Somerville, MA Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing article
- Traffic Code Art. XVIII, Sec. 18-2/18-3
- Liability basis
- Registered owner, civil not criminal
- Notice deadline
- Mailed within 40 days
- Contest deadline
- 21 days after notice
- Repeat-offense increase
- +$100 for 3rd violation/12 mo.
- Appeal venue
- Somerville District Court, 31 days
Summary
Somerville's ordinance lets the Police Department mail civil-penalty notices to vehicle owners caught by photographic monitoring systems running red lights or speeding through camera zones, with contested cases going before an administrative hearing officer.
The owner of a motor vehicle is liable for a civil penalty if the vehicle proceeds into an intersection at a system location when the traffic control signal for that vehicle's direction of travel is emitting a steady red signal. The civil penalty for Section 2(B) shall be set equal to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 89, Section 9... provided that for a third or subsequent offense in any 12-month period, the amount of the penalty shall be increased by $100.00... The imposition of a civil penalty under this chapter is not a conviction and may not be considered a conviction for any purpose.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Zoning Ordinances: Revision - CodeBank PDF Post).
Full Breakdown
c. c. 90, Section 17 for speeding, rising by $100 for a third or subsequent violation within 12 months. c. 44, Section 53E. Section 18-3 requires the Police Department to mail a notice of violation, including a recorded image showing the plate, within 40 days of the alleged violation; the notice is presumed received five days after mailing and must disclose the right to contest liability at an administrative adjudication hearing. Failure to pay or contest within 21 days under Section 18-4 is an admission of liability and adds a $50 late-payment penalty plus hearing costs if a requested hearing is skipped.
Recognized defenses under Section 18-4(H) include a malfunctioning signal, compliance with a police officer's direction, yielding to an emergency vehicle, a stolen vehicle or plate reported to police, and hazardous weather conditions. A person found liable after a hearing may appeal to Somerville District Court within 31 days. c. 89, Section 9 for the same event.
Violations & Fines
A civil penalty tied to G.L. c. 89, Section 9 (red light) or G.L. c. 90, Section 17 (speed) applies per violation, rising $100 for a third offense within 12 months; a $50 late-payment penalty and $50 hearing costs can be added under Section 18-4. Appeals of a liability finding go to Somerville District Court within 31 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Somerville red light camera ticket a criminal charge?
How long does Somerville have to mail a red light camera violation notice?
Can you appeal a red light camera fine in Somerville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Somerville
Compare Somerville to another location·View the Massachusetts mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.