Red Light Tickets in NY: Red Light Camera Rules, Surprising Facts & Shocking Loopholes You Need to Know

COHEN & COHEN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS, P.C. | Sept. 16, 2024

Did you find yourself rushing to make it to your appointment and speeding through the intersection just as the light changed? Were you in an accident caused by another driver running a red light?

If you’re looking to learn more about the penalties, legality, and facts about the red light ticket laws in New York, this guide will answer your questions.

Our expert team of car accident & injury lawyers will guide you through the essentials, from understanding the red light camera rules in New York to exploring legal aspects and strategies for contesting a red light camera ticket.

In New York, red light cameras are in place to capture those who violate traffic signals. Dealing with a red light ticket in the state of New York can be a stressful experience, especially so in New York City – you’re probably better off just paying it immediately. Suffering with injuries from another driver negligently blowing a red light and crashing into you doesn’t make for a pleasant day in the Empire State.

Whether you’re a resident or just passing through the state, and whether you’ve been cited for a red light violation or injured by someone else’s negligence, understanding the rules and your options can make a significant difference in handling the situation effectively.

What Drivers Need to Know About NY Red Light Camera Rules

In New York, drivers are permitted to make a right turn on a red light.

New York’s red light camera rules require vehicles to come to a complete stop at a red light and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before making a right turn. Vehicles caught driving through a red light are issued a $50 fine. The fine is issued to the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving.

Understanding the rules governing red light cameras in New York is essential for effectively dealing with a ticket, and the potential defense of the traffic citation:

• Red light cameras in NY must be authorized by state or local legislation. They are typically placed at intersections with a history of traffic violations or accidents.
• Cameras capture images of vehicles entering intersections after the light turns red.
• Tickets are issued to the vehicle owner based on these images.
• Once a violation is recorded, a ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The ticket includes instructions for payment and options for contesting the violation.
• In New York, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for the ticket, regardless of who was driving at the time of the violation. Points are not added to your driver’s license for red light camera violations in NY.

The state of New York maintains strict regulations regarding red light cameras, which are operational across various cities and counties throughout the state. These cameras are equipped to detect vehicles that fail to stop at red lights. Upon such a violation, the camera automatically captures an image of the vehicle and records a video of the incident, documenting details such as the date, time, vehicle speed, and the duration since the light turned red.

The vehicle’s registered owner then receives a citation via mail through the United States Postal Service (USPS).

What Are the Penalties for a Red Light Ticket in NY?

In New York, getting a red light camera ticket will cost you $50, plus a $4 processing. If you pay with a credit card, there is also a 2% service fee, but if you choose to pay by mail, there’s no extra fee.

You have 30 days to respond to the summons. If you don’t pay the amount listed on the notice of liability within that time, a notice with a $25 penalty will be sent to the vehicle owner. If the summons is still not addressed after another 30 days, a final notice will be issued. If the final notice is ignored, enforcement action may start against the registered owner 14 days later.

However, these tickets don’t add points to your driving record, and your auto insurance company won’t be notified. The vehicle’s registered owner must pay the ticket, even if someone else was driving at the time of the violation.

Drivers who run a red light where a camera was present and operational, will be sent a Notice of Liability within about 30 days. The photos included in the notice of liability will contain the following details:

• The date of the violation.
• The time of the violation.
• The camera’s location.
• The number of seconds since the light turned red.
• The street lane that triggered the camera (counted from right to left).
• The photo sequence:
  • The first photo shows the vehicle crossing or entering the crosswalk while the light is red.
  • The second photo captures the vehicle after it has passed under the traffic signal and through the intersection.
  • The third photo provides a close-up of the vehicle’s license plate.

It’s important for recipients of such tickets to take prompt action. Ignoring or delaying your response can result in escalated fines or potentially more impactful legal ramifications like registration suspension. Addressing these tickets promptly is strongly advised to avoid further penalties.

How Many Red Light Tickets Can You Get in NY?

You can get four red light tickets in NY before the penalty surpasses the standard $50 fine. If you get 5 or more red light camera violations within a 12-month period, you may need to complete a safe driving course. Failure to complete the course may lead to your vehicle being impounded.

Red Light Ticket Facts in New York

Receiving a red light ticket typically happens when a vehicle is photographed by a red light camera while entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. In New York, these cameras are strategically placed to monitor intersections known for high traffic flow or frequent accidents.

