Red light cameras are digital road safety cameras permanently installed at intersections to detect vehicles that run red lights. Some red light cameras can also detect speeding vehicles.
Warning signs are installed ahead of these locations to alert drivers to upcoming camera enforcement and encourage compliance with road rules and posted speed limits.
To learn more about red light cameras and how they help make Victoria’s roads safer for everyone, watch the video below.
How red light cameras work
Red light cameras detect when a vehicle drives through an intersection after the traffic light has turned red.
Each camera takes 2 images to show:
- the vehicle entering the intersection after the traffic light has turned red
- the vehicle continuing through the intersection after the traffic light has turned red.
The camera also records how much time passed between the traffic light turning red and the vehicle entering the intersection.
You will not get a fine if the light turned red after you had already entered the intersection.
Fixed digital road safety camera technology
Different types of technology are used in different locations and different systems.
In-road sensors
Some red light cameras use sensors in the road to detect when a vehicle travels over the sensor.
There are 2 main types of in-road sensors:
- Piezos: These sensors use the energy from a vehicle’s tyres to detect movement.
- Inductive loops: These sensors are loops of wire in the road that generate an electromagnetic field that detects the metal from a vehicle passing over the sensors.
Radar technology
Some cameras use radar technology to detect vehicles. The camera sends out a radar signal that bounces off the vehicle and comes back to the camera which is then used to determine the vehicle’s position relative to the intersection.
Camera accuracy
Fixed digital road safety cameras are tested regularly to make sure they work accurately and safely. Independent officers check that:
- the cameras detect offences correctly
- other equipment works as it should.
Read more about camera testing and accuracy(opens in a new window).
Penalties
If you are caught running a red light by a fixed digital road safety camera, you may receive:
- a fine
- demerit points on your licence.
Read more about road safety camera fines and penalties(opens in a new window).
Camera locations
To see where fixed digital road safety cameras that detect red light offences are located in Victoria, visit Find a road safety camera(opens in a new window).
Updated