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Richmond, VA Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Program basis
Va. Code § 15.2-968.1
Max penalty
$50, no court costs
Administrator
Chief Administrative Officer
Data misuse penalty
$1,000 civil fine
Related program
School zone speed cameras, Sec. 27-132

Summary

Richmond runs a traffic signal enforcement program using red light cameras under state authority, capping penalties at $50 per violation with no court costs and no license points, administered by the Chief Administrative Officer.

There is hereby established a traffic signal enforcement program pursuant to and in accordance with Code of Virginia, § 15.2-968.1. The program shall include the installation and operation of traffic light signal violation monitoring systems in a number up to the maximum number of traffic light signal violation monitoring systems permitted by State law...The operator of a vehicle shall be liable for a monetary penalty imposed pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 15.2-968.1 and this section if such vehicle is found, as evidenced by information obtained from a traffic light signal violation monitoring system, to have failed to comply with a traffic light signal within the City. No monetary penalty imposed under this section shall exceed $50.00, nor shall it include court costs.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).

Full Breakdown

1, codified as Sec. 1, allowing installation and operation of traffic light signal violation monitoring systems, up to the maximum number state law permits, only after all statutory prerequisites are met at a given intersection. The Chief Administrative Officer has authority to implement the program, promulgate rules and regulations consistent with state law, and ensure the program's compliance. 1(I). 00 and excluding court costs, if the vehicle is shown by monitoring-system evidence to have run a red light within the City. 00 civil penalty. Richmond separately operates photo speed monitoring in active highway work zones, active school crossing zones, and certified high-risk intersection segments under Sec. 00 for later violations, revenue split between the City's Vision Zero Action Plan Fund and the Commonwealth Transportation Board depending on the camera location.

Violations & Fines

Running a red light captured by a monitoring system is a civil, not criminal, penalty capped at $50.00 with no court costs and prosecuted as a traffic infraction rather than assessed against a driver's license record. Unlawfully disclosing camera-collected personal data is a separate $1,000.00 civil penalty under Sec. 27-131(d)(2).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Richmond red light camera ticket?
Sec. 27-131 caps the civil monetary penalty at $50.00 and excludes court costs; the violation is a civil infraction against the vehicle, not a criminal charge or an addition to the driver's license record.
Who runs Richmond's red light camera program?
The Chief Administrative Officer implements the traffic signal enforcement program under Sec. 27-131, and the Police Department may contract with a private vendor for installation and operation, subject to City procurement rules and state restrictions.
Does Richmond also use speed cameras?
Yes, separately from red light cameras. Sec. 27-132 authorizes photo speed monitoring in active highway work zones, active school crossing zones, and certified high-risk intersection segments, with penalties of $50 for a first violation and $100 for later ones.

Sources & Official References

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