Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | June 11, 2025 | Car Accidents
Running a red light in New York can lead to more than just a fine. It can affect your driving record and cost you time and stress, not to mention the possibility of causing a car accident.
With red light cameras installed at many intersections, thousands of drivers get ticketed each year. However, there are legal rules and surprising loopholes that could make a difference in your case.
This blog post breaks down how New York’s red light camera system works, where tickets come from, and what options you might have to challenge one.
How Red Light Cameras Work in New York
Red light cameras are automatic systems used to catch drivers who enter an intersection after the traffic light turns red. The cameras are set up to monitor busy intersections throughout New York City and in certain other locations across the state.
Here’s what typically happens when a violation occurs:
- A sensor detects when a car crosses the stop line after the light turns red
- The camera captures two images and a short video of the incident
- The system reads the license plate and sends a Notice of Liability to the registered owner
This type of ticket is considered a civil violation. You will not receive points on your license, and it will not affect your insurance rate. However, you are still responsible for paying the fine unless you successfully contest it.
What Happens After You Get a Red Light Camera Ticket
If you receive a red light camera ticket, you will be mailed a Notice of Liability that includes:
- The time, date, and location of the violation
- Photos and a short video clip of the incident
- Instructions on how to pay or contest the fine
You usually have 30 days to respond. If you do not act, late penalties may be added, and the matter can be sent to collections. Addressing the ticket before the deadline is important to avoid these consequences.
Can You Dispute a Red Light Camera Ticket?
Yes, you can challenge a red light camera ticket in New York. Although many drivers think these tickets are impossible to beat, there are valid defenses that could apply depending on the situation.
Some common defenses include:
- The light was still yellow when you entered the intersection
- Someone else was driving your car at the time of the violation
- The photo or video evidence is blurry or unclear
- You were yielding to an emergency vehicle or avoiding a hazard
If one of these defenses applies, you may be able to request a hearing and present your evidence. Hearings can be scheduled online, by mail, or in person. If your case is strong, the judge may dismiss the ticket.
Little-Known Loopholes in New York’s Red Light Ticket System
While most drivers end up paying the $50 fine, the system has a few quirks that might work in your favor.
These loopholes won’t apply to everyone, but they are worth knowing about:
- Commercial or rental vehicles sometimes have tickets dismissed in bulk
- Out-of-state license plates may fall through the enforcement cracks
- Camera calibration errors have led to dismissed violations in the past
- Tickets mailed to outdated addresses might not be enforceable
Each of these situations depends heavily on the facts of the case. That’s why reviewing the notice carefully and checking the accuracy of the details can be an important step before paying the fine.
Are Red Light Camera Tickets Legal?
Red light camera tickets are legal in New York as long as the local jurisdiction has state approval to use them. New York City, for example, operates its camera program under specific legislative authority. Other counties may be required to seek permission from the state before implementing similar systems.
Legal challenges in other states have led to programs being scaled back or shut down. However, as of 2025, New York’s red light enforcement remains active and legal, as does the practice in many areas throughout the country. Public debate continues, and future changes to the law are always possible.
Red Light Camera Tickets vs. Officer-Issued Tickets
Not all red light violations are the same. There is an important difference between a red light ticket issued by a camera and one issued by a police officer.
Here are the main differences:
- Camera tickets are civil penalties with no points or insurance impact
- Officer-issued tickets are traffic violations that go on your record
- Fines are higher for officer-issued violations and can come with additional penalties
If you are pulled over by an officer, the consequences may be more serious. These tickets are harder to fight and often require a stronger legal defense.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Red Light Camera Ticket?
For most people, hiring a lawyer for a red light camera ticket is not necessary. These tickets come with lower penalties, and there is no risk to your driving record. That said, there are a few situations where legal help may be useful, such as:
- You are a commercial driver with repeated violations
- Your vehicle was used without your consent, and you need help proving it
- The notice was sent to the wrong address and now includes late fees
In these cases, a lawyer may be able to help you prepare a defense or navigate the appeals process more effectively.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in New York City at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers For More Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City car accident lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
