Columbus, OH Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Red-light fine
- $95 administrative fine
- School-zone speeding fine
- $95, or $146 if 20+ mph over
- Governing chapter
- Columbus City Codes Chapter 2115
- Points assessed
- None - not a moving violation
- Appeal path
- Hearing officer, then Franklin County Municipal Court
Summary
Columbus's photo traffic enforcement program uses cameras to ticket red-light runners and school-zone speeders, with $95 administrative fines mailed to vehicle owners under Columbus City Code Chapter 2115.
A "violation" is either of the following: (1) a vehicle has crossed the stop line in a system location when the traffic control signal for that vehicle's direction of travel is emitting a steady red light... unless one or more pedestrians are present in, or are about to enter, the crosswalk. (2) a vehicle has exceeded the maximum speed limit, as specified in Columbus City Code Section 2133.03, in a school zone or adjacent to a park, public swimming pool, commercial swimming pool, or recreation center.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 2115 authorizes photo enforcement at intersections and in school zones, adjacent to parks, and near swimming pools and recreation centers. Cameras record red-light violations - crossing the stop line on steady red - and speeding above the posted limit, but the code exempts permissible right turns on red made without a pedestrian in the crosswalk. A police officer must review each image before a notice of liability goes out by mail within 30 days. Fines run $95, rising to $146 for drivers going more than 20 mph over the school-zone limit; owners can contest citations before a hearing officer and then appeal to Franklin County Municipal Court.
Violations & Fines
A red-light or school-zone speed camera hit brings a $95 administrative fine by mail - $146 if going over 20 mph above the school-zone limit; it carries no BMV points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Columbus red-light camera ticket add points to my license?
Can I get out of a Columbus photo enforcement ticket if I wasn't driving?
Will Columbus ticket me for turning right on red?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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