At first glance, both tickets look similar. In reality, they are treated very differently under Ontario law and by insurance companies.
So, Red-Light Camera Tickets vs. Police-Issued Tickets. Let’s break it down.
Who Gets the Ticket?
Red-Light Camera Ticket
- Issued to the vehicle owner
- Does not identify the driver
- Based solely on camera evidence
The system does not care who was driving—only that the vehicle crossed the stop line after the light turned red.
Police Ticket
- Issued to the driver
- Officer identifies and charges the person driving
- Driver’s licence number is recorded
This distinction changes everything.
Demerit Points
Red-Light Camera
- No demerit points
- Your driving record is not affected
Police Ticket
- 3 demerit points (for red-light violation)
- Points stay active for 2 years
- Conviction stays on record for 3 years
Impact on Insurance
Red-Light Camera
- No direct insurance impact
- Insurers typically do not rate camera tickets
- Considered a vehicle offence, not a driver offence
However:
- Multiple camera tickets may raise concerns
- Some insurers review patterns at renewal
Police Ticket
- Insurance impact is likely
- Usually classified as a minor conviction
- Premiums may increase for up to 3 years
- Can contribute to high-risk classification if combined with other tickets
Key truth: Insurance companies rate drivers, not vehicles.
Licence Suspension Risk
Red-Light Camera
- No licence suspension
- No impact on driving privileges
Police Ticket
- Suspension possible if:
- You accumulate too many demerit points
- You already have prior convictions
- You are a novice (G1/G2) driver
Fine Amounts
Red-Light Camera
- Typically higher fine
- No negotiation at roadside
- Fine is fixed unless challenged in court
Police Ticket
- Fine may be lower initially
- Can sometimes be reduced through early resolution
- Court fees and surcharges still apply
Many drivers assume the higher camera fine is “worse” – but financially, it often isn’t.
Evidence & Defences
Red-Light Camera
- Evidence is photographic and time-stamped
- Shows vehicle position before and after the stop line
- Limited defence options, but not impossible to challenge
Police Ticket
- Based on officer testimony
- Disclosure must be provided
- More room for procedural and evidentiary challenges
- Officer non-attendance can lead to withdrawal
Can You Fight Both?
Yes – but for different reasons.
Camera Ticket
You may fight if:
- The images are unclear
- The stop line is not visible
- The vehicle was not fully past the line
- The light timing is questionable
Police Ticket
You may fight to:
- Avoid a conviction
- Protect your driving record
- Prevent insurance increases
- Challenge evidence or procedure
The Big Takeaway Most Drivers Miss
A red-light camera ticket is often cheaper in the long run than a police ticket, even if the fine is higher. Why?
- No demerit points
- No driver conviction
- Usually no insurance increase
Meanwhile, a police-issued red-light ticket can quietly cost thousands over time due to insurance premiums.
Final Word for Ontario Drivers
Not all red-light tickets are created equal.
Camera ticket:
- Hits your wallet once
- Leaves your record alone
Police ticket:
- Hits your record
- Hits your insurance
- Hits for years
Understanding this difference helps you decide when to fight, when to pay, and when to seek advice.
Carlos Perdomo, Paralegal
