Frequently Asked Questions
What is a red-light camera violation?
A violation is when a vehicle enters the intersection after the signal has turned red.
How do red-light cameras work?
The red-light camera takes two photographs. The first photo is taken when a vehicle is behind the stop bar and about to enter the intersection when the traffic signal is red. The second photo is taken when the vehicle is within the intersection and the traffic signal is red. To capture the license plate, both photos show the rear of the vehicle only.
What if I am making a left turn and the light turns red when my vehicle is still in the intersection?
A photograph will not be taken when a vehicle enters the intersection on a green or yellow light.
Can the cameras also record violations at night?
Yes, the red-light camera can photograph licence plates at night.
I did not have time to stop. How long is the yellow light?
The length of a yellow light varies depending on the location.
Do the cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection?
No, the camera only takes a photograph when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light turns red.
Does someone review the photographs before motorists are ticketed?
The red-light camera equipment takes pictures of the back of the vehicle and records the license plate information. That information is sent to a processing centre in Toronto where they review the ticket to determine if an infraction has occurred. With the license plate information they are able to identify who the owner of the vehicle is.
Who receives the ticket for a red-light camera violation?
Red light camera tickets are similar to parking tickets and they are issued to the registered licence plate holder; these tickets are not attached to a driver's licence.
How long until I receive my ticket in the mail?
Provincial regulations state that the ticket must be sent within 23 days of the offence. The letter is expected to arrive within seven days, so the ticket should be received a maximum of 30 days or less after the offence.
Why did I get a ticket when I was only turning on a red light?
In accordance with the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, if the vehicle comes to a stop before the stop bar prior to turning, the motorist will not be ticketed for turning right on red.
I went through an intersection and saw a light flash so I think I got a red light camera ticket, what should I do?
You need to wait to receive notification in the mail to see if you did commit an infraction. You will receive a notice in approximately 30 days from the date of the incident; then you can exercise one of the options as explained on the ticket.
How do red-light cameras increase safety if they can’t prevent a collision from happening?
Public awareness of red-light cameras reduces aggressive driving behaviour and decreases red light running. The cameras are a deterrent such that the threat of a ticket can change motorist behaviour. Studies have shown that red-light violation rates can decrease by almost 50 per cent within a few months of camera installation and that right-angle collisions can be reduced by more than 25 per cent. The benefits of improved driving behaviour can even spread to intersections without red-light cameras, a phenomenon called the halo-effect.
Do red-light cameras violate privacy?
No. By obtaining a license, motorists agree to abide by rules governed by the Highway Traffic Act. Motorists themselves are not to be observed or documented. Red-light cameras photograph a vehicle's rear license plate only-not its driver or occupants. The City consulted the Province's Information and Privacy Commissioner to ensure the cameras do not violate driver privacy.
What about cyclists who run red lights?
The red-light cameras are not used to detect and photograph cyclists who run a red light. Although cyclists are subject to the same traffic signal regulations as motorists, there is no current registration system that could verify a cyclists' identity in a photograph.
What other jurisdictions/countries use red-light cameras?
Red-light cameras have been used throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
How much is the fine?
The fine is $325. Failure to pay will result in plate denial and/or collections.
Where can I pay my ticket?
You can pay a red-light camera fine online, in person at the Provincial Offences Office or by calling 705-674-4455 extension 2299.
Are there demerit points for a red light camera ticket?
There are no demerit points for red light camera charges. A red light camera ticket is similar to a parking ticket in that it goes against your licence plate and not against your driver abstract.