What are red light cameras?
Red Light Cameras (sometimes called red light speed cameras) are an automated road safety and law enforcement tool in NSW.
Red-light speed cameras enforce both red-light and speeding offences. As well as detecting vehicles that fail to stop at a red light, they can detect those exceeding the speed limit. The cameras detect vehicle speed at all times, no matter whether the traffic light is red, green or amber.
How do red light camera systems work?
Red light cameras are connected to traffic lights and are activated when a vehicle crosses the white stop line after the lights have turned red. The camera takes photos of the rear of the vehicle and number plate when it travels over the stop line or enters the intersection after the lights have turned red. The red light camera is not triggered by vehicles crossing the stop line on amber or green lights.
Red light speed cameras operate automatically. They constantly detect and record the speed of passing vehicles by using vehicle tracking radar or electronic detectors in the road’s surface. If a vehicle is detected exceeding the speed limit, the cameras are automatically activated to take a photograph of the speeding vehicle, regardless of the colour of the traffic light.
What happens if I am caught by a red light camera in NSW?
If caught by a red light camera, you will receive an infringement notice (ticket) in the mail. This is sent by Revenue NSW (formerly the State Debt Recovery Office, a division of the Office of State Revenue). You will receive an automatic payment confirmation or reminder by email or mobile phone, if Revenue NSW has these details.
What if I wasn’t driving at the time of the offence?
If you were not driving the vehicle at the time of the offence, you should provide the name and details of the driver to Revenue NSW.
Simply complete the statutory declaration form provided with the penalty notice and forward it to Revenue NSW.
How can I appeal a red light camera fine?
If you think the red light camera fine was issued erroneously, you can view the photograph of the offence online at the Revenue NSW website free of charge.
If you still think the fine has been wrongly issued, our traffic offence lawyers can help you. We can assist you in requesting a review of the fine and/or explaining the circumstances of the alleged offence to Revenue NSW.
If Revenue NSW reviews the fine and decides that the penalty has been properly issued, we can assist you in taking the matter to court.
What are the red light traffic fines in NSW?
If you receive a ticket for the offence of “Proceed through red traffic light (camera detected)” in NSW, you may face the following penalties:
| Red Light Camera Fines NSW | |
|---|---|
| Maximum fine | $464 |
| Demerit Points | 3 (Double demerits apply for speeding offences during long weekends and holiday periods.) |
You can find the locations of red light and speed cameras by visiting the RMS website.
Red light camera fine NSW experts
It’s important to obtain legal advice as soon as possible if you are facing a red light camera offence. Time limits apply to pay the fine or lodge a dispute. Our traffic law experts can advise you on possible defences and whether you may be able to seek leniency.
