How Much Is A Red Light Camera Ticket In Ontario?

One of the first things we learn as new drivers is responsible. We are trained to be aware of our surroundings, the road, and, of course, traffic signals.

You’ve probably passed through a few red light cameras on your way to work. These cameras capture images of fast drivers who run red signals. In major crossroads across Canada, including Ontario, red-light cameras may be found.

A red light camera ticket might be costly, but it isn’t as costly as an accident. To stop cars from running red lights and potentially causing accidents, red-light cameras were used. They are placed at the busiest and most hazardous intersections in order to reduce the number of car accidents. On this website, you can strengthen your driving knowledge with our free Ontario G1 practice test to avoid any mistakes on the road.

In this article, we’ll talk about red light camera tickets in Ontario, including fines, expenses, prevention, insurance implications, and frequently asked questions.

What is a red light camera?

Red light cameras are used to prevent drivers from speeding through red lights. They’re put in intersections with a lot of traffic or a lot of accidents.

The camera will capture the photo of a car and its license plate if it reaches the intersection after the light has turned red (crossing the stop line). An officer will examine the photos to ensure you did run a red light. The Ministry of Transportation will issue and mail a ticket to the vehicle’s registered owner.

You will not be issued a ticket if your vehicle reaches the intersection when the light is yellow or if you were already in the intersection when the light turns red (for example, waiting to turn left).

It’s crucial to remember that the program aims to deter and improve driving behavior, which is why there are signs at every intersection informing vehicles that a camera is present.

Locations of red light cameras in Ontario

There are currently over 300 red light cameras strewn across the province of Ontario. It’s worth mentioning, though, that these cameras haven’t all been distributed equally.

The majority of Ontario’s red-light cameras are located in heavily populated regions of the GTA, such as:

• Toronto
• Brampton
• Mississauga

Drivers should be aware that Toronto is home to more than half of the country’s red-light cameras.

However, red-light cameras may also be found in other major cities and regions around the province, including the following:

• Ottawa
• Kitchener
• Hamilton
• London
• Sudbury
• Peel Region
• Waterloo Region

Expect to see a handful of red light cameras on your daily route if you reside or visit any of the cities or regions mentioned above. If you live in a small town or rural area, though, you’re considerably less likely to get stopped by a red light camera.

How much is a red light camera ticket in Ontario?

The government of Ontario has announced legislation that authorizes municipalities to install red light cameras that capture cars that fail to stop at a red light to keep our roadways safe. The first red light cameras were installed in Ontario as part of Bill 102, the Red Light Cameras Pilot Projects Act, which was passed by the provincial government in 1998. In 2004, the government approved laws allowing the deployment of red light cameras throughout the province. 

To deter cars from running red lights and potentially causing accidents, red light cameras were used. To limit the number of car accidents, they are frequently put at the busiest and most hazardous intersections. The captured photos are used to issue you a ticket for driving recklessly. 

Getting a red light camera ticket is not the same as getting a standard ticket. To begin with, the fee is levied against the car owner, not the driver. This may appear confusing; nonetheless, it is because correctly identifying the vehicle’s driver is practically difficult.

Drivers should expect to face a hefty $325 fine for running a red light, which is far greater than the usual speeding ticket in Ontario (for example, drivers in Ontario typically receive a $52.50 fine for exceeding the speed limit by 15 km).

Your payment is split between the province and the municipality where the event occurred after you pay your fine.

With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see why it’s better not to run a red light. It is not only risky, but it may also be costly.

Ontario red light ticket: payment options

When you get your red light ticket in the mail, there will be instructions on how to pay for the ticket on the package. You’ll be able to pay your traffic ticket online in most situations, but you’ll also have the option of paying it in person or by mail.

How to fight a red light camera ticket in Ontario?

Can you fight a red light camera ticket in Ontario?

The answer is yes. 

Many people are interested in learning how to contest a red light camera ticket. You have the right to challenge a red light camera ticket just like any other ticket. However, it’s quite unlikely that you’ll be able to get your traffic ticket thrown out. Most drivers may be able to lower their fines to some amount, although outcomes vary from instance to case.

A red light camera ticket can be disputed, but given the time and work required, it may not be worth it.

Does red light camera tickets affect insurance in Ontario?

Red light camera tickets and insurance are a source of concern for many drivers. They’re worried about the impact of a red light camera ticket on their car insurance. 