The goal is to enforce traffic laws and improve road safety.

• Red light tickets in New York are issued using photographic evidence to document violations.
• The Department of Transportation (DOT) monitors camera images for potential violations and sends liability notices to vehicle owners.
• Each ticket specifies the date, time, and location of the offense.
• Owners, regardless of who drove, are accountable for any tickets.
• Red light camera tickets do not add points to your driving record.
• Cameras activate automatically when sensors detect vehicles crossing the crosswalk after the light turns red.
• If you do not stop, you may receive a liability notice by mail with a photo of your vehicle going through the red light.
• You can see the evidence online by visiting the website listed on the liability notice.
• DOT personnel must provide technician’s certificates confirming the camera’s proper operation on the incident date and verifying your vehicle’s license plate as the one that ran the red light.
• Each red light violation at different locations on the same day is enforceable.

Select jurisdictions, such as

Suffolk County
, can create local ordinances to use red light cameras. “The only program to receive positive reviews from AAA was the

Nassau County program
, which AAA called ‘exceedingly transparent and accessible.’ Nassau County offered tours of its violation reviewing facility, and documented a decrease in all types of crashes and a decrease in revenue that reflected fewer violations.”

What Is a Red Light Camera?

A red light camera is typically installed at busy intersections, mounted alongside traffic lights. These cameras are equipped with sensors that synchronize with the traffic signals. Whenever a vehicle runs a red light, the camera captures both a still photograph and video footage.

Many drivers often fail to fully stop when making right turns at red lights. The camera is designed to also record footage of vehicles that illegally roll through red lights. It’s important to note that the camera does not capture images or videos of drivers who make legal right turns at intersections where such turns are permitted.

The footage obtained from these red light cameras includes a clear image of the vehicle, its rear license plate, and a timestamp indicating the exact time, date, and location of the violation.

Are Red Light Cameras Legal in New York?

Yes, by state law and city ordinance, red light traffic cameras are legal in specific jurisdictions. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, “Speed and Red Light Cameras,” updated January 2024, New York is one of 22 states that permit the use of cameras to enforce traffic laws.

The state legislature, which oversees most of the law enforcement and vehicle regulations in New York City, first approved the use of cameras for monitoring traffic violations in the city back in 1994. Currently, the city’s red-light camera program operates around the clock at 150 intersections.

According to state law, tickets issued from red-light and school-zone cameras are different from those issued by police officers. Since the cameras capture only the vehicle’s license plate, the tickets are issued to the vehicle owner rather than the individual driver.

The legality of red light cameras in New York has been a topic of debate, with proponents arguing for their effectiveness in reducing accidents and opponents citing concerns about privacy and the fairness of enforcement. Here’s an overview of the legal framework:

Red light cameras operate under specific legislative authorization at both state and local levels. Laws dictate where cameras can be placed and how they should operate. Legal challenges have questioned the constitutionality of red light cameras, particularly regarding due process and privacy rights. Courts in New York have generally upheld the use of red light cameras when implemented according to legislative guidelines.

Advocates argue that red light cameras contribute to public safety by deterring dangerous driving behavior. Opponents raise concerns about the potential for abuse and the impact on driver privacy. Navigating the legality of red light cameras in New York requires understanding both the legislative framework and any recent legal precedents that may affect enforcement.

Are Red Light Cameras Effective?

Red light cameras are not in place to solely catch drivers running red lights. Studies
have shown that red light cameras helped NYC reduce serious crashes by double-digit percentages, leading to a decline in fatal vehicle crashes from a modern high of 701 in 1990 to a modern low of 206 in 2018.

New York has been using red light cameras for over two decades to stop drivers from running red lights. Some people believe these cameras infringe on their constitutional rights, but there is solid proof that they help reduce accidents and save lives.

Research from the

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

(IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) found that cameras reduced the fatal red light running crash rate of large cities by 21% and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14%.

Legal Defenses for a Red Light Camera Ticket in NY

Most drivers simply pay the fine when they receive a red light camera ticket, not realizing they can actually challenge it. Red light camera tickets can have legal issues that drivers often overlook. When a driver is accused of running a red light, they have the right to question their accuser.

