Running a red light: the points, the fine and the camera
Going through a red light means 3 penalty points. Most people are offered a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 points. If it goes to court, the fine is usually about half a week's take-home pay, and it cannot be more than £1,000.
On its own, it will not get you banned. It can if the 3 points take you to 12, or if you passed your test less than two years ago and already have 3 points.
Check your own case →About two minutes. It goes straight to the questions about going through a red light. Your answers stay on your device.
At a glance
| Points on your licence | 3 |
|---|---|
| Fixed penalty, if offered | £100 and 3 points. Some police forces offer a driver awareness course instead |
| Fine at court | Usually 25% to 75% of a week’s take-home pay (Band A) |
| Most the fine can be | £1,000 |
| Ban | Very unlikely on its own. Automatic if the points take you to 12 |
| Offence code | TS10 |
What the law says
When a traffic light is red, you must not cross the white stop line. The offence is crossing the line after the light has turned red. If your front wheels were already over the line when it changed, you have not committed it.
Amber means stop, unless you have already crossed the line or are so close that stopping might cause a collision. In practice, red-light cameras only record vehicles that cross the line after the light has turned red.
The offence code on your licence is TS10. The same code covers stop signs, no entry signs and some other signs that carry points.
How you are caught
Most cases come from a camera. It usually takes two pictures: one as you cross the line, and one a moment later. Both show the light, and how long it had been red.
The police then write to the registered keeper and ask who was driving. You must answer that letter within 28 days, even if you think the camera was wrong. Not answering is a separate offence with 6 points. Our guide to naming the driver explains it.
Fixed penalty, course or court?
If the 3 points would not take you to 12, you will usually be offered a fixed penalty: £100 and 3 points. Some police forces offer a driver awareness course instead, with no points.
If you turn it down, or the police send it to court, the fine is set on your income. Court also means a victim surcharge and costs on top, so it usually costs more than the fixed penalty.
If you already have 9 points or more, 3 more take you to 12, which normally means a ban of at least six months. Our guide to 12 points and totting up explains it. If you passed your test less than two years ago, reaching 6 points means the DVLA takes your licence away.
Your fine, on your income
If your case goes to court, the fine is a share of your weekly income after tax, up to £1,000. Put your figures in for an estimate. Nothing you type leaves this page.
How the court gets from your income to a fine is explained on the court fine calculator page.
Is there a defence?
Most red-light cases are clear from the pictures, but check these:
- Were you over the line before it turned red? Ask for the pictures. They should show where your car was when the light changed.
- Were you warned in time? The police must warn you at the time, or send a notice to the registered keeper within 14 days. If neither happened, the case may fail.
- Were you the driver? You must still say who was, but you do not have to accept the offence if it was not you.
- Was the camera working properly? It must be an approved type and properly set up. If you have doubts, ask for the pictures and the records that go with them.
Moving over the line to let an ambulance or police car through is not a legal defence. But the police often take no action when the pictures show it. If they do, it can be a reason for the court not to give you points.
What should I do now?
- Answer the letter asking who was driving, within 28 days.
- Ask for the pictures if you are not sure about them.
- Check how many points you already have with the DVLA’s view your driving licence service.
- If it is a Single Justice Procedure Notice, our guide to the 21 days explains your options.
Check your own case →About two minutes. It goes straight to the questions about going through a red light. Your answers stay on your device.
Common questions
How many points do you get for running a red light?
Three. The court must give 3 points if you are convicted, and a fixed penalty also carries 3 points.
How much is the fine for going through a red light?
The fixed penalty is £100. At court the fine is usually about half a week's take-home pay, and the most it can be is £1,000. A victim surcharge and costs are added.
Can I do a course instead of taking points for a red light?
Some police forces offer a driver awareness course for red-light offences. It is their choice. If you are offered one and complete it, you get no points.
Is going through on amber an offence?
Amber means stop, unless you have crossed the line or are too close to stop safely. Cameras are set to record vehicles crossing after the light is red, which is the offence people are prosecuted for.
Can I be banned for going through a red light?
Not usually on its own. You can be if the 3 points take you to 12, or if you are a new driver and reach 6.
How long does TS10 stay on my licence?
Four years. Insurers will ask about it.
Sources: Road Traffic Act 1988, section 36; Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, section 1 and Schedules 1 and 2; Sentencing Council, Fail to comply with traffic sign (endorsable); the Highway Code, rule 175. This page is information about the law in England and Wales, not legal advice on your case. Law stated as at 26 September 2026.