Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras detect and capture images of vehicles entering an intersection when the traffic signal is red. The Red Light Camera program is an important part of Niagara Region's Vision Zero Road Safety Initiative.

Red light cameras have proven to be an effective tool to improve road safety. They help reduce severe collision types such as angle and head-on collisions at signalized intersections.

How red light cameras work

A red light camera unit captures images of vehicles that fail to stop at a red light. The unit takes the first photo when a vehicle is behind the stop bar and about to enter the intersection when the traffic signal is red. The unit takes a second photo when the vehicle is within the intersection while the traffic signal is red. To capture the licence plate, both photos show the rear of the vehicle only.

A Provincial Offences officer reviews these images to determine if a ticket should be issued. Tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle, even if they were not the one driving at the time.

Making a right turn at a red light
The Highway Traffic Act mandates that vehicles come to a complete stop at an intersection before making a right turn. Failure to stop is breaking the law / committing a chargeable offence. The red light camera will detect and take pictures of a vehicle turning right without stopping on red.

A vehicle must stop behind the stop bar to avoid getting a ticket. Vehicles that stop beyond the stop bar may be at risk of getting a ticket.
Making a left turn at an intersection when the light turns red
Drivers already in the intersection when the light turns red, for example when waiting to turn, are making a legal turn and should not be issued a ticket.
Which vehicles are photographed
The cameras only photograph vehicles that enter an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Vehicles that enter the intersection on a green or amber traffic signal will not be photographed.

Red light camera locations

The red light camera units will be set up at 10 signalized intersections around Niagara. Unlike automated speed enforcement units that rotate locations, the red light cameras will remain at all 10 of the selected locations.

Fort Erie
- Garrison Road (Regional Road 3) and Pettit Road / Daytona Drive
Grimsby
- Christie Street (Regional Road 12) and South Service Road (Regional Road 40)
Lincoln
- Ontario Street (Regional Road 18) and South Service Road (Regional Road 40)
Niagara Falls
- Stanley Avenue (Regional Road 102) and Dunn Street
- Lundy's Lane (Regional Road 20) and Garner Road
Pelham / West Lincoln
- Highway 20 (Regional Road 20) and Victoria Avenue (Regional Road 24)
St. Catharines
- St. Paul Street West (Regional Road 81) and First Street Louth
- Niagara Street (Regional Road 48) and Parnell Road
Welland
- Prince Charles Drive (Regional Road 54) and Lincoln Street
- Niagara Street (Regional Road 50) and Quaker Road

See the locations for red light cameras and automated speed enforcement on a map.

How locations were chosen

Regional Council approved the locations as part of a Public Works Committee report in April 2023. The locations were chosen based on expected collision reduction analysis, site installation feasibility and to ensure coverage across Niagara. This approach is consistent with how other municipalities select red light camera sites.

Future expansion to more locations will not be recommended until staff review the early results of the Red Light Camera program. This is to ensure that we are achieving the safety benefits of the program's objectives. Expansion of the program will require a decision by Council.

Violations and fines

Tickets
Drivers will receive a red light camera ticket approximately three to four weeks following the time of the infraction.

Red light camera tickets are reviewed by a municipal Joint Processing Centre. A Provincial Offences officer reviews images and obtains licence plate and driver information from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. They will confirm a violation has taken place before issuing a ticket.

This centre is shared by all municipalities that operate red light camera systems. The agreement allows the centre 23 days to review and issue a ticket by mail (arrival in mailboxes may then take one to two more days). This is a province-wide standard; Niagara Region does not have control over ticket processing times.
Fines, demerit points and insurance
The fine set by statute for running a red light is $260. There is also a $60 victim surcharge and $5 court cost added according to provincial statute. This results in a total payable fine of $325.

There are no demerit points for a red light camera charge. However, if the fine goes unpaid, the licence plate of the vehicle cannot be renewed.

In most cases, red light camera tickets will not affect insurance. However, it's recommended you consult with your insurance company about the potential impact.
How the money from fines is used

The Red Light Camera program covers its costs by using the money from fines to pay for its operation throughout the budget year. The focus of the Red Light Camera program is safety and not a means to generate revenue.

The $325 total fine includes a $60 victim surcharge that goes to the province. Most provincial / territorial victim services and programs are financed from surcharge revenue.

Remaining fine revenue offsets program operating costs. This covers the vendor's expense to operate and maintain the cameras, the Ministry of Transportation's cost to access vehicle ownership information and the Joint Processing Centre's cost to review and process images. It also includes costs for Niagara Region's Transportation and Courts resources needed to run the program.

Niagara Region will receive any net revenue from tickets collected and it will be split with the cities / towns in Niagara. The revenue will be used to support road safety-related programs and educational initiatives.

How to pay fines

You can pay in-person, by mail or online. For more information about tickets and fines, see Provincial Offences Court.