Running red light in NSW may pump up your adrenaline, but that’s illegal and dangerous! Since it’s against state laws to disobey traffic lights, the immediate consequence of your violation would be a fine. Moreover, the worst-case scenario here is that you may face imprisonment. Why? Speeding and running red light may lead to horrible and life-threatening accidents.
To deter drivers from breaking NSW traffic law, authorities impose fines and demerit points for certain offences. Moreover, although the general rule is not to violate NSW traffic laws, there are also exceptions. Violating traffic light laws in NSW can be mitigated if your situation includes:
- emergency situations or
- mental health conditions.
To elaborate more on these, below is a discussion of the consequences of running red light in NSW.
Three Consequences of Running Red Light in NSW
When you ignore red traffic lights or signs on an NSW road, you violate the law, and you may be liable to some penalties. You will receive a penalty notice, pay a fee, and accrue demerit points for committing this kind of offence. Here are three consequences of running red light in New South Wales.
1. The Fine for Running Red Light in NSW Is at AUD 544.
Below is a table of penalties according to the Road Rules 2014, Rule 56-60 and 66 for your reference. These changes will apply from 1 July 2024. However, there may be changes in penalties in the future that’s why it’s important to check Transport for NSW’s website from time to time.
| Traffic control lights | Fine | Demerit points |
| Not stop at stop line at red light | AUD 544 | 3 |
| Not stop at stop line at red light—toll booth | AUD 227 | |
| Not stop before stop sign at red light | AUD 544 | 3 |
| Not stop before stop sign at red light—toll booth | AUD 227 | |
| Not stop before lights at red light | AUD 544 | 3 |
| Not stop before lights at red light—toll booth | AUD 544 | 3 |
| Proceed through red traffic light | AUD 544 | 3 |
| Proceed through red traffic light (camera detected) | AUD 227 | |
| Proceed through red traffic light – toll booth | AUD 544 | 3 |
| Not stop before lights (twin red lights) | AUD 544 | 3 |
| Not stop before stop line (twin red lights) | AUD 544 | 3 |
| Proceed after stopping at twin red lights | AUD 544 | 3 |
To check other penalties in relation to violation of traffic lights and signs, check this page here.
NSW Red Light Speed Cameras
When driving on a public road in NSW, remember that you are being watched. Yes, there are cameras around you that can snap a photo of you violating traffic rules.
Red-light speed cameras on the side of the road can detect vehicles exceeding the speed limit concurrently. Vehicles that cross the stop line on an amber traffic light or green light do not trigger the red light camera. Red light speed cameras operate automatically.
In NSW, there are currently 226 intersections that have red-light speed cameras. When a vehicle speeds or runs a red light, the cameras take a digital photo. You can check the locations of these cameras here.
The red light camera systems use vehicle tracking radar or electronic detectors placed on the road’s surface. These detectors accurately measure the speed of your vehicle. They also record when your vehicle crosses the white stop line after the lights have turned red.
2. Leniency for Running Red Light Because of Extenuating Circumstances.
NSW traffic laws can be forgiving. There are instances when the driver is in an emergency situation that gave him or her no choice but to violate traffic rules. These circumstances may include medical emergencies, mental health disorders, or other factors that may have led to the driver running the red light.
If a driver believes that there were extenuating circumstances that led to the red light violation, they can request leniency based on their driving record. A party can make an appeal for leniency on several grounds. One of the grounds is that if the vehicle owner was not the driver at the time of the offence.
If a red light camera catches a driver who causes a violation, they can request a review. They can make the request to Revenue NSW within 28 days of receiving notice of an offence. During the review process, Revenue NSW will consider factors such as:
- whether there was a mistake in issuing the fine,
- whether there were other factors causing the offence to be committed, and
- whether extenuating circumstances exist in the case.
3. Safety Consequences
The top concern of red light rules in NSW is the safety of the driver and other road users. Running red light in NSW can also have serious safety consequences. Crashes at intersections are often more severe, with drivers and passengers vulnerable to side impacts, while pedestrians have no protection in a crash.
The NSW Centre for Road Safety’s 2020 Speed Camera Review found that the installation of red light cameras had made intersections safer than they had been five years earlier. The review found a 38% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes, a 77% reduction in fatalities, a 36% reduction in serious injuries, and a 59% reduction in pedestrian casualties.
Personal Stories About Red Light Running Accidents in Australia
Red light running accidents are a devastating reality on Australian roads, claiming lives and leaving countless others with serious injuries. While statistics can paint a picture of the overall impact of these accidents, it is the personal stories of those affected that truly demonstrate the human cost.
Story 1: Elias Visontay’s article titled “In justice’s blind spot: my dogged fight against Revenue NSW to preserve a clean driving record,” published in The Guardian on January 11, 2023, is a personal account of the author’s experience fighting a traffic fine in New South Wales, Australia.
The author received a fine of $469 for a red light offence and decided to challenge the fine. The appeals process was frustrating and bureaucratic, but the author eventually won the case in court. The article highlights the difficulties of navigating the appeals process and the importance of seeking legal advice when challenging a traffic fine.
Story 2: On May 19, 2023, a car hit three schoolboys in Crows Nest, Sydney. The car was allegedly driven by 18-year-old Vansh Khanna. The incident was initially reported as a hit-and-run, but Khanna was later arrested and charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and failing to stop and assist after a crash. The boys were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, including broken bones and head injuries. Mr. Khanna was granted bail and appeared in court.
Caught Violating Traffic Light Rules Recently?
Drivers who don’t obey traffic lights and signs end up in serious injuries or fatal collisions and face hefty fines. If you got a penalty notice for running red light in NSW, you need to seek legal advice from a traffic offence lawyer. A lawyer can help you to understand your legal options and develop a defence strategy.
JB Solicitors’ group of experienced traffic offence lawyers can also represent you in court and fight for the best possible outcome. Here are some of the benefits of getting legal assistance for traffic violations:
- Increased chances of getting a reduced fine, having your demerit points reduced, or even having the charge dismissed altogether.
- Reduced stress and hassle by taking care of all the legal paperwork and communication with the court, so you can focus on other things.
- Knowing that you have a qualified lawyer representing you can give you peace of mind and help you to move on from the incident.
- Receive more beneficial outcomes and know how green lights and red light cameras work under traffic law matters.
Don’t hesitate to contact one of our traffic offence lawyer today. Submit an enquiry here.
Last updated: 20 January 2025
