Information on New York City Red Light Tickets

Published on 2/15/2023
Updated on 3/19/2025


About New York City Red Light Tickets

At some point you will have approached an intersection in New York City and seen lights automatically flashing as people drive across it. Commonly known as Red-Light cameras, these surveillance systems were put in place to monitor busy intersections in New York City and ticket as many violations as possible. As the vehicle moves over a sensor, the camera snaps an image of the vehicle that triggered it. The owner of the vehicle will then receive a notice in the mail with the image, vehicle information and fine.

The Constitutionality of Red-Light Cameras

While there have been many challenges to the constitutionality of the practice and the validity of the findings, New York City drivers need to know that red light cameras are here for the time being. To better understand the ramifications of driving through these intersections, motorists should have a working knowledge of the system.

The Role of the New York City Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is tasked with reviewing the footage from the cameras for all possible violations. They then issue notices to drivers about the triggering event and will have a $50.00 fine attached to it. If the fine is not paid within 30 days, there will be a $25.00 late fee added on. New York City Red light camera violations cannot be more than the initial $50.00 fine and subsequent $25.00 fee. This is because of the challenges that attorneys and motorists have made to the constitutionality of the system. Keeping the fines at a “minimum” does not trigger property interests, which would lead to later due process arguments. This argument is also why red-light camera violations will never result in points on your record, and why they are not criminal offenses.

Responsibility for New York City Red-Light Tickets

While the fines and penalties are not as high as other infractions, motorists in New York City do not have the option of arguing that they were not driving and therefore not responsible. The car owner will get the ticket regardless of who was driving. In many cases, the image of the vehicle crossing the line is enough to secure the violation. These notices should not be taken lightly or be left unanswered.

Impact of Multiple New York City Red-Light Tickets

Unlike a New York City redlight ticket issued at a traffic stop, a camera ticket does not have points. However, multiple red-light violations can add up to a significant financial obligation. There has been talk of creating registration suspensions of cars with too many tickets. While proceedings are not criminal, motorists still have rights. You can fight them, but the fine amount is kept low enough to make it not worthwhile for most people to fight them.

What Can I Do About my New York City Red Light Ticket?

While we do not suggest retaining our firm to fight your camera ticket, we are available for any ticket issued by a police officer. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has extensive experience fighting all kinds of traffic tickets in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. We are here and ready to take on any serious traffic ticket.

More Reading

If you were injured by a motorist that may have gone through a red light, you can contact the Sternberg Injury Law Firm.

Disclaimer: All the content of this website has been prepared by Benjamin Goldman Law Office PC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information on this website shall not be construed as an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create, nor shall the receipt of such information constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Our hope is that you will find the information useful and informative, and we would be happy to communicate with you and answer any questions you may have about our legal services. Readers should not act upon the information on this website, or decide not to act based upon the information on this website, without first seeking appropriate professional counsel from an attorney licensed in the home state of the drivers license of the person who received the relevant traffic citation.