Connecticut Red Light Cameras

A Connecticut red light ticket can cost $134 and adds two points to your driving record. You can pay the ticket or fight it in court.
Written by Maxine Boyko
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The state of
Connecticut
does not currently use automated red light cameras at intersections as a way to ticket people, but if you’re caught running a red light, you’ll face a $134 fine and two points added to your driving record. 
Red light cameras document traffic violations by taking photos and recording video footage. Since it’s impossible to have police stationed at every intersection, many states implement red light cameras to discourage motorists from running through red lights. 
Connecticut has not yet legalized the ability to ticket drivers using evidence from red light cameras. However, getting caught running a red light in Connecticut is relatively expensive and will tarnish your driving record. You should know the rules for what constitutes running a red light and understand your options for contesting a ticket. 
In this article,
Jerry
will guide you through everything you need to know about red light cameras in Connecticut
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While there are red light cameras in Connecticut, they are not yet legal to use for ticketing purposes. Many towns, however, are pushing for their implementation and have already begun setting up operating procedures. 
The town of Hamden, for instance, is using data collected from red light cameras to determine their efficacy in deterring red light running violations. While it is illegal for red light cameras to be used to ticket drivers, law enforcement can use them to apprehend criminals and solve crimes. 
You can contact your local government to keep up-to-date on the legalization of red light cameras for ticketing in your area.  

What should I do if I receive a red light camera ticket?

While you can’t legally receive a red light camera ticket at present, if you are ticketed by law enforcement for running a red light, your options are:
  • Enter a plea of Nolo Contendere (no contest) and pay the fine
  • Plead not guilty and submit your case online
  • Plead not guilty and have your case scheduled in court 
Red light camera tickets in many other states are a standard fine, but a red light violation in Connecticut is considered an infraction that carries a penalty of a $134 fine and two points added to your
driving record
. We’ll go over how to determine whether you should pay your ticket or dispute the infraction. 

How to pay a red light camera ticket 

If you plead no contest, you can either
pay online
with a credit card or mail a check or money order to the address provided on the ticket. 
No payment plans are available, and you must submit full payment on or before the Answer Date printed on your ticket. 
It is important to respond by the Answer Date so that your case doesn’t get transferred to court. Failing to pay a ticket can result in a
driver’s license suspension
, a $60 reopening fee in addition to the original amount due, and a possible fee to the DMV to reinstate your license. 

How to fight a red light camera ticket

If you choose to challenge your ticket, you must plead guilty online, by mail, or over the phone.
You can determine your eligibility to participate in the online ticket review program by entering the requested information on the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Centralized Infraction Bureau ticket webpage. The prosecutor reviewing your case will either transfer your case to court, offer to drop your case, or offer to reduce your penalties. 
If you accept an offer, you will receive an email that will allow you to plead no contest and pay online. If you reject the offer, your ticket will be transferred to the court with the original charges, and you will be informed of your trial date, time, and place by mail. 
If you plead guilty by mail or telephone, you will be scheduled for a trial. If you’re found guilty, you’ll be charged with more than the original amount of the ticket to cover additional court costs. 
While there is a possibility to shuck charges by fighting the ticket in court, you may have to hire a lawyer to prepare your case, and there isn’t any guarantee that you’ll win.

How does a red light camera work?

A red light camera is typically installed on a traffic light or affixed to a pole at a traffic intersection. It uses sensors to detect traffic patterns and predict when a vehicle will not stop. If a car is traveling too fast, the red light camera will begin rolling to catch photos and videos of the violation.
Many states employ red light cameras through the help of third-party contractors to ticket drivers. However, in Connecticut, a few cities are planning to pilot a red light camera program that will issue only warning notices, intending to save lives and encourage better road behaviors. 
While the technology is controversial, studies have shown that it reduces fatalities and overall intersection collisions. According to the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
, red light cameras reduced fatal crashes in large cities by 21 percent

How to find affordable car insurance in Connecticut

You could face severe penalties if you are cited for running a red light in Connecticut. Unfortunately, these penalties will almost certainly have an impact on your
car insurance
rates. 
Fortunately,
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