Cary, NC Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Civil penalty
- $50 per violation
- Unpaid/unanswered penalty
- up to $100
- Warning signage
- within 300 feet
- Camera contract cap
- 60 months, one contract
- Proceeds go to
- Wake County school fund
Summary
Town of Cary's charter authorizes traffic control photographic systems (red light cameras) to civilly enforce red-light violations, with a $50 penalty per offense and proceeds funding Wake County schools.
A traffic control photographic system is an electronic system consisting of a photographic, video, or electronic camera and a vehicle sensor installed to work in conjunction with an official traffic control device to automatically produce photographs, video, or digital images of each vehicle violating a standard traffic control statute or ordinance. ... A violation detected by a traffic control photographic system shall be deemed a noncriminal violation for which a civil penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be assessed and for which no points authorized by G.S. 20-16(c) shall be assigned.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
The Town of Cary Charter, Appendix 2, authorizes the Town to operate camera systems at intersections to catch red-light runners (G.S. 20-158) and cite the registered owner civilly rather than criminally. Owners can avoid liability with a sworn affidavit naming another driver, reporting the vehicle stolen, or showing they weren't the owner/driver, filed within 30 days. Notice must issue within 90 days of the violation. Advance warning signs are required within 300 feet of any camera, and the Town may hold only one lease or purchase contract per system, capped at 60 months.
Violations & Fines
First-detected violations carry a $50 civil penalty and no DMV or insurance points. Ignoring the citation waives the right to contest it and raises the penalty to up to $100; unpaid penalties can be pursued through civil debt collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for a Cary red light camera ticket?
Does a Cary red light camera ticket add points to my license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
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