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 Virginia, running a red light is considered a traffic violation and is illegal under state law. Violators can receive a ticket, which may result in fines, demerit points on their driving record, and potentially higher insurance rates. Virginia allows the use of automated red-light cameras as an enforcement tool. These cameras capture images of vehicles and their license plates when they run red lights. The registered owner of the vehicle typically receives a citation in the mail. The use of red-light cameras in Virginia has been upheld by the courts, despite some controversy and claims that they may infringe on Constitutional rights. Local ordinances may have additional regulations regarding the implementation and operation of red-light cameras, but overall, they are a recognized method of traffic enforcement in the state.