In British Columbia, a red light camera ticket results in a $167 CAD fine issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. Because the camera does not identify the driver, this ticket does not result in any ICBC penalty points or affect your car insurance premiums.
Opening your mail to find a violation ticket with photos of your car running an intersection can be a frustrating surprise. 📸 The City of Vancouver and the provincial government operate the Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) program, which automatically captures images of vehicles entering an intersection on a red light, and in some locations, vehicles that are excessively speeding. Understanding how these tickets work in British Columbia is crucial so you do not panic needlessly about your driving record.
A common misconception is that a camera ticket is exactly the same as being pulled over by a Vancouver Police officer. This is not the case. Under BC law, camera tickets operate on the principle of owner liability. This means the fine is attached to the vehicle’s licence plate, not the individual who was behind the wheel. This guide will walk you through what to do when you receive an automated ticket in the mail.
Step-by-Step Process for Handling a Camera Ticket in BC
When you receive the ticket package in the mail, it will include high-resolution photos of your vehicle, the licence plate, and the exact time the light turned red. 🔍 You have 30 days from the date of the notice to take action. Ignoring it is not an option, as the fine will be sent to collections and prevent you from renewing your vehicle insurance.
Step 1: Review the Violation Ticket and Photos
Look closely at the provided evidence. Ensure that the licence plate clearly matches your vehicle and that the vehicle make and model look correct. Occasionally, the camera misreads a dirty or obscured plate. If the car in the photo is definitely not yours, you have strong grounds to dispute the ticket immediately.
Step 2: Choose to Pay or Dispute
If the ticket is valid, paying it is usually the simplest route. If you pay within 30 days, you receive a $25 CAD discount. 💳 You can pay online through the PayBC website, by phone, or at your local Service BC centre or court registry. If you wish to dispute the allegation or request a fine reduction due to financial hardship, you must complete the Notice of Dispute form included with the ticket and mail it in.
Step 3: Transferring Liability (If Applicable)
What if you were not the one driving? Since the ticket does not carry ICBC penalty points, many owners simply ask the person who borrowed the car to pay the fine. However, if you leased or rented the vehicle, or if the car was stolen at the time of the offence, you can submit a sworn statement to the court proving you were not in possession of the vehicle to have the ticket cancelled.
How Much Does it Cost in Vancouver?
Automated enforcement tickets strictly involve financial penalties. 💵 Because there are no ICBC points, you do not have to worry about the Driver Penalty Point (DPP) premium. Here are the standard fines in BC as of April 2026.
| Type of Camera Ticket | Standard Fine (CAD) | If Paid Within 30 Days (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Light Camera Ticket | $167 CAD | $142 CAD |
| Speed on Green Camera Ticket | $138 to $196 CAD | $113 to $171 CAD |
| Excessive Speed Camera Ticket | $368 to $483 CAD | $343 to $458 CAD |
Be aware that some intersection cameras in Vancouver are dual-purpose. They catch both red light runners and drivers who speed through the intersection on a green or yellow light. Always observe the posted speed limit.
How Long Does the Process Take?
After the camera flashes, it typically takes 2 to 4 weeks for the ticket to be verified by an enforcement officer and mailed to the registered owner’s address. 📬 From the day you receive the ticket, you have 30 days to either pay the fine or file a dispute. If you choose to dispute it at the Vancouver Provincial Court, you may wait 6 to 12 months for your hearing date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will a red light camera ticket increase my car insurance?
No. Camera tickets are issued to the registered owner and do not result in a conviction on your personal driver’s abstract. Therefore, it will not trigger an increase in your ICBC insurance premiums or result in penalty points.
Can I see the video of the intersection?
Generally, you are only provided with still photographs showing your vehicle behind the stop line when the light is red, and then inside the intersection while the light is still red. Video footage is not typically mailed with the violation ticket.
Do I need a law firm to fight a camera ticket?
Most drivers do not hire a lawyer for a camera ticket because there are no penalty points at risk and the legal fees would cost more than the fine itself. However, if it is a commercial vehicle issue, consulting a lawyer might be beneficial.
What happens if I just ignore the camera ticket?
If you ignore the ticket, you will be deemed guilty after 30 days. The outstanding debt will be sent to ICBC, and you will be blocked from renewing your vehicle insurance or your driver’s licence until the fine is paid in full.
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