Red Light Camera Tickets Will Arrive by Mail
Red light cameras are a growing part of traffic enforcement in the United States and Canada. They are designed to capture vehicles that enter intersections after the traffic light has turned red. While many drivers worry about whether they were caught after seeing a flash, a ticket is only issued if clear evidence supports the violation. Understanding how the process works—from the moment of violation to when the ticket shows up in your mailbox—can help drivers know what to expect and how to respond.
How Red Light Cameras Capture Violations
A red light camera ticket will only be sent if a positive identification can be made of both the driver and the vehicle. The system doesn’t automatically issue citations the moment a car passes the stop line. Instead, the cameras take multiple images and often record a short video clip that documents the violation from several angles.
The footage is then reviewed by trained personnel, either through the city’s traffic enforcement office or a contracted vendor such as American Traffic Solutions (ATS), now part of Verra Mobility. If the evidence clearly shows the violation and identifies the vehicle’s license plate, the process moves forward to ticket issuance.
When Do Tickets Arrive?
If a red light violation is confirmed, the ticket is typically mailed to the registered vehicle owner within 5 to 7 business days. This timeline allows enforcement officials to review the images, match the license plate with DMV records, and prepare the notice.
The mailed ticket packet usually includes:
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The citation with violation details
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Still photographs of the violation
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Instructions to access video footage online
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Payment details and deadlines
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Information on how to contest the citation in court
This process ensures that drivers not only receive notice but also have access to the same evidence enforcement officers reviewed.
Where to View Your Evidence
Most cities now provide an online portal where drivers can review photo and video evidence of their violation. The notice you receive in the mail will include a secure website link, along with a citation number and PIN. This system helps eliminate disputes and provides transparency, allowing drivers to verify whether the ticket is legitimate.
Red Light Camera Fines Across the U.S.
Fines vary widely depending on location. According to PhotoEnforced.com, the cost of a red light ticket ranges from as high as $500 in California to as low as $50 in New York. Other states fall somewhere in between, with most averaging $100–$250 per violation.
It’s also important to note that some jurisdictions treat red light camera violations as moving violations, which may add points to your driving record and impact your insurance premiums. Others classify them as civil infractions, similar to parking tickets, meaning no points are assessed.
The Scale of Red Light Camera Use
Red light camera enforcement is widespread. As of 2025, there are approximately 8,000+ red light camera locations in the U.S. and Canada, according to the red light camera map. These cameras are primarily concentrated in urban areas with high traffic volumes and frequent crashes caused by red light running.
Cities install these systems with the goal of improving safety, reducing crashes, and deterring reckless driving. However, critics argue that they are sometimes used more as revenue generators than as safety tools.
How Much Time Do You Have to Pay?
Most red light camera tickets come with a payment deadline of 30 to 60 days from the mailing date. Failing to pay within the timeframe can lead to additional penalties, collections, and even a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.
Some cities also offer payment plans or reduced fines for early payment, while others allow drivers to attend traffic school to remove or reduce points on their record.
Contesting a Red Light Camera Ticket
Many drivers are surprised to learn that red light camera tickets can be contested. While not always easy, some have successfully fought their citations in court. Common defenses include:
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Driver Identification Issues – If the photo or video does not clearly show the driver.
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Obstructed Plate – If the license plate cannot be confirmed.
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Missing Warning Signs – Some states require signs to notify drivers of camera enforcement.
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Necessity Defense – Entering the intersection to avoid a crash or emergency.
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Yellow Light Timing – If the yellow light was shorter than state minimum requirements.
Hiring a traffic attorney may increase your chances of dismissal, especially in states where points are attached to the violation.
What Happens If You Ignore a Ticket?
Ignoring a red light camera ticket is risky. Depending on state law, you could face:
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Late fees and added penalties
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A DMV registration block
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Collection agency involvement
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Credit score impacts in some jurisdictions
In rare cases, courts may issue a bench warrant for failure to appear if you contest the ticket and then miss your hearing date. It is always best to either pay the fine or properly contest it within the legal timeframe.
Safety Impact of Red Light Cameras
Supporters of red light cameras argue they are effective at reducing right-angle crashes, which are among the most severe and deadly intersection accidents. Studies have shown reductions in these types of collisions in some cities after camera installation.
Critics, however, point to an increase in rear-end crashes, as drivers may stop abruptly to avoid triggering a camera. This has led to debates in many states, with some banning or limiting camera use altogether.
The Role of Vendors Like ATS
The video linked in many city notices is often provided by American Traffic Solutions (ATS), now operating under Verra Mobility. ATS has been one of the largest providers of red light camera systems in North America, offering not only hardware but also software platforms to manage tickets, payments, and evidence review.
Private vendors typically split fine revenue with cities, which has drawn criticism about financial incentives driving enforcement decisions. Transparency in contracts and oversight by city councils remain hot-button issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long after running a red light will I know if I got a ticket?
A: You should receive notice in 5–7 business days, but it can take up to two weeks depending on processing.
Q: Do all red light cameras flash?
A: Not always. Some use infrared flashes that are invisible to the eye.
Q: Do tickets go on my record?
A: It depends on state law. Some are civil fines only, while others carry license points.
Q: Can rental cars get red light tickets?
A: Yes. The rental company receives the citation and charges the renter, often adding administrative fees.
Q: What if I wasn’t driving?
A: The registered owner is responsible unless you can prove someone else was behind the wheel. Some states allow you to submit a sworn affidavit identifying the driver.
Conclusion
Red light cameras are here to stay in many parts of the U.S. and Canada, with more than 8,000 intersections now under surveillance. If you run a red light and are caught, a ticket will not arrive immediately—it will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within about a week. The ticket will include photos, video evidence, and instructions for payment or contesting the citation.
With fines ranging from $50 in New York to $500 in California, these tickets are costly and can have lasting impacts on your driving record. Understanding how the system works helps you know what to expect and how to handle a ticket if it lands in your mailbox.