Springfield, MA Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Program adopted
- FCB order, 9-11-2006
- Base fine
- $50
- Late penalty
- +$50 ($100 total)
- Appeal window
- 30 days
- School-zone speed cameras
- none in code
Summary
Springfield, Massachusetts runs an automated red-light camera civil enforcement program under City Code Ch. 385, Art. IX; violations draw a $50 fine plus a $50 late penalty. No school-zone speed cameras exist in the code.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the City of Springfield hereby adopts a civil enforcement system for automated red light system violations as outlined in this article. A fine shall be imposed on the owner of a vehicle for failure of an operator thereof to comply with traffic control indications in the City of Springfield in accordance with the provisions of this article.
B. The Springfield Police Department shall be responsible for administering the automated red light system. Specifically, the Springfield Police Department (SPD), in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, shall be empowered to install and operate automated red light systems within the City. The SPD shall maintain a list of system locations where red light camera systems are installed. The SPD shall make the determination as to which locations will be utilized. The Department of Public Works shall ensure automated red light systems remain in good working order.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Since a 2006 Finance Control Board order, Springfield has operated an automated red light system under City Code § 385-42, aimed at cutting crashes by photographing vehicles that cross the stop line or intersection plane on a steady red. The Springfield Police Department, with Public Works, installs and runs the cameras (§ 385-44) and mails a notice of liability to the registered owner, who is prima facie responsible (§§ 385-45, 385-46). The owner has 30 days to pay or appeal before a hearing officer designated by the Mayor. It is a civil, not criminal, system: liability under § 385-49 carries no license points and is not a conviction. The General Code contains no separate school-zone speed camera program.
Violations & Fines
Running a steady red light captured by camera at a system location is a civil infraction: $50 fine, rising to $100 total if unpaid within 30 days, under § 385-47.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield's red-light camera program a criminal violation?
Does Springfield have school-zone speed cameras too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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