Red light cameras punish those who break the law when no one’s around to catch them. You might have heard of speeding tickets and careless driving tickets. However, red light camera tickets might seem foreign if you haven’t seen one before. That’s why we’re here to explain how they work and how big of a fine the tickets come with. Here’s everything you need to know.
What are red light cameras?
Red light cameras are fairly self-explanatory because their name says it all. Essentially, they are placed above traffic lights in cities across the country to catch drivers who run red lights.
Driving through a red light is a form of aggressive driving and can increase your odds of getting into an accident. Intersections are already commonplace for accidents, which is why you might have noticed more recently installed red light cameras in your city. Drivers should always be cautious when approaching an intersection, even if a traffic signal indicating red is in front of other drivers. For more safe driving tips, contact BrokerLink.
How are red light cameras triggered?
When a red light camera program is in place, you might wonder how they issue tickets. Since running red lights violates traffic laws, the registered licence plate holder will be issued a ticket. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here — how does this happen if there’s no one there to observe driver behaviour? It’s time to find out.
When a car passes the stop line after the traffic signal turns red, the camera is triggered. In turn, the red light camera takes a photo of the vehicle’s rear licence plate. Red light camera tickets are only issued when a car enters the intersection after the light turns red. Those who enter on a yellow won’t be penalized.
If you run a red light and the camera catches you, the registered owner of the vehicle will be sent a ticket in the mail. For example, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) in Ontario will send the ticket to the registered licence plate holder. This is found by searching the licence plate number in their system.
Do red light camera tickets give demerit points?
Red light camera tickets work similarly to speed camera tickets because they do not put demerit points on your driving record. However, you will be subject to a $325 fine. This is due to the red light camera ticket being issued to the vehicle rather than the driver. Demerit points cannot be issued because the camera cannot confirm who was driving the car at the time of the infraction.
Will a red light camera ticket affect car insurance rates?
Luckily, getting a red light camera ticket will not affect your insurance, and speed camera tickets don’t either. This is because the red light camera does not confirm who was driving the vehicle at the time of the infraction.
Red light cameras issue tickets, but do not end up on your driving record. As a result, your insurance company cannot increase your premium because there’s no way to know you received a red-light ticket. In other words, all you have to do is pay the fine while your rates remain the same.
However, accidents affect car insurance rates. Because of this, if you run a red light and cause a common car accident, your premium will increase. This is due to the fact that if you are found to be at fault after running a red light in an intersection, it will go on your driving record. It will stay there for up to six years and keep car insurance rates high for that amount of time.
Unless you have accident forgiveness coverage and got into your first at-fault accident, you can’t avoid increased premiums. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, you have to report the car accident in Ontario. However, if you let your insurance provider know what happened, accident benefits coverage can also help.
Reach out to BrokerLink today
A BrokerLink advisor can help you understand red light camera tickets if you still have questions. This includes what they are, how they are issued, and the possible demerit points and effects on your Toronto car insurance rates. We can also help you learn about the benefits of winter tires, low-mileage car insurance and bundling insurance policies.
A BrokerLink broker can also provide a free insurance quote whether you need one or multiple auto insurance policies. Call, use our online quote tool or visit one of our local branches today.
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Red light camera ticket FAQs
What does “running a red” mean?
Running a red light is driving through an intersection after the light has turned red. Cars can only drive through intersections when the light is green. It’s not illegal to drive through when there’s a yellow light, either, but it doesn’t come with a ticket like running a red light does.
Can I enter an intersection on a yellow light?
Safely slowing down and coming to a complete stop is recommended when you see a yellow light. However, you can pass through when the light is yellow without getting a ticket if you can’t safely stop beforehand. However, if the light is red, you will get a ticket.
Do red light cameras take photos of every car that enters the intersection?
No, red light cameras only go off when a car enters the intersection when the light is red. They do not take photos of every car that drives through an intersection.
Who looks at the photos captured by red light cameras?
Law enforcement officers review photos taken by intersections participating in the red light camera program. Using the licence plate number captured in the photo, they look up the registered vehicle owner's name and address and issue a ticket.
How can you check the status of a red light camera ticket online in Ontario?
You can check the status of a red light camera ticket in Ontario by visiting the Ontario.ca website or the Provincial Offenses Act website by entering the ticket number in the services portal. Enter the location code and offence number to check the status of your ticket online. You can pay for it online using the instructions you receive in the mail.
What penalty will I receive if I don’t pay my red light camera ticket in Ontario?
If you don’t pay for your red light ticket, you won’t be able to renew your licence plate or driver’s licence, making it illegal to drive. You have to pay the fine when it’s issued or when your driver’s licence or licence plate has to be renewed.
What happens if I lose my red light camera ticket?
If you lose the red light camera ticket sent to you in the mail, you can visit a courthouse near you or the Ontario.ca website. From there, you can search for outstanding tickets using your driver’s licence number.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
