Running a red light is illegal in all states and a ticket or citation for the infraction or offense may lead to a significant fine, demerit points on a driver’s license or driving record, and increased insurance premiums (upon conviction, guilty plea, or plea of no contest).

Due to limited resources many states use automated red-light cameras—also known as photo enforcement—to take a digital photograph of a vehicle (and its license plate) that violates the red light or traffic signal by entering the intersection and failing to stop after the light has turned red. The use of red-light cameras to issue traffic tickets or citations (mailed to the driver) has been controversial, with claims that it violates Constitutional rights.

Laws vary from state to state and in some states red-light cameras are a permitted enforcement tool; in some states they are prohibited; and in some states they are prohibited unless permitted by a local ordinance (city or town).

In Maine, the use of red-light cameras is not permitted for traffic enforcement. Running a red light is considered a traffic violation and is illegal under Maine law. Violators can be subject to fines, demerit points on their driving record, and potential increases in insurance premiums. These penalties are typically enforced following a traffic stop by a law enforcement officer who witnesses the violation. Since automated red-light cameras are not used in Maine, concerns regarding their constitutionality and the issuance of tickets via mail do not apply within the state. Drivers are expected to adhere to traffic signals, and failure to stop at a red light can result in direct legal consequences as determined by state traffic laws.