Red Light Offences

Under Regulation 56(1) of the Road Rules 2014 (NSW), it is an offence to run a red light. Specifically, the Rules states: 

1. A driver approaching or at traffic lights showing a red traffic light must stop—
   • if there is a stop line at or near the traffic lights—as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line, or
   • if there is a stop here on red signal sign at or near the traffic lights, but no stop line—as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the sign, or
   • if there is no stop line or stop here on red signal sign at or near the traffic lights—as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic lights, 

and must not proceed past the stop line, stop here on red signal sign or nearest or only traffic lights (as the case may be) until the traffic lights show a green or flashing yellow traffic light or no traffic light.

Similarly, under Regulation 56(2), it is an offence to run a red traffic arrow, where:

2. A driver approaching or at traffic arrows showing a red traffic arrow who is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow must stop—
   • if there is a stop line at or near the traffic arrows—as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the stop line, or 
   • if there is a stop here on red arrow sign at or near the traffic arrows, but no stop line—as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the sign, or 
   • if there is no stop line or stop here on red arrow sign at or near the traffic arrows—as near as practicable to, but before reaching, the nearest or only traffic arrows,

and must not proceed past the stop line, stop here on red arrow sign or nearest or only traffic arrows (as the case may be) until the traffic arrows show a green or flashing yellow traffic arrow or no traffic arrow.

Motion sensor technology captures when both sets of a vehicle’s wheels cross the white stop line while the traffic lights are red. Electronic detectors or tracking radars are then triggered and a photo is captured of the vehicle. This photo will record the number plate, date and time of the offence, location, and speed of the vehicle.   

Additionally, under Section 138 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) and Clause 35 of the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2013 (NSW), a camera-recording device must be calibrated every 90 days.  

Failing to stop at a red light incurs a $469.00 fine and 3 demerit points. If the failure to stop is in a school zone, then this increases to a $587.00 fine and 4 demerit points. If you decide to have the fine dealt with in Court, the maximum penalty increases to $2,200.00. 

If you are caught by a red light camera, you will receive a traffic infringement notice at the address at which the car is registered. You will also receive a fine, which is dealt with by Revenue NSW. You can also download a copy of the digital image captured by the camera on the Service NSW application. If Revenue NSW holds your email or mobile number details, you will also receive a payment reminder and confirmation. This offence carries 3 demerit points.