What a red light camera ticket is and how Nassau County issues it
A red light camera ticket in Nassau County is a violation notice issued when a camera at an intersection photographs your vehicle running a red light. The ticket arrives by mail weeks after the incident, not at the roadside. Nassau County uses these cameras at select intersections, and the violation is classified as a traffic infraction, not a criminal charge.
The camera captures the vehicle's license plate, the date and time, and images showing the light was red when the vehicle entered the intersection. The registered owner of the vehicle receives a notice of violation with a fine amount, typically between $50 and $100 depending on the specific violation. The ticket includes the intersection location, the date of the violation, and instructions for how to respond.
Unlike a ticket issued by a police officer, you do not have the option to pay the fine and have the violation dismissed. The ticket goes to your driving record if you pay it, and it may affect your insurance rates. You have the right to contest the ticket in traffic court.
Key Takeaways
- Red light camera tickets arrive by mail and show your vehicle's license plate, the intersection, and the date and time of the violation.
- The fine is typically $50 to $100, and paying it adds the violation to your driving record and may increase your insurance rates.
- You can contest the ticket in Nassau County traffic court by requesting a hearing within the timeframe stated on the notice.
- The camera images and vehicle registration are the main evidence; you can request copies of both before your court date.
- If you do not respond to the ticket by the important date, a default judgment may be entered against you and your license may be suspended.
Where red light cameras are located in Nassau County
Nassau County has installed red light cameras at multiple intersections across the county, but the exact number and locations change over time as the program expands or contracts. The cameras are typically placed at high-traffic intersections where red light running is frequent and poses a safety risk.
The Nassau County Police Department and the county's traffic safety office maintain the official list of camera locations. You can contact the Nassau County Police Department's traffic section or check the county's official website for the current list. Some municipalities within Nassau County, such as the Village of Garden City or the Town of Hempstead, may also have their own camera programs at specific intersections.
If you received a ticket, the notice itself will state the exact intersection where the violation occurred. The images attached to the ticket show the traffic signal and your vehicle's position in the intersection at the moment the photo was taken.
How to read your red light camera ticket and what the notice says
Your ticket notice will include several key pieces of information. At the top is the violation code and a brief description—usually "Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device" or similar language. Below that is the date, time, and location of the violation, along with your vehicle's license plate number and the fine amount.
The notice also includes a important date for your response, typically 30 days from the date the ticket was mailed. You will see three options: pay the fine, request a hearing, or do nothing. The ticket will list a phone number and mailing address for Nassau County traffic court or the relevant municipal court handling the violation.
At the bottom of the notice, there is usually a section explaining your rights, including your right to contest the ticket and request a court hearing. Some notices include a link to view the camera images online, or instructions for requesting copies by mail. Read this section carefully, as it contains the important date and the exact steps you must take to respond.
Your options for responding to a red light camera ticket
You have three main options when you receive a red light camera ticket: pay the fine, request a hearing in traffic court, or ignore the ticket. Ignoring it is not recommended, as it can result in a default judgment, additional fines, and suspension of your driver's license.
If you pay the fine, the violation is recorded on your driving record. This may increase your car insurance rates and can affect your ability to challenge the ticket later. Paying does not mean you admit guilt in a legal sense, but it does resolve the matter and the violation stays on your record.
If you request a hearing, you can present your case to a judge. You may argue that the light was actually yellow when you entered the intersection, that your vehicle was in the intersection legally before the light turned red, that you were avoiding a collision, or that the camera malfunctioned or was improperly calibrated. You can also cross-examine the evidence and request that the prosecution prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt. The hearing is held in Nassau County traffic court or the municipal court with jurisdiction over the intersection.
How to request a court hearing for your ticket
To request a hearing, you must respond to the ticket notice before the important date stated on it. Most notices give you 30 days from the mailing date. You can request a hearing by mail, by phone, or in person at the court address listed on the ticket.
If you respond by mail, write a letter stating that you request a hearing and include your ticket number, your name, your address, and your vehicle's license plate number. Send it to the address on the ticket. If you call, have your ticket number ready and ask to schedule a hearing date. The court will send you a confirmation with your hearing date and time.
Bring the original ticket notice and any evidence you have to the hearing. This might include photos of the intersection, witness statements, or documentation that your vehicle was not the one in the camera images. You can also bring a copy of the camera images if you requested them beforehand. The judge will hear both sides and issue a decision, which may result in the ticket being dismissed, upheld, or reduced.
How red light camera violations affect your driving record and insurance
A red light camera violation is recorded as a traffic infraction on your New York State driving record. Unlike a criminal conviction, it does not appear on a background check for employment, but it does remain visible to insurance companies and law enforcement.
Insurance companies use driving records to calculate rates. A single red light violation may increase your premium by a small amount, or it may not affect your rate at all, depending on your insurer's policy and your driving history. If you have multiple violations or accidents, the impact is usually greater. The violation typically stays on your record for three years in New York State, though insurers may consider it for longer.
If you accumulate too many points on your driving record—red light violations are typically worth 2 to 3 points—you may face license suspension or revocation. New York suspends licenses when a driver reaches 11 points in an 18-month period. Contesting and winning your ticket is one way to prevent points from being added to your record.
What happens if you do not respond to your red light camera ticket
If you do not respond to the ticket by the important date, the court will enter a default judgment against you. This means the violation is automatically recorded on your driving record, and you are responsible for the full fine amount plus any additional penalties or court costs.
After a default judgment, the court may suspend your driver's license. You will receive a notice of suspension in the mail, and driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in New York. You can request a hearing to vacate the default judgment, but you must do so within a specific timeframe, usually before your license is actually suspended.
If your license is suspended, you can petition the court to restore it, but you will need to pay the fine and any additional fees. The suspension can also affect your ability to register your vehicle or renew your license. Responding to the ticket promptly, even if you plan to contest it, prevents these additional consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a red light camera ticket dismissed if I was turning right on red?
In New York, you are allowed to turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. If you received a ticket for turning right on red, you can contest it by arguing that you made a complete stop before turning. Bring photos of the intersection or witness statements if possible. The camera images on your ticket will show whether you stopped.
What if the camera images are blurry or do not clearly show my vehicle?
You can request a hearing and argue that the images do not clearly prove your vehicle ran the red light. The prosecution must prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the images are too blurry to identify your vehicle or show the traffic signal clearly, the judge may dismiss the ticket. Request copies of the images before your hearing so you can review them.
Do I have to pay the fine if I was not driving the vehicle?
If someone else was driving your vehicle, you can contest the ticket and explain this to the judge. However, as the registered owner, you are initially responsible for the ticket. You may be able to provide the name and contact information of the actual driver, and the court may pursue them instead. Bring documentation showing who was driving if you have it.
How long does a red light violation stay on my driving record?
A red light violation typically remains on your New York State driving record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, it no longer affects your license status or points total, but insurance companies may still see it. Some insurers consider violations for longer than three years when calculating rates.
Can I pay the fine online or do I have to mail a check?
Many Nassau County courts accept online payments for traffic tickets through their official websites. Check the ticket notice for a website link or call the court number listed to ask about payment methods. Online payment is usually faster than mailing a check, and you will receive a confirmation when ready. If you pay online, keep the confirmation for your records.