Red Light Cameras by State 2026

States Where Red Light Cameras Are Legal Statewide

Red light cameras are fully authorized for use across entire states in a number of jurisdictions. In these states, local governments are generally permitted to install and operate cameras without being limited to specific pilot zones or narrowly defined areas.

States in this category include Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington. While statewide authorization allows broader deployment, enforcement details such as fines, procedures, and administrative handling can still vary by locality.

States Where Red Light Cameras Are Legal in Specific Areas

In some states, red light cameras are allowed but limited to specific jurisdictions, such as certain cities, counties, school zones, or state-approved locations. These laws give local governments the authority to use cameras, but only within defined boundaries.

States in this category include Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. In these states, whether red light cameras are in use depends on local adoption, meaning drivers may encounter them in some areas but not others.

States with No State Law on Red Light Cameras

Some states do not have a clear statewide law authorizing or prohibiting red light cameras. In these cases, the legal status is undefined at the state level and may depend on how broader traffic or enforcement laws are interpreted.

States in this category include Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Without explicit statewide guidance, the use of red light cameras is generally limited or absent, though future legislation could change their status.

States Where Red Light Cameras Are Illegal

In some states, red light cameras are explicitly prohibited under state law. These bans prevent the use of automated enforcement systems for issuing citations at intersections.

States in this category include Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia. In these states, traffic enforcement relies on traditional methods rather than automated camera systems.

Red Light Camera Ticket Penalties and Insurance Impact

Penalties for red light camera violations vary widely by state, but most are treated as civil infractions rather than criminal offenses. In many states, fines typically range from about $40 to $150, and violations are often not recorded on a driver’s official record or used by insurance companies.

There are notable exceptions. In states like Arizona and California, violations can carry points on a driver’s record and may affect insurance rates. Nevada stands out for treating violations more seriously, with potential misdemeanor charges, higher fines, and possible insurance consequences. Overall, while many jurisdictions treat red light camera tickets similarly to parking violations, the impact can vary significantly depending on state law.