Tolrfo Camera Tickets: Do I Have To Pay?

Do you have to pay camera tickets in Toronto? The short answer is yes. The long answer is that it depends on the type of camera ticket and the circumstances surrounding the violation. In Ontario, there are various types of camera tickets, including red-light camera tickets, speed camera tickets, and photo radar tickets. Each type of ticket has its own set of rules and regulations, as well as consequences for non-payment.

Red light camera tickets are $325

Red light cameras are an automated system that captures images of vehicles entering an intersection despite the traffic signal indicating red. They are installed at busy and dangerous intersections to reduce accident rates.

In Toronto, the fine for a red light camera ticket is $325, which is made up of a set fine under the Provincial Offences Act ($260), a victim fine surcharge ($60), and applicable court costs ($5). This is a uniform fine across Ontario, so you will pay the same amount whether you are in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, or any other city that uses red light cameras.

The ticket is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving, and it can take up to a month or more to arrive. It is possible to dispute a red light camera ticket, but it is unlikely that you will be able to overturn it. However, in some cases, drivers may be able to get a reduction in the fine amount.

If you do not pay the ticket, you may face difficulties renewing your driver's license or vehicle registration. Therefore, it is important to pay the ticket on time and in full to avoid any further complications.

You can pay online, in-person, or by mail

If you've received a camera ticket in Toronto, you may be wondering how to pay it. The good news is that there are several convenient options available to you. You can choose to pay your ticket online, in-person, or by mail. Here's everything you need to know about each payment method.

Paying Camera Tickets Online

Paying your camera ticket online is a quick and easy process. You can use an online ticket payment system to pay for a variety of tickets, including speeding, red light camera, and speed camera tickets. To pay your ticket, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. First, select the type of ticket you need to pay. Next, search for your ticket fine by inputting the required ticket information. Once you've located your fine, you can submit your payment information. After submitting your payment, you'll receive a confirmation email. It's important to keep this email for your records.

Paying Camera Tickets In-Person

If you prefer to pay your camera ticket in person, you can do so at any court location. Be sure to bring a valid form of payment, such as a certified cheque, money order, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express). Uncertified cheques will not be accepted for payment of defaulted tickets.

Paying Camera Tickets by Mail

Another option for paying your camera ticket is by mail. You can mail in your payment using a certified cheque, money order, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express). Similar to paying in person, uncertified cheques will not be accepted for payment of defaulted tickets. Be sure to allow sufficient time for your payment to be processed and delivered.

Regardless of the payment method you choose, it's important to pay your camera ticket by the due date to avoid additional penalties and consequences. These may include a conviction, court costs, suspension of your driver's license, refusal of vehicle permit validation or issuance, and additional administrative fees.

Failure to pay results in an inability to renew your driver's license

In Toronto, red light cameras are installed at high-volume or high-accident-rate intersections to deter drivers from running red lights and causing accidents. If a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red, the camera will take a photo of the car and its license plate. An officer will review the photo to verify that the vehicle has run a red light. The Ministry of Transportation will then issue a ticket to the vehicle's registered owner.

The vehicle owner, not the driver, is responsible for paying the fine. They will be notified of the ticket by mail. Failure to pay the ticket could result in the vehicle owner's inability to renew their driver's license or renew their vehicle registration. The ticket will not appear on the owner's driving record, but they will have to pay the fine before they can renew their license.

Red light camera tickets in Toronto can be paid online, in person, or by mail. The fine for a red light camera ticket in Toronto is $325, broken down into a $260 fine, a $60 victim surcharge, and $5 in court costs.

Toronto also has speed cameras, which are part of the automated speed enforcement (ASE) program. These cameras are set up in areas where traffic safety is a particular concern, such as school zones or slow residential streets. Each speed camera is marked with a sign, and there are no associated license demerit points or car insurance rate increases.

You can fight a ticket, but it's unlikely to be overturned

If you've received a camera ticket in Toronto, you may be wondering if you have to pay it. The short answer is: yes, you do. However, you do have the option to fight the ticket if you believe you have a valid reason for doing so.

How to Pay a Camera Ticket in Toronto

You can pay a camera ticket in Toronto online, by mail, or in person. The ticket will provide instructions on how to pay, including the deadline for payment. It's important to pay the fine by the specified deadline to avoid any additional penalties or consequences.

Fighting a Camera Ticket in Toronto

While you can fight a camera ticket in Toronto, it's important to know that it is unlikely to be overturned. In most cases, the evidence against you—including photo and radar evidence—is strong and difficult to refute. However, you may be able to request an early resolution meeting to discuss a possible reduction in the fine amount. This option is available if you wish to have a telephone or in-person meeting with the prosecutor to discuss the possible resolution of the charge. Keep in mind that even with an early resolution meeting, you may still need to go to trial if no agreement is reached.

If you choose to go to trial, you will have the opportunity to present your case and dispute the evidence. However, it's important to note that the outcome may still result in a reduction of the fine rather than a full exoneration. Additionally, you will need to attend the trial and may incur legal fees if you choose to hire a lawyer.

In rare cases, camera tickets have been successfully challenged in court. For example, in a case in Toronto, a driver was able to have their speeding ticket dismissed because the prosecution could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the ASE camera was in reliable working condition. While this case sets a precedent for future challenges, it's important to understand that each case is unique and will be adjudicated on its own merits.

Consequences of Not Paying a Camera Ticket in Toronto

Failing to pay a camera ticket in Toronto can result in several consequences. These include difficulties renewing your driver's license, registering a vehicle, or renewing your current car registration. Therefore, it is essential to take these tickets seriously and address them promptly, either by paying the fine or challenging the ticket through the appropriate channels.

Speeding tickets work similarly to red light camera tickets

In Toronto, red light camera tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving. The ticket is sent by mail and includes a set fine of $260, a victim surcharge of $60, and court costs of $5. The total payable amount is $325.

Both types of tickets are considered Provincial Offences, and failure to pay them can result in consequences such as the inability to renew a driver's license or vehicle registration. Additionally, for red light camera tickets, there is the possibility of being unable to renew a license plate permit.

It is worth noting that while demerit points are issued for regular red light tickets given by police officers, no demerit points are issued for red light camera tickets. This means that the driver's record remains unaffected, and their insurance rates are not impacted. However, for speeding tickets, demerit points may be issued, which can affect insurance rates.

To avoid receiving camera tickets, drivers should be cautious when approaching intersections and be mindful of their speed. Additionally, knowing the locations of red light cameras in one's city can help prevent inadvertently running a red light.

Frequently asked questions