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 New York, running a red light is considered a traffic violation and is illegal under the state's Vehicle and Traffic Law. Violators may be subject to fines, points on their driving record, and potential increases in insurance rates. New York permits the use of automated red-light cameras as an enforcement tool. These cameras capture images of vehicles and their license plates as they run red lights, and citations are then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The use of red-light cameras in New York has been upheld by courts despite controversies and challenges based on constitutional grounds. The specifics of red-light camera enforcement, including locations and fines, may vary by municipality within the state.