How Much Is a Red Light Ticket in NYC?

Receiving a red-light ticket in New York City can be confusing and costly. The city relies on automated traffic cameras and police-issued citations to catch red light violators, but the cost and consequences vary. 

Here is what you need to know about red-light violations in NYC, along with the steps to take next.

Why Do Drivers Run Red Lights in NYC?

There are many reasons why a driver might enter an intersection on a red light. Understanding the typical causes helps explain why enforcement is strict. Some reasons include:

• Misjudging how long a yellow light will last or when it turns red
• Being distracted behind the wheel
• Following too closely behind another vehicle
• Reduced visibility due to weather, glare, or obstructions
• Fatigue, stress, or rushing through the intersection

Running a red light poses significant danger, regardless of the cause, which is why the city enforces such violations.

Types of Red Light Tickets in NYC

New York drivers must obey the traffic signals as outlined in the Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1111 and related statutes. In New York City, violations fall into two categories:

• Red-light camera notices: Automated traffic-signal cameras record a vehicle entering the intersection after the signal turns red.
• Police-issued citations: An officer witnesses the vehicle fail to stop at a red light and issues a moving violation ticket.

It is essential to determine which category applies to your case, as the outcomes differ significantly.

Red-Light Camera Tickets (Civil Violations)

NYC operates one of the largest automated red-light camera programs in the country. According to the NYC Department of Finance, here’s how it works:

• Once the traffic light turns red, the camera system is automatically activated.
• If your vehicle enters the intersection after the red light, the system takes photos and a time-stamped video.
• A “Notice of Liability” is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
• The notice includes instructions for viewing the photos and video online.

Camera tickets come with a flat $50 fine. The vehicle owner is responsible for paying the notice, even if they were not driving. A $25 penalty is added if you do not respond within 30 days.

Fortunately, there are no points on your license, and insurance companies cannot use these violations to raise your premiums.

Police-Issued Red-Light Tickets (Moving Violations)

You may receive a moving violation summons if a New York Police Department officer personally observes your vehicle running a red light. These are processed through the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) and carry steeper consequences. 

A police-issued red-light ticket typically includes:

• A fine of about $190 to $235 after surcharges
• Three (3) points added to your New York driver’s license
• Possible insurance increases that last for years

These violations can also contribute to accumulating enough points to trigger New York’s Driver Responsibility Assessment, which adds another layer of cost if you reach over 6 points in 18 months. This is the kind of ticket most drivers should try to avoid.

Hidden Costs Most Drivers Do Not Realize

Many drivers look at the fine and think that is the end of it. With officer-issued violations, the long-term costs can be much higher, and could include:

• Insurance increases for three years or more
• Driver Responsibility Assessment charges if you build too many points
• License suspension for accumulating excessive points
• Collection penalties if you ignore a camera notice

A police-issued red-light ticket can easily cost hundreds more than the initial fine. These consequences often appear slowly, which is why many drivers do not immediately connect rising premiums or assessment fees back to a single ticket. 

Staying Compliant in New York City

Red-light tickets in New York City vary dramatically in cost and consequences. A camera ticket is a $50 civil fine, while an officer-issued summons carries higher fines, points on your license, and potential insurance hikes. Understanding the difference can help you make informed decisions and avoid long-term penalties. 

If you have received a red light ticket and are not sure what steps to take, consulting an experienced Utica criminal defense attorney with Passalacqua & Associates, LLC can help you protect your record and limit the impact. Schedule a free case review, call us today at (315) 500-6425.

Passalacqua & Associates, LLC
7 Hopper St, Utica, NY 13501
Open 24/7
(315) 500-6425

Passalacqua & Associates, LLC Syracuse
499 S Warren St #220, Syracuse, NY 13202
Open 24/7
(315) 500-6425

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