Your Must-Read Guide to Red Light Traffic Tickets in the U.S.

We all know green means go and red means stop, right? So why do so many drivers — both new and experienced — end up with traffic tickets? And what's the punishment for running a red light, anyway? We spent hours researching each state's red light laws to break them down for you. And if you've gotten this kind of ticket recently, read to the end to learn what to do next.

Yellow Lights vs Red Lights

Solid yellow lightsTrending What Difference Between Solid Yellow Light And Intermittent Yellow Light I Drive Safely Defensive Driving give you a warning that your flow of traffic through the intersection will stop soon. When you see them, brake gently and come to a full stop at the marked line.

Now, running a yellow light is not illegal. If you're so close to the intersection that braking would be a hazard for other drivers, keep driving.

Red lights, on the other hand, always mean stop. 

Running a Red Light

All states have laws against running a red light. They're there to protect pedestrians and other drivers. In most cases, clearing through an intersection at a red light counts as a moving violation, and it often carries a hefty punishment.

Keep in mind that turning right on red isn't legal everywhere. For example, Nebraska allows all right turns on redSites Dmv.nebraska.gov Files Doc Manuals Engdrivermanual.pdf Dmv.nebraska.gov — unless there's a sign prohibiting it. But in New York City, you can't turn right on redAbout Dmv Chapter 4 Traffic Control 2 Dmv.ny.gov — unless a sign says you can.

Don't be caught by surprise. Get a refresher of driver's ed classes onlineDrivers Ed or by reading your state's driver's manual.

Traffic Cameras at Intersections

You can be caught running a red light even if no law enforcement is around. That's because cities across the country have installed thousands of traffic cameras. These motion-activated devices capture a picture of the license plate, which is used to track down the driver and mail them a fine.

Currently, 24 states have traffic camera programsRed Light Running Automated Enforcement Laws Topics. Cities often disclose the location of the cameras. For example, the city of Chicago publishes a map of traffic camerasEn Depts Fin Supp_info Revenue Locations_of_red Lightcameraintersections.html City. But some intersections in other parts of the country remain unmarked.

What Happens If I Run a Red Light?

Here is what you can expect to happen if you run a red light.

Racking Up Driving Points

If your state has a driver's license points systemTrending What Is Point Drivers License Defensive Driving, you're almost guaranteed to rack up some points. How many will depend on where you live. In Nebraska, you'd get 1 pointFr Nebraska Point System Dmv.nebraska.gov added to your record. In Alaska, you'd get 4 pointsDmv Akol Points.htm Doa.alaska.gov.

Paying Fines

Running a red light comes with fines Trending Getting And Paying Red Light Ticket Defensive Drivingthat can range from $60 in AlabamaPay Red Light Camera Ticket How Do I to $200 in HawaiiHighways Red Light Safety Program Hidot.hawaii.gov. And that's not including court costs and other processing fees.

Auto Insurance Price Hikes

As if all that weren't enough, often auto insurance rates go upInsurance Things That Impact Car Insurance Driving Resources after drivers break red light laws. If the violation goes on your driving record, chances are your insurer will know about it.

Beat Your Red Light Ticket with Defensive Driving

Running a red light isn't good — we know you know that. But don't let that one mistake stay on your driving record for years. Fortunately, most states give you the chance to move on by completing a defensive driving courseDefensive Driving. What's more, you can take classes fully online at your own pace with I Drive Safely. Once you're done, you'll have a clean slate to be more careful about yellow and red lights.