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 North Carolina, running a red light is considered a traffic violation and is illegal under state law. Violators may receive a ticket or citation, which can result in fines, points on their driving record, and potentially higher insurance rates. North Carolina does permit the use of automated red-light cameras to enforce traffic laws. These cameras capture images of vehicles and their license plates as they run red lights. The citations are then typically mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The use of these cameras has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it infringes on constitutional rights. However, in North Carolina, the use of red-light cameras is regulated by state statutes, and the revenue generated from these citations is often allocated to support local education systems. It's important to note that the specifics of red-light camera enforcement can vary by locality within the state, and drivers should be aware of the regulations in their particular area.