Cincinnati, OH Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)

1, the city adopted photographic enforcement for red-light violations of § 502-19(c) and speed violations of § 506-8. The Police Department must publish notice in a local newspaper for at least 14 consecutive days before turning on a camera at a new location and post a sign there; for the camera's first 30 days of operation, only warnings may issue, no tickets. An officer must review each image, confirming the date, time, and legible plate, before a ticket goes out by first-class mail within 30 days of the violation.

A recipient has 21 days to pay the $100 penalty, submit proof of non-liability (the vehicle was leased/rented to someone else, or the vehicle or plate was reported stolen), or request a hearing. Appeals require a written request plus a deposit equal to the penalty; a hearing officer appointed by the Police Department must hold the hearing within 10 days and rule within 3 days, weighing defenses such as a late-mailed ticket, yielding to an emergency vehicle or funeral procession, a stolen plate reported within 48 hours, an illegible or malfunctioning camera image, or convincing evidence someone else was driving.

Civil penalties under this section are not moving violations, carry no BMV points, and are not reported to any state's motor vehicle bureau. Failing to respond within 21 days waives the right to contest liability and adds another $100 penalty; penalties unpaid after 30 days are pursued by civil suit or other collection means.