This is feasible when a police officer issues the ticket, but it’s impossible with a camera. Because of this, drivers who contest their red light camera tickets have a higher chance of getting their cases dismissed.

You can contest the red light violation if you have proof of the following situations:

• You ran the red light due to a health or emergency issue.
• You went through the red light because you were following instructions from law enforcement officers.
• You ran the red light as part of a funeral procession.
• The vehicle or license plate in the photos is not yours.
• Your vehicle or license plate was stolen or transferred before the violation occurred.
• If there are multiple vehicles in the photo, yours might not be the one that triggered the camera.
• You can challenge the accuracy of the camera if you have evidence it malfunctioned at the time. Request the technician’s certification as proof.
• The traffic light was not working properly when the incident happened.

If you are looking to fight a red light camera ticket you received in NY, you’re best served enlisting the help of an experienced traffic attorney near you. They can help you request all available evidence related to your ticket, including photographs and video footage, and check for inaccuracies or inconsistencies that could support your case.

Your lawyer will also explore the pertinent legal defenses such as improper signage, malfunctioning equipment, or emergency situations. And if you were not the driver at the time of the violation, you’ll need to provide documentation to support your claim.

Dealing with a red light ticket in New York requires understanding the rules, legal considerations, and available strategies for contesting the violation. By familiarizing yourself with the process and seeking appropriate guidance, you can effectively navigate the situation and potentially avoid fines or penalties. Remember to act promptly upon receiving a ticket, as timely action can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

But, will this be worth the time & effort to fight a $50 ticket? That’s up to your discretion.

Whether you choose to contest the ticket or opt for alternative resolutions, being informed and proactive is key to protecting your rights and minimizing the impact on your driving record and finances. Stay informed, explore your options, and seek professional advice if needed to make the best decision for your situation.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Disregarding a red light isn’t just against the law; it poses a serious risk to drivers and pedestrians alike. Despite the known dangers, many drivers continue to run red lights, often resulting in tragic outcomes. In 2022, 1,149 people were killed in crashes that involved red light running, according to the most recent data from IIHS/HLDI.

Those affected by such incidents can suffer severe injuries, and if you’ve been harmed due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a right to seek compensation. Typically, this involves pursuing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company to cover your injury-related expenses.

However, securing adequate compensation isn’t always straightforward, underscoring the importance of enlisting the help of a car accident attorney near you to improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Here are the most important ways a motor vehicle accident attorney can help you in such circumstances.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

After an accident where the other driver ran a red light, they might attempt to evade responsibility, leaving you to cope with the aftermath of your injuries. While you’re entitled to compensation under personal injury laws, proving the other driver’s fault is required to receive the compensation you deserve.

A seasoned car accident attorney has the resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation. This includes gathering crash footage, obtaining police reports, collecting witness statements, and even employing experts to analyze vehicle damage. With this evidence in hand, your attorney can advocate for you in negotiations with insurers or present a compelling case in court if needed.

Navigating Legal Requirements

Legal procedures following an accident can be complex, with specific deadlines and statutes of limitations that must be adhered to. For instance, in New York, there’s typically a three-year window to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. Missing this deadline could jeopardize your ability to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

A knowledgeable attorney understands these legal intricacies and ensures all paperwork is filed promptly and correctly. This ensures your rights are protected and maximizes your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Evaluating Your Damages

Beyond immediate medical expenses, recovering from an accident often involves other significant losses, such as emotional distress, loss of companionship, and reduced earning potential. These non-economic damages can be challenging to quantify without professional assistance.

A skilled car accident lawyer or truck accident lawyer in Queens knows how to assess the full extent of your losses comprehensively. This includes estimating future medical costs, projecting lost earnings, and assigning a value to intangible harms like pain and suffering. By accurately valuing your claim, your attorney can aggressively pursue a settlement that reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.

Advocating for You in Legal Proceedings

If negotiations with the insurance company fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, your attorney is prepared to take your case to court. They will represent your interests before a judge and jury, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making persuasive arguments on your behalf.

Partnering with one of our experienced New York City truck accident lawyers and car accident lawyers in NYC ensures that your rights are safeguarded, and your interests are vigorously pursued throughout the legal process. Whether negotiating a settlement or litigating in court, their expertise is invaluable in seeking justice and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

See why clients chose Cohen & Cohen, it’s more than our hard-hitting legal team; it’s about delivering tangible results!