Running a red light Camera is an offence attracting 3 demerit points and a $481 fine within the state of NSW.
Failing to stop for a red light in NSW is an offence covered under Regulation 56 of the Road Rules 2014. These types of offences are often enforced by red-light cameras on the side of the road, which can often detect vehicles exceeding the speed limit at the same time. There are 223 red-light cameras at intersections across NSW.
It is important to remember that these speed cameras are constantly working regardless of if the lights are green, amber or red.
Breakdown of Red Light Camera Fines in NSW:
| Maximum Fine* | Demerit Points | |
| Not stop at Stop Line (stop line/before lights) at Red light | $514* | 3 |
| Not stop at Stop Line (stop line/before lights) at Red light in a school zone | $644* | 4 |
| Not stop at Stop Line (stop line/before lights) at Red arrow | $514* | 3 |
| Not stop at Stop Line (stop line/before lights) at Red arrow in a school zone | $644* | 4 |
| Not stop at Stop Line (stop line/before lights) at yellow (amber) light | $514* | 3 |
| Not stop at Stop Line (stop line/before lights) at yellow light in a school zone | $644* | 4 |
| Not stop at Stop Line (stop line/before lights) at yellow (amber) arrow light | $514* | 3 |
| Not stop at Stop Line (stop line/before lights) at yellow light in a school zone | $644* | 4 |
* If you court elect any fine to court, them maximum penalty for this offence can be increased to a maximum of $2,200.
Purpose of the Red Light Cameras?
Similar to speed cameras, the overall goal is to reduce road trauma. The 2020 Speed Camera Review shows that cameras continue to deliver positive road safety benefits.
Overall, there has been a reduction in road trauma at red-light speed camera locations since the cameras were installed, compared with the five-year period before installation.
Specifically, at red-light speed camera locations there has been a:
- 35 per cent reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes
- 77 per cent reduction in fatalities
- 36 per cent reduction in serious injuries
- 59 per cent reduction in pedestrian casualties.
The reduction in fatalities and serious injuries represents a saving of $150 million to the community.
Of the 189 red-light speed camera intersections, 44 locations have not yet been installed for five years. Recommendations are not provided for these 44 locations.
For the remaining 145 locations:
- 110 locations were found to offer continued safety benefits
- 34 locations were identified for ongoing monitoring in future years
- 1 location was ineligible for review.
No additional red-light speed camera locations were identified for further review.
What does the camera record?
If a vehicle is detected speeding or running a red light, a digital image of the vehicle is recorded, which includes the registration plate of the vehicle. Red-light speed cameras have the capacity to measure speed in both directions of travel.
Digital images also include information about:
- Date and time of the offence
- Location details of the camera
- Direction of travel of the offending vehicle
- Speed of the offending vehicle
- Speed limit applying to the road on which the camera is located
- The lane in which the vehicle was travelling.
What if I wasn’t the driver 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 by completing the statutory declaration form provided with the penalty notice and forward it to Revenue NSW for processing.
Images of offences taken by red-light speed cameras can be viewed online at the Revenue NSW website free of charge.
Please understand that making a false declaration as to who is driving is a serious criminal offence.
How do we know red-light speed cameras are accurate?
Digital speed camera systems chosen for NSW have undergone a comprehensive evaluation and testing procedure to ensure their accuracy and reliability. This includes both the digital camera recording device and the associated speed measuring device. Experts, authorised by Roads and Maritime, inspect each camera system and verify its accuracy and proper function before it becomes operational, and afterwards at regular intervals. The camera recording device is inspected every 30 days and the speed measuring device is inspected at least every 12 months, in line with current legal requirements. An inspection is also conducted after any maintenance or repair of either of these devices.
Does the whole vehicle or just part of it need to travel beyond the white stop line after the red light appears to trigger the camera?
The rear wheels need to be past the line before the red light comes on to avoid triggering the camera. The camera is not triggered by vehicles crossing the stop line on yellow (amber) or green lights.
Requests for Leniency for Red Light Offences
A driver can appeal any traffic infringement notice, asking Revenue NSW to take into account your personal circumstances.
Alternatively you may choose to have the matter heard before a court, this is not without risk and you should obtain advice from an expert in traffic lawyer because you take this course, as you may find yourself in a worse situation than before.