Florida Red Light Camera: 2026 Laws & Fines

TLDR A Florida red light camera citation is a $158 civil penalty under Florida Statute 316.0083 — and paying it adds no points to your record. But eligible drivers can do better: by electing the state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, you can dismiss the violation, prevent points, and earn an 18% fine reduction. This 2026 guide breaks down the laws, fines, and your three legal options.

Understanding Florida's Red Light Camera Program & 2026 Penalties

Under Florida Statute 316.0083, red light camera violations are civil penalties, not criminal moving violations. The standard fine is $158, with $83 going to the state and $75 to the local municipality where the violation occurred.

This legal distinction is crucial for drivers. Because it's a civil penalty, paying the $158 fine does not add points to your Florida driving record. Points are only assessed if you fail to pay or contest the ticket, leading to the issuance of a Uniform Traffic Citation by a law enforcement officer. You will receive a "Notice of Violation" by mail, which outlines your options and deadlines.

• Legal Basis: Florida Statute 316.0083.
• Fine Amount: $158 total.
• Fine Distribution: $83 to the state, $75 to the local government.
• Points Assessed: None for paying the civil penalty.
• Primary Notice: A mailed "Notice of Violation."

Your Three Legal Paths After Receiving a Red Light Camera Ticket

Upon receiving a Notice of Violation, you have three options: pay the $158 fine, contest the citation in a hearing, or—in eligible cases—elect to complete a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to have the violation dismissed, which also provides an 18% fine reduction per Florida Statute 318.14(9).

Eligibility for the BDI Course Dismissal

• You must notify the Clerk of Court listed on your ticket of your election.
• You can only use a BDI course for dismissal once every 12 months and a limited number of times in a lifetime (Florida Statute 318.14(9)). Confirm your remaining eligibility with the court.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders are NOT eligible for BDI to dismiss a ticket.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dismissing a Ticket with Traffic School

To dismiss your red light camera violation through traffic school, you must formally notify the court, enroll in and pass a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, and submit your certificate of completion to the Clerk of Court by their strict deadline.

1. Step 1: Notify the Clerk of Court - Contact the Clerk of Court for the county where the violation occurred (listed on your Notice of Violation) and formally elect the traffic school option before your response deadline.
2. Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved BDI Course - Enroll in a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course. Providers like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com are approved in all Florida counties and offer the course 100% online in English and Spanish for $5.94 plus any applicable fees. LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com is Florida's largest online provider for traffic school and driver's ed, with the lowest price guaranteed for its BDI course.
3. Step 3: Complete the Course & Final Exam - Finish the course material at your own pace. The final exam is open-book, with a high pass rate.
4. Step 4: Submit Your Certificate to the Court - Mail or hand-deliver your physical Certificate of Completion to the Clerk of Court by their deadline. This is the final, mandatory step to secure the dismissal. LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com offers free certificate delivery by mail, with expedited options available.

Common Mistakes That Cost Drivers Money

Mistake 1: Ignoring the Notice of Violation

Letting the response deadline pass can escalate a $158 civil penalty into a Uniform Traffic Citation with court costs and points. Always act before the deadline printed on your notice.

Mistake 2: Assuming Every Ticket Is Eligible for BDI

The BDI dismissal option has eligibility limits (once per 12 months, not available to CDL holders). Confirm with the Clerk of Court that you qualify before enrolling.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Submit the Certificate

Completing the course online does not dismiss the violation on its own. You must submit the physical Certificate of Completion to the Clerk of Court by their deadline.

Conclusion: Your Essential Red Light Camera Response Checklist

• Review the Notice: Check your mailed "Notice of Violation" for the fine amount ($158), county, and response deadline.
• Evaluate Eligibility: Determine if you are eligible to elect the BDI course option (not a CDL holder, haven't used it in the last 12 months).
• Notify the Court: If choosing traffic school, contact the Clerk of Court for that county to formally elect the option.
• Enroll and Complete: Sign up for a state-approved 4-hour BDI course from a provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com and finish it online.
• Submit for Dismissal: Mail or deliver your physical certificate of completion to the Clerk of Court by their deadline to finalize the dismissal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a red light camera ticket in Florida?

A Florida red light camera ticket is a $158 civil penalty under Florida Statute 316.0083, with $83 going to the state and $75 to the local government. Paying it adds no points to your driving record.

Do red light camera tickets add points to your license in Florida?

No. A red light camera citation is a civil penalty, so paying the $158 fine adds no points. Points are only assessed if you fail to pay or contest and a Uniform Traffic Citation is issued by an officer.

Can you dismiss a Florida red light camera ticket with traffic school?

Eligible drivers can elect to complete a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to have the violation dismissed, prevent points, and receive an 18% fine reduction under Florida Statute 318.14(9). You must first notify the Clerk of Court.

What happens if you ignore a red light camera ticket in Florida?

If you ignore the Notice of Violation, the case can escalate to a Uniform Traffic Citation with higher costs and points on your record. Respond before the deadline by paying, contesting, or electing the BDI course.

How do I take the BDI course to dismiss a red light ticket?

Notify the Clerk of Court, then enroll in a state-approved 4-hour BDI course such as LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com (from $5.94 plus fees, 100% online), pass the open-book exam, and submit your certificate to the court by the deadline.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/basic-driver-improvement-bdi-find-approved-listing-bdi-course-providers/
• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit