According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2019 alone, more than 143,000 people were injured due to drivers running red lights. They’ve also found that installing red light cameras reduced fatal red light running crashes in large cities by 21%—but Wisconsin doesn't allow the use of photo or video monitoring devices.

Are red light cameras legal in Wisconsin?

No—Wisconsin currently prohibits the use of automated enforcement tools to detect or prove traffic law violations.

That said, a new bill submitted to the Wisconsin House would allow

Milwaukee

to use red-light and speed cameras to nab drivers who disobey traffic laws. The bill would allow the Milwaukee Police Department to issue tickets for speeding 20 mph or more over the posted limit.

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

Red light cameras may not be legal in Wisconsin, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get off scot-free for running a red light or stop sign. Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign in Wisconsin carries the following fines:

$20 to $40 for the first offense within a year

$50 to $100 for the second and subsequent offense within a year

Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light will also add three demerit points to your

Wisconsin driving record

. Accumulation of 12 or more points can lead to a minimum 30-day license suspension. Eligible drivers may complete a

defensive driving course

to reduce the demerit points.

If you run a red light or stop sign and your actions result in injury or death, the charges will be more serious.

If you are cited for running a red light or stop sign in Wisconsin, you have two options: pay the fine or fight the ticket. Both approaches offer their own advantages and disadvantages, so we’re breaking down what you should know about both to help you make an informed decision.

How to pay a red light ticket

You can pat your red light ticket in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at the address listed on the ticket. However, this may vary between counties. Some states may also offer payment plans if you can’t afford the ticket amount in full.

Paying your red light ticket is an admission of guilt, which means you:

Waive your right to challenge the ticket in court

May have your license suspended by the Department of Transportation depending on your driving history

May see an increase in your car insurance premium

If choosing to pay your ticket by mail, the "deposit" amount must be mailed by your court date with a photocopy of your citation OR the following information:

Your correct name and address

Citation number

Date of court appearance as listed on the citation

Offense

Arresting police agency

Checks can be made payable to the Clerk of Court and mailed to the court address. You are not required to appear in court if you choose this option. The court will find you guilty and retain the "deposit" amount as payment for your violation.

MORE:

Wisconsin license reinstatement guide

How to fight a red light ticket

You can fight your red light ticket by pleading not guilty.

If you choose to dispute the ticket, you either appear in court or enter a "not guilty" plea by mail before your court date

A photocopy of your ticket and your correct mailing address should be mailed to the court address

You will appear in court before a judge unless a jury trial is demanded; this must be put in writing within 10 days of the court date on your citation, and the proper fee must be enclosed. Checks should be made payable to the Clerk of Court and forwarded to the address on your ticket.

The other option you have to fight your red light ticket is to hire an attorney. Fighting your red light ticket can help you to avoid fines, license suspension, and increased insurance premiums. You can expect an attorney to:

Request a contested hearing

Request discovery for your case

Represent you in court

Negotiate to have your charges dropped or reduced

Only about 5% of people cited with a driving ticket choose to contest it in court.

MORE:

Does running a red light increase your car insurance rates?

How does a red light camera work?

A red light camera (RLC) captures images or videos of vehicles that enter an intersection after the light has turned red.

They are installed as a tool to help reduce the number of vehicles running red lights. Once a camera is triggered, images are sent to and reviewed by local law enforcement and then a ticket is issued to the vehicle owner regardless of who was driving.

If you run a red light, cameras will usually capture the following information:

Your license plate number

Vehicle speed

Amount of time since the light turned red

Date, time, and location of the violation

The IIHS showed that the use of red light cameras in high-traffic areas can reduce fatal crashes at intersections in major cities by 14%.

“My speeding ticket raised my insurance to $310/month.
Jerry
got me full comprehensive coverage on two vehicles for $144/month through Progressive. I definitely recommend giving them a try.” —Brandon D.

How do I know if a red light camera ticket is real?

Most states issue traffic violation tickets by mail only, so tickets sent by email or phone may be spam. In Wisconsin, traffic tickets are handled through the Department of Transportation. If you receive a suspicious-looking ticket, check with your local DMV or court to ensure the ticket is legitimate before paying any fines.

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