Fortunately, if you obtain a red light camera ticket, your insurance will not be affected. It will not appear on your driving record, and you will not receive any demerit points. It also eliminates the need to fight a red light camera ticket because it does not influence insurance.

Feel free to contact your insurance agent if you want to be sure you’re covered. Your insurance agent may go through your coverage with you and explain the finer details of vehicle insurance.

Read more >> How much is car insurance in Ontario?

Check Your Red Light Ticket’s Status Online

It’s simple and quick to check the status of your ticket online. On the Ontario.ca website, you may check the status of your red light camera ticket.

You may also seek up your red light camera ticket online using the Provincial Offenses Act online services site. The location code and offense number displayed on your ticket are required. Follow the instructions on the website.

What impact have red light cameras had on drivers in Ontario?

Red light cameras have had a significant beneficial impact on Ontario drivers’ perceptions of their surroundings.

According to past studies, drivers who ran a red light were responsible for up to 40% of deaths at intersections. Thankfully, studies show a 40% reduction in both crashes and injuries in high-traffic areas since the introduction of red light cameras in the mid-2000s.

Furthermore, the number of angle collisions resulting in the following events has decreased by more than 60%:

• Death
• Major injury
• Public property damage
• Private property damage.

Ontario is a safer place for both cars and pedestrians thanks to the red light camera ticket.

How to avoid receiving a red light camera ticket?

Nobody likes to get a ticket for something they don’t need, especially a costly red light ticket. Even if it doesn’t affect your driving record or result in demerit points, you should know how to avoid getting a ticket from red light cameras:

• To find out where red light cameras are, use an app like WAZE
• As you approach intersections, keep an eye out for red light camera signs
• When approaching intersections, reduce your speed
• When the light turns yellow, stay away from the intersection
• One clear example: if the light has already gone red, come to a halt
• Allowing people you trust to drive your car.

FAQs – Red light camera tickets in Ontario

What are the penalties for failing to pay a red light ticket?

The ticket must be paid by the owner of the vehicle that was liable for the issued red light ticket. Though you refuse to pay the fee, your license plate renewal or get a customized license plate permission may be denied, even if it does not show on your driving record. You must pay the red light penalty to renew your driver’s license.

What happens if your red light ticket is lost?

Don’t worry if you lose your traffic ticket. You may still go to your local courthouse. They can use your driver’s license to seek up any outstanding tickets on your record. You will also have the opportunity to pay the fine at this time.

How can I know if I were photographed by a red light camera?

If you were photographed by a red light camera, you will get a ticket in the mail in approximately a month. Also, if you see a flash as you travel through an intersection, you’ve probably been caught running a red light.

What will the cost of my insurance be if I get a red light camera ticket?

There will be no increase in your insurance rates. Red-light camera tickets have no bearing on your driving record or vehicle insurance prices.

How long will a red light camera ticket take to arrive?

Your red light camera ticket might arrive in the mail in as little as two weeks or as long as eight weeks. The majority of offenders receive their tickets in four weeks or less.

What happens if you disregard a red-light camera ticket?

You may have trouble renewing your driver’s license, registering a vehicle, or renewing your present car registration if you disregard a red light camera ticket.

Is it possible to contest a red light camera ticket?

It’s possible. You must request a trial and give the judge sufficient evidence as to why your ticket should be dismissed. It’s unusual to win a traffic ticket for running a red light.

Is it possible to get a red light camera ticket reduced?

Yes. It may be possible to lower your fine to less than $325. You’ll have to enter a guilty plea with an explanation. You will be asking the court to examine the circumstances and situation surrounding the offense if you choose this option. Your fine may be decreased if you have a compelling justification.

Is the red light camera ticket legal?

Yes. In Ontario, all red-light cameras are legal.

Final thought

For many Canadians, driving has become an unavoidable aspect of life. We drive to work, school, and the grocery store, as well as almost anywhere else we need to go in our daily lives. 

However, we should never forget to use every tool at our disposal, including red light cameras, while on the road. Remember that in urban areas, red-light cameras play an important role to reduce traffic accidents. They have succeeded in making our streets safer, whether as a deterrent or as a penalty for breaching the law. Red light cameras are in there to protect you and remind you to view the streets you drive on every day carefully to avoid receiving a red light camera ticket.