As new drivers, one of the first things we learn about is responsibility. We get taught to pay attention to the road, our surroundings, and of course, traffic lights.
During your time on the road, you've likely come across a handful of red light cameras. These devices take photos of speeding motorists that run red lights. Red light cameras can be found in busy intersections all across Canada, including Ontario.
If you've recently received an Ontario red light camera ticket, then you may have some questions. Thankfully, we're happy to answer any and all of them.
Continue reading to learn more about how red light camera tickets work and how much you'll have to pay if you receive one in Ontario.
What is a red light camera?
In short, red light cameras are discrete devices found amongst busy intersections throughout the country. These cameras document drivers that pass over the line while the traffic light is red.
Red light cameras aim to deter motorists from driving recklessly while keeping both public and private property safe.
Should you happen to cross the stop line or run a red light, the camera will swiftly snap a photo of your license plate. The image gets sent off to the proper authorities who assess the severity of the event.
If they deem you have broken the rules of the road, then the vehicle owner will receive a fine within a month of the event. On the other hand, if the authorities don't feel that any laws have been broken, the vehicle owner will not be issued a ticket.
History of red light cameras in Ontario
Red light cameras have been in Ontario for longer than you'd expect.
The first red light camera was installed in Israel in the late-1960s. Later, the Ontario government officially adopted the technology in 2004 with the introduction of Bill 102, Red Light Cameras Pilot Projects Act, 1998.
Since the passing of this bill, red light cameras have been installed in high-traffic hot spots throughout the province, making them an invaluable tool for monitoring busy intersections and keeping drivers safe.
Common locations for red light cameras in Ontario
Currently, there are more than 300 red light cameras scattered across the province of Ontario. However, it's also worth noting that these cameras haven't been distributed equally.
You can find the lion's share of Ontario's red light cameras in highly populated pockets of the GTA, some examples being:
- Toronto
- Brampton
- Mississauga
Drivers should be aware that over half of the current red light cameras can be found within the city of Toronto.
However, you can also find red light cameras in other large cities and regions across the province, including the following locations:
- Ottawa
- Kitchener
- Hamilton
- London
- Sudbury
- Peel Region
- Waterloo Region
If you live or spend time in any of the cities or regions listed above, expect to come across a handful of red light cameras on your routine drives to work.
On the other hand, if you live in a small town or rural community, you're much less likely to run into a red light camera.
How much is a red light ticket in Ontario?
Getting a red light camera ticket is quite different from getting a traditional ticket.
For starters, the vehicle owner gets charged a fine, not the person driving the vehicle. This may seem confusing; however, it's due to the fact that it's nearly impossible to identify the driver of the vehicle correctly.
As for the price of the fine, drivers can expect to pay a hefty $325 for running a red light, which is noticeably higher than the price of an average speeding ticket in Ontario (for example, Ontario drivers generally receive a $52.50 fine for going 15 km over the speed limit).
After paying your fine, your payment gets split between the province and the municipality where the event took place.
With all of this in mind, you can see why it's best to think twice before running a red light. Not only is it dangerous, but it can be expensive as well.
How does a red light camera ticket affect your insurance rates?
Unlike a traditional speeding ticket, which is generally considered a major driving conviction, a red light camera ticket is regarded as a moving violation. Because of this classification, a red light camera ticket won't get added to your driving record. In turn, it's improbable that receiving one of these tickets will affect your insurance rates.
If you want to be sure that you're in the clear, feel free to reach out to your insurance agent. Your insurance agent can walk you through your policy and help you understand the minute details of auto insurance.
Additionally, due to the classification, drivers will not earn demerit points for receiving a red light camera ticket.
How have red light cameras influenced drivers in Ontario?
Red light cameras have had a very positive influence on drivers in Ontario and the way they view their surroundings.
Past studies have shown that up to 40% of fatalities at intersections were related to drivers running a red light. Thankfully, since the introduction of red light cameras in the mid-2000s, studies now show a 40% decrease in both collisions and injuries in high-traffic areas.
Whatsmore, the total number of angle collisions resulting in the following incidents have dropped upwards of 60%:
- Death
- Major injury
- Public property damage
- Private property damage
Thanks to the red light camera ticket Ontario is a safer place for both drivers and pedestrians alike.
Red light cameras are here to help protect drivers in Ontario
Driving has become a necessary part of life for several Canadians. We drive to work, school, and the grocery store; practically everywhere we need to go for our day-to-day tasks.
However, while on the road, we should never forget to utilize every tool at our disposal, including red light cameras. Remember that red light cameras are there to protect you and hopefully make you rethink how you view the streets you drive on every day.
