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 West Virginia, running a red light is considered a traffic violation and is illegal under state law. Violators can be subject to fines, points on their driving record, and potential increases in insurance rates. West Virginia does not currently use automated red-light cameras for traffic enforcement. The state has specific statutes that govern traffic violations, including red light infractions, and enforcement is typically carried out by law enforcement officers rather than automated systems. While some states do employ red-light cameras and have laws that address the use of such technology, West Virginia is not among them. Therefore, concerns about the constitutionality of red-light cameras and their use in issuing citations are not applicable within the state.