Which U.S. states have banned red-light cameras?
Several states have enacted statewide bans on red-light cameras. Based on current statutes and widely recognized legal interpretations, states that ban automated red-light camera enforcement include: Texas, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, Maine, Idaho, and Indiana. Some other states do not explicitly “ban” the devices but effectively prohibit them because there is no enabling law or because enforcement must be done by an on-site police officer.
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What the question is asking and why it’s complicated
“Banned” can mean two things in this context: an explicit statutory prohibition on using automated cameras to ticket red-light violations, or an effective ban where state law does not authorize their use (or requires a police officer to personally witness violations), making automated systems impractical. Because traffic enforcement is governed by a patchwork of state statutes and court decisions—and sometimes narrow exceptions—understanding which states truly “ban” red-light cameras requires distinguishing between explicit bans and functional prohibitions.
States with explicit statutory bans on red-light cameras
The states below prohibit automated red-light camera enforcement by statute or through clear, binding statewide policy. In these places, cities and counties cannot run red-light camera ticket programs (though some may have separate, unrelated authority for things like school-bus stop-arm cameras).
- Texas
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- South Carolina
- Wisconsin
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
- Maine
- Idaho
- Indiana
These bans generally apply statewide and preempt local ordinances. Some states previously permitted programs but later repealed or voided them; others never allowed them at all. Limited exceptions in some states may exist for non-red-light enforcement (for example, school-bus stop-arm cameras or work-zone speed-camera pilots), which do not overturn the red-light camera ban.
States where red-light cameras are effectively prohibited
A second group of states do not expressly “ban” red-light cameras but either lacks enabling statutes or imposes conditions that make automated red-light enforcement unworkable (for example, requiring an officer’s on-scene presence or live operation). As a practical matter, red-light cameras are not used for ticketing in these states.
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Nevada (requires an officer’s presence/operation, preventing fully automated systems)
- Kentucky
In these jurisdictions, cities generally cannot deploy red-light cameras because state law doesn’t authorize them or case law has preempted local programs. Notably, New Jersey’s statewide pilot authorization expired and was not renewed, leaving no legal pathway for municipal programs.
Important nuances and special cases
Grandfathered contracts and program sunsets
When some states adopted bans, they allowed existing city contracts to run out (grandfathering). Those programs ended as contracts expired, and new ones cannot be created under current law.
Other automated enforcement is not the same as red-light cameras
States frequently treat different automated tools differently. A ban on red-light cameras does not automatically mean speed cameras, school-bus stop-arm cameras, or toll/railroad-crossing cameras are also banned (and vice versa). Many states that prohibit red-light cameras still permit other automated enforcement in narrowly defined contexts.
Local authority vs. state preemption
In several states, even if a city wants red-light cameras, it cannot adopt them without express state authorization. State preemption and uniform traffic laws commonly block city-by-city adoption unless the legislature says otherwise.
How to confirm your city’s status
If you need to know whether red-light cameras are banned or allowed where you live, these steps help you verify the current status beyond statewide summaries.
- Check your state code for “automated traffic enforcement” or “photo enforcement” sections, and look for language specific to red-light violations.
- Search for recent state legislative updates or court rulings that may have changed authorization, repealed pilots, or added exceptions.
- Review your city or county’s ordinances; some localities post contract notices or program FAQs.
- Consult your state DOT or the office of your state attorney general for formal guidance.
- Look for program notices from your local police or transportation department if cameras are active or slated.
Because rules change and programs can start or stop on fairly short timelines, confirming through official state and local sources is the most reliable way to know what’s allowed right now in your jurisdiction.
Summary
Red-light cameras are banned by statute in multiple states, including Texas, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, Maine, Idaho, and Indiana. Additional states effectively prohibit them by withholding authorization or requiring an officer to be present, notably Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Nevada, and Kentucky. Always verify with current state law and local ordinances, as specific exceptions (such as for school-bus or work-zone enforcement) do not necessarily change the status of red-light camera bans.
What states don’t allow red light cameras?
States That Do Not Allow Red Light Cameras
Not all states support the use of traffic enforcement cameras. Currently, red-light cameras are illegal in 8 states: Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia. These states prohibit the use of red-light cameras.
Does Maine have red light cameras?
No, Maine does not have red light cameras. State law prohibits the use of traffic surveillance cameras to enforce traffic violations, including running red lights. While the state uses traffic cameras for safety and traffic management, these systems are not used to issue automated tickets for red light running.
Why Maine prohibits red light cameras
- State Law: Opens in new tabMaine state law restricts the use of traffic cameras to primarily monitor conditions, not to enforce traffic violations.
- Banned System: Opens in new tabMaine banned the use of red light cameras as a method of enforcement back in 2009.
What Maine uses traffic cameras for
- Safety Monitoring: The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) installs traffic cameras on roadways to improve highway safety.
- Traffic Management: The live feeds from these cameras are used in the MaineDOT traffic management center to monitor accidents and other incidents that could disrupt traffic.
- Emergency Response: The cameras help identify accidents quickly, allowing for rapid notification to 911 and the dispatch of emergency responders.
Do I have to pay a camera ticket in TN?
Cannot have a negative impact on your driver’s. License. Car insurance rates or credit.
Are traffic cameras legal in Mississippi?
Mississippi law prohibits installing cameras to automatically detect traffic violations but does not specifically address officers holding devices.
