, where you can enter your ticket details and complete the transaction electronically.
If you prefer to pay in person, you can visit a courthouse or an authorized payment center. This option allows you to ask questions about the ticket or payment process if needed. You can also mail a cheque or money order to the address provided on the notice. If you choose this method, ensure the payment arrives before the deadline to avoid penalties.
- City of Toronto
- Peel Region:
- York Region
- Durham Region
- Halton Region
- Region of Waterloo
- City of Hamilton
Can You Fight a Red Light Camera Ticket in Ontario?
You can challenge a red light camera ticket, but the process is not easy. The evidence against you is pretty clear since it includes time-stamped photos showing your vehicle in the intersection after the light turned red. These images are also reviewed and validated by an officer before the ticket is issued.
The cameras themselves are tested regularly and certified to be working properly, which means there is not much room for dispute.
If you want to fight the ticket, you have two options:
- Court trial: You can request a trial if you believe the ticket was issued unfairly. Possible arguments include incorrect vehicle identification, a camera malfunction, or an emergency that forced you into the intersection.
- Administrative review: If the municipality uses the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) instead of the court system, you can request a review by a screening or hearing officer. The Ontario government allows the use of administrative penalties for red light cameras under Ontario Regulation 355/22.
It is rare to have a red light camera ticket dismissed. Even if you present a defence, the photos often serve as clear proof of the violation.
Municipalities may allow you to negotiate a lower fine or get more time to pay, but this varies by area. If you plan to challenge the ticket, act quickly because deadlines for requesting a review or trial are strict.
Read more about fighting red light camera tickets here
Does it Carry Demerit Points?
A red light camera ticket does not add demerit points to your driving record. The system records the violation using automated technology, and the ticket goes to the registered owner of the vehicle, not the driver. Since the law does not treat it as a moving violation tied to an individual’s driving history, no demerit points apply.
Because the ticket is linked to the vehicle, it does not impact your personal driving record. However, if you ignore the fine, you will not be able to renew your vehicle registration until the amount is paid in full. The penalty is financial rather than a direct mark against your license.
Does it Affect Insurance?
A red light camera ticket does not affect your insurance rates in most cases. Insurance companies do not treat these tickets the same way as moving violations issued by a police officer. Since the ticket is assigned to the vehicle rather than the driver, it does not appear on your personal driving record.
The only exception applies to commercial vehicles with Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR). If your vehicle is registered under a CVOR, the ticket may result in points against the company’s safety record. Repeated violations can have consequences for businesses that rely on clean records to maintain their operating status. For personal vehicle owners, there is no direct insurance impact, but unpaid fines can lead to registration issues that may cause problems later.
How Does it Affect CVOR?
If you own or operate a commercial vehicle registered under the Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR), a red light camera ticket can affect your safety record. Unlike personal vehicle owners, commercial operators are held to stricter standards, and violations count against their record.
A red light camera ticket issued to a commercial vehicle results in CVOR points, which can impact your company’s standing with transportation regulators. Repeated violations may raise concerns about your fleet’s safety practices and lead to closer monitoring or penalties. Employers often track these tickets and may take action against drivers who receive them.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Ignoring a red light camera ticket will not make it go away. The fine stays on your record until you pay it, and failure to do so will prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. When you attempt to renew your plate sticker, you will be required to clear any outstanding fines first.
Unpaid fines may also result in additional fees or collection efforts. The longer you delay payment, the greater the inconvenience and cost. Even though these tickets do not affect your driving record or insurance, they still carry financial consequences that you cannot avoid indefinitely.
Questions About Traffic Tickets? Contact X-Copper
Whether you’re dealing with a speeding ticket, a careless driving charge, or a red light camera fine, knowing your options can help you avoid unnecessary penalties.
X-Copper’s legal team has experience handling all types of traffic tickets. If you want to fight a charge, reduce a fine, or understand your rights, get in touch for professional advice.
Contact X-Copper Today
