As a driver, knowing the laws, fines, and potential license points tied to red light cameras and speed cameras is essential for avoiding costly mistakes. While these automated enforcement systems are designed to improve road safety, they also create unexpected expenses for drivers who are caught off guard.
This updated guide provides a state-by-state breakdown of fines and points for red light and speed camera violations across the U.S. Remember: penalties can vary by city or county, so always verify with local traffic laws for the most accurate details.
Red Light Camera Fines and Points
Red light camera tickets are among the most common automated traffic violations. Depending on where you live, these citations may carry hefty fines and even license points.
Table: Red Light Camera Penalties by State
| State | Red Light Camera Fine ($) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $100 | No Points |
| Arizona | $165–$250 | 2 Points |
| Arkansas | No Programs | – |
| California | $490 | 1 Point |
| Colorado | $40–$80 | 4 Points |
| Delaware | $75–$230 | – |
| District of Columbia | $150 | 0 to 2 Points |
| Florida | $200 | – |
| Georgia | $70 | No Points |
| Hawaii | $77 | – |
| Illinois | $100–$500 | 20 Points |
| Indiana | No Programs | – |
| Iowa | $45–$150 | – |
| Kansas | No Programs | – |
| Louisiana | $100–$140 | No Points |
| Maryland | $100 | No Points |
| Michigan | No Programs | – |
| Minnesota | No Programs | – |
| Mississippi | No Programs | – |
| Missouri | $100 | – |
| Nevada | No Programs | – |
| New Jersey | $85 | No Points |
| New Mexico | $75 | – |
| New York | $50–$100 | No Points |
| North Carolina | $50–$100 | 3 Points |
| Ohio | $100–$200 | – |
| Oklahoma | No Programs | – |
| Oregon | $260–$1,000 | – |
| Pennsylvania | $100 | No Points |
| Rhode Island | $75 | – |
| South Dakota | No Programs | – |
| Tennessee | $50 | No Points |
| Texas | State Ban | – |
| Virginia | $100–$200 | 0 to 4 Points |
| Washington | $124–$250 | No Points |
| West Virginia | No Programs | – |
| Wisconsin | No Programs | – |
Speed Camera Fines and Points
Speed cameras are often placed near schools, work zones, and high-risk corridors. Violations can carry steep fines and, in some states, license points.
Table: Speed Camera Penalties by State
| State | Speed Camera Fine ($) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | – | – |
| Arizona | $165–$250 | 2 Points |
| Arkansas | – | – |
| California | – | – |
| Colorado | $40–$80 | 4 Points |
| Delaware | – | – |
| District of Columbia | $50–$300 | 0, 3, 4, or 5 Points |
| Florida | – | – |
| Georgia | – | – |
| Hawaii | – | – |
| Illinois | $250–$500 | 20 Points |
| Indiana | No Programs | – |
| Iowa | $45–$150 | – |
| Kansas | No Programs | – |
| Louisiana | – | – |
| Maryland | $40–$1,000 | No Points |
| Michigan | No Programs | – |
| Minnesota | No Programs | – |
| Mississippi | No Programs | – |
| Missouri | – | – |
| Nevada | No Programs | – |
| New Jersey | – | – |
| New Mexico | $75 | – |
| New York | $90–$1,200 | No Points (Possible Jail Time) |
| North Carolina | – | – |
| Ohio | $100–$200 | – |
| Oklahoma | No Programs | – |
| Oregon | $110–$2,000 | – |
| Pennsylvania | – | – |
| Rhode Island | – | – |
| South Dakota | No Programs | – |
| Tennessee | $50 | No Points |
| Texas | – | – |
| Virginia | – | – |
| Washington | $124–$250 | No Points |
| West Virginia | No Programs | – |
| Wisconsin | No Programs | – |
Strictest vs. Most Lenient States
Some states hit drivers with extremely high fines and points, while others either ban camera enforcement or assign minimal penalties. Here’s how the states compare:
Top 10 Strictest States for Camera Enforcement
| Rank | State | Fine Range | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $260–$2,000 | Up to 4 |
| 2 | New York | $90–$1,200 | No Points (Possible Jail Time) |
| 3 | Illinois | $100–$500 (Red Light), $250–$500 (Speed) | 20 Points |
| 4 | California | $490 (Red Light) | 1 Point |
| 5 | Maryland | $40–$1,000 (Speed) | No Points |
| 6 | Washington, D.C. | $50–$300 | Up to 5 Points |
| 7 | Washington State | $124–$250 | No Points |
| 8 | Arizona | $165–$250 | 2 Points |
| 9 | Virginia | $100–$200 | Up to 4 Points |
| 10 | Colorado | $40–$80 | 4 Points |
Top 10 Most Lenient States
| Rank | State | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | State Ban | Red light cameras prohibited statewide |
| 2 | Michigan | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
| 3 | Minnesota | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
| 4 | Wisconsin | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
| 5 | West Virginia | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
| 6 | South Dakota | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
| 7 | Oklahoma | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
| 8 | Kansas | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
| 9 | Indiana | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
| 10 | Nevada | No Programs | No red light or speed cameras |
Key Takeaways for Drivers
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Local Differences Matter: Even within the same state, municipalities may set their own fine schedules and enforcement policies.
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Laws Change Frequently: Traffic enforcement regulations are updated often. Stay informed to avoid surprises.
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Safe Driving Saves Money: Obeying traffic signals and speed limits not only prevents fines but also protects your driving record and insurance rates.
Final Word
By knowing the fines and points tied to red light and speed camera tickets, you can make smarter driving decisions and avoid costly penalties. Always double-check the latest local traffic enforcement laws before hitting the road.