How Much Is a Red Light Ticket in Pennsylvania?

November 19, 2025 | Car Accidents

How Much Is a Red Light Ticket in Pennsylvania?

Receiving a red light ticket in Pennsylvania can be frustrating, especially when you are unsure of the cost. The answer depends heavily on how the citation was issued. Each process is governed by different Pennsylvania laws. Here is what you need to know about red light violations and what steps to take next.

Why Do Drivers Run Red Lights?

Drivers run red lights for various reasons, and understanding these factors can help explain why violations occur. 

Common reasons drivers run red lights include:

  • Misjudging the length of a yellow light
  • Distraction behind the wheel
  • Following too closely
  • Poor visibility or weather conditions
  • Driver fatigue or stress

Running a red light is dangerous and costly, regardless of the cause. That is why Pennsylvania enforces strict rules and penalties to keep intersections safe. 

What Counts as a Red Light Ticket in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania regulates red light obedience under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3112, which describes how drivers must respond to steady red signals. Failing to stop at a red light is considered a traffic offense with specific legal consequences. 

There are two types of red light violations in Pennsylvania:

  • Police-issued tickets: A police officer observes your vehicle running a red light and issues a citation on the spot.
  • Red light camera tickets: Automated red light cameras capture your vehicle entering an intersection after the light turns red, and a civil notice is mailed to the vehicle owner. The citation will include instructions on how to access the traffic camera footage, giving you a chance to confirm.

Understanding which category your ticket falls into is essential because each one triggers different fines, penalties, and insurance impacts.

Red Light Camera Tickets (Civil Violations)

Camera tickets in Pennsylvania are governed by 75 Pa.C.S. § 3116, which authorizes automated red light enforcement systems. These violations are classified as civil penalties, not criminal offenses, and they do not add points to your driving record.

Here is what you can expect:

  • A fine of up to $100
  • No points on your driver’s license
  • No insurance increase since insurers cannot use camera violations when calculating premiums

These camera tickets are less severe than traditional moving violations, but they still require prompt action. Ignoring them can lead to extra fees or collection activity, since unpaid civil penalties may be forwarded to outside agencies.

Police-Issued Red Light Tickets (Moving Violations)

A violation is treated differently when an officer pulls you over for running a red light. These offenses fall under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3112 and are enforced as summary traffic violations, with penalties structured under 75 Pa.C.S. § 6502. 

Here is what is typically included:

  • A base fine of $25, though the actual amount increases significantly once court costs and administrative fees are added
  • Three (3) points on your driving record, as outlined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 1535(a)
  • Potential insurance premium increases, since moving violations and points can cause insurers to reassess risk

Although the base fine is technically lower than a camera ticket, the long-term impact is usually far greater due to insurance rate hikes and the risk of accumulating points on your driving record.

Hidden Costs You Should Be Aware of

Many drivers only consider the fine when assessing the seriousness of a red light ticket. However, Pennsylvania’s point system can result in additional consequences that may incur higher costs over time. 

Common hidden costs include:

  • Insurance rate increases: Moving violations with points often trigger higher premiums for several years.
  • Driver’s license consequences: Point accumulation can lead to suspensions, required exams, or mandatory training.
  • Collection penalties: Unpaid camera tickets may be sent to collections, resulting in increased fees and additional financial pressure.

Taking these broader consequences into account helps you understand why police-issued red light tickets are often far more expensive than the base fine suggests.

Contact the Carlisle Car Accident Attorneys at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for Help Today

Red light violations in Pennsylvania carry very different consequences depending on how the ticket was issued. A camera ticket carries a fine of up to $100 with no points, while a police-issued ticket adds three points and may raise your insurance rates for years. 

If you have received a red light ticket and are unsure of the next steps, Marzzacco Niven & Associates is here to help. Our experienced Carlisle car accident lawyers can help you protect your record and limit the impact. Contact us today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured or need a lawyer to help you with your case, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Harrisburg
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

Marzzacco Niven & Associates York
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Wyomissing
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Chambersburg
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carlisle
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carbondale
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lancaster
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lebanon
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963