New York City has one of the largest traffic camera programs in the country, and the network keeps growing. The good news is that camera fines are modest and add no points. The bad news is that bus-lane camera fines escalate quickly for repeat offenders. Enter your tickets in the calculator to see the total.
NYC camera ticket fines (2026)
| Camera violation | Code | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Running a red light | 7 | $50 |
| Speeding in or near a school zone | 36 | $50 |
| Driving in a bus lane (bus-mounted camera) | 12 | $50 → $250 |
| Failing to turn right from a bus lane | 5 | $50 → $250 |
| Double parking (bus-mounted camera) | 15 | $50 → $250 |
| Parked in a bus stop (bus-mounted camera) | 43 | $50 → $250 |
How bus-lane camera fines escalate
| Violation within 12 months | Fine | Running total |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $50 | $50 |
| 2nd | $100 | $150 |
| 3rd | $150 | $300 |
| 4th | $200 | $500 |
| 5th and each after | $250 | $750+ |
Compare that with an agent-written bus lane ticket, which is a flat $115. See the full list of parking fines in our NYC parking ticket calculator.
Camera tickets vs. police-issued tickets
- Camera tickets go to the vehicle's registered owner by mail, have a fixed fine, and add no points to anyone's license.
- Police-issued moving violations (for example a red light or speeding ticket written by an officer) go through the state's Traffic Violations Bureau, carry higher fines and surcharges, and can add points that affect insurance.
Disputing a camera ticket
You can dispute a camera ticket online, by mail or in person with the NYC Department of Finance within 30 days, before penalties are added. Check the photos or video linked on the notice. Valid defenses can include the car being stolen, sold before the violation date, or an emergency vehicle situation. If you were driving a rental, the rental company will usually pass the ticket on with an administrative fee.
Related: Verrazzano and MTA bridge tolls, the full driving cost calculator and NYC car insurance costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a red light camera ticket in NYC?
$50. The NYC Department of Finance fine schedule lists red-light camera violations (code 7) at $50 everywhere in the city, the same for first and repeat tickets.
How much is a speed camera ticket in NYC?
$50 for exceeding the posted speed limit in or near a designated school zone (code 36), according to the NYC Department of Finance fine schedule.
Do NYC camera tickets add points to my license?
No. Camera tickets are civil violations mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, not to a specific driver, so they aren't recorded as moving violations and don't add points to a license.
How much is a bus lane camera ticket in NYC?
Bus-lane camera fines escalate with repeat violations within 12 months: $50 for the first, then $100, $150, $200 and $250 for each later violation. The same escalation applies to mobile bus-mounted camera tickets for double parking and bus stop violations.
What happens if I don't pay a NYC camera ticket?
Penalties are added if a camera ticket isn't paid or disputed within 30 days, and unpaid tickets go to judgment. A law firm summarizing the rules cites a $25 late penalty. Like parking tickets, judgment debts can lead to booting or towing.
Are there more red light cameras in NYC now?
Yes. The city has been expanding its red-light camera network, with reports describing growth from about 150 to several hundred intersections during 2026.
Sources & methodology
Prices are compiled from published provider price lists, government fee schedules and quotes, then adjusted for 2026. See how we price.