Red Light Camera Tickets in Ontario: Fines, Locations and How They Work

The light turns amber on Holland Street in Bradford. Do you stop or go?

Since September 2026, a camera may make that call for you. Bradford West Gwillimbury has switched on red light cameras at five busy intersections, joining cities across Ontario that already use them.

This guide explains how a red light camera works, what a ticket costs, where the cameras are near Barrie, and how to make sure you never get one.

Quick answer: how much is a red light camera ticket in Ontario?

About $328. That’s typically a $260 fine, a $60 victim surcharge and an 8.25platelook-upfee.ItcanbehigherinaCommunitySafetyZone(493.25 in Bradford). There are no demerit points, and the ticket goes to the vehicle’s registered owner.

In this guide10 sections

1. How Do Red Light Cameras Work?
2. How Much Is a Red Light Camera Ticket in Ontario?
3. Red Light Camera Locations Near Barrie
4. Speed Cameras Were Banned. Are Red Light Cameras Next?
5. Can You Fight a Red Light Camera Ticket in Ontario?
6. Turning Left on a Red: The Most Common Trap
7. How To Never Get a Red Light Camera Ticket
8. Master Intersections With a Barrie Instructor
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Red Light Cameras Work?

Red light cameras are automated systems at signalized intersections. Here’s what happens:

1. The light turns red. The camera only watches for vehicles that enter the intersection after the signal has turned red.
2. The camera captures images of the vehicle and its licence plate.
3. An officer reviews the images. A trained Provincial Offences Officer checks every possible violation.
4. A penalty notice is mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner, whoever was driving.

Municipalities choose camera locations using collision data, and signs warn drivers on the approach to an intersection with a camera.

What do red light cameras look like?

They’re usually a large box-shaped camera mounted on a pole near the corner of the intersection, often with a second sensor or camera nearby. Look for the warning signs before the intersection.

Do red light cameras flash?

Some do and some don’t. A flash doesn’t confirm that you’ll get a ticket, and no flash doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. You’ll only know if a notice arrives in the mail.

How Much Is a Red Light Camera Ticket in Ontario?

The exact amount depends on the municipality, but here’s the typical breakdown:

Part of the penalty	Amount
Set fine	$260.00
Victim fine surcharge	$60.00
Licence plate look-up fee	$8.25
Total	$328.25

In a Community Safety Zone the penalty can be higher. In Bradford West Gwillimbury, it’s $493.25 at the two intersections inside a safety zone.

No demerit points and no insurance hit

Because the camera can’t identify the driver, the penalty goes to the registered owner of the vehicle. That means:

• no demerit points
• no effect on your driving record
• no effect on insurance, according to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury

Camera ticket vs police ticket

It’s a different story if a police officer stops you for running a red light. That’s a charge against you as the driver, with a fine of about $260 plus surcharges, and 3 demerit points. It can also raise your insurance.

Red Light Camera Locations Near Barrie

Bradford West Gwillimbury: live since September 2026

Bradford’s red light cameras went live in September 2026 at five intersections:

• Holland Street West at Sideroad 10 (eastbound and westbound)
• Holland Street West at West Park Avenue (westbound) (Community Safety Zone)
• Holland Street West at Professor Day Drive / Melbourne Drive (eastbound and westbound) (Community Safety Zone)
• Holland Street East at Bridge Street / Dissette Street (westbound)
• Line 8 at Barrie Street (eastbound and westbound)

If you drive between Barrie and the GTA on Highway 400 and exit into Bradford, you’ll likely pass at least one.

Barrie

Barrie city council has voted to pursue a red light camera program. Check the City of Barrie’s website for the latest on whether cameras are active and where.

Elsewhere in Ontario

Many cities and regions, including Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, Halton and Ottawa, publish maps of their red light camera locations. Before a road trip, search your destination’s city website for “red light cameras”.

Speed Cameras Were Banned. Are Red Light Cameras Next?

No. In November 2025, Ontario banned municipal speed cameras, the automated speed enforcement cameras in school and community safety zones. Red light cameras weren’t part of that ban, which is why Bradford was able to launch its program in 2026.

For a full rundown of what changed, see our guide to new Ontario driving laws for 2026.

Can You Fight a Red Light Camera Ticket in Ontario?

Yes. Most Ontario municipalities now handle camera tickets through an administrative penalty system instead of provincial court. Toronto switched in January 2025, and Bradford uses the same system.

The process usually works like this:

1. Pay the penalty by the date on your notice, or
2. Request a screening review, where a screening officer can cancel, confirm or reduce the penalty, or give you more time to pay, and
3. Request a hearing review if you disagree with the screening decision. The hearing officer’s decision is final.

Deadlines are short, often around 30 days, so follow the instructions on your notice carefully. This is general information, not legal advice. A licensed paralegal can advise on your situation.

Turning Left on a Red: The Most Common Trap

The left turn is where many drivers get caught. Here’s how to stay legal:

• Waiting to turn left? You can move into the intersection on a green and wait for a gap. If the light turns amber or red while you’re already in the intersection, complete your turn safely once oncoming traffic stops.
• Don’t enter on a red. If the light is already red before you cross the stop line, stay behind it.
• Don’t creep past the stop line while you wait. If you’re over the line when the light is red, you could be in the camera’s view.

Learn more in our guides to Ontario traffic lights and Ontario lane rules and turning.

How To Never Get a Red Light Camera Ticket

The best way to deal with red light cameras is to drive as if every intersection has one:

• Watch for a “stale” green. If the light has been green for a while as you approach, expect it to change and ease off the gas.
• Stop on amber if you safely can. Amber means stop, unless stopping would be unsafe.
• Keep a safe following distance. If you’re tailgating, you can’t see the light and may get pulled through on red behind the car ahead.
• Slow down on approach, especially in winter. In Simcoe County, icy approaches mean you need more distance to stop.
• Never speed up to “beat” the light. That habit causes the T-bone crashes red light cameras are designed to prevent.

Master Intersections With a Barrie Instructor

Intersections are where new drivers are most likely to hesitate, misjudge an amber or make a risky left turn. In our G2 driving lessons in Barrie, instructors coach you through real Barrie and Bradford intersections until the right decision is automatic. Our online driving classes cover traffic signals and right-of-way in detail.

Call 705-300-5570 or book a lesson online.

Conclusion:

A red light camera ticket in Ontario costs about $328, with no demerit points, and goes to the vehicle’s owner. With Bradford’s cameras now live and Barrie working toward its own program, Simcoe County drivers will see more of them.

The cameras only catch vehicles entering on red. Read the signal early, stop on amber when it’s safe, and never race the light. Do that and you’ll never see one of these tickets.

At Road Safety Canada, our MTO-approved instructors help drivers across Barrie, Bradford and Simcoe County handle intersections with confidence. Call 705-300-5570 or book your lesson today.

Frequently Asked Questions