Running a red light in New South Wales: Demerit Points & Fine (2026-27)
Penalty notice from the official NSW offence schedule, which still showed its 2025–26 amounts when re-checked on 23 September 2026 while NSW's mobile-phone page already carries the indexed 2026–27 fine, so this may sit one indexation behind; we re-stamp when the schedule updates
NSW Government offence and demerit schedule · 2026-27 schedule- Learner / provisional: School zone: $704 and 4 points. Double demerits do NOT apply to traffic light offences (dataset 'Double demerits' = No for all red-light rows).
How this penalty compares
- $562 is the 7th highest of 12 on-the-spot fines in NSW's schedule.
- At running a red light, NSW ranks 4th highest of 8 states, from TAS ($213) to QLD ($690).
| Offence | Points | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| NSW: Running a red light | 3 | $562 |
| VIC: Running a red light | 3 | $523 |
| QLD: Running a red light | 3 | $690 |
| WA: Running a red light | 3 | $300 |
| SA: Running a red light | 3 | $592 |
| TAS: Running a red light | 3 | $213 |
| ACT: Running a red light | 3 | $619 |
| NT: Running a red light | 3 | $240 |
Compare red light across states →
A red-light offence is committed when a vehicle enters an intersection after the signal has turned red, as distinct from being caught in the intersection when the light changes. Many locations combine red-light and speed detection in a single camera, so the same device may capture both kinds of offence at an intersection.
Detection is generally camera-based, with the notice issued to the registered operator of the vehicle, though police can also act on what they observe directly. Penalties are set at a meaningful level because running a red light exposes crossing traffic and pedestrians to side-impact and turning crashes, which tend to be serious. It is worth noting that red-light offences are not always included in a state's holiday double-demerit loading even where speeding and phone offences are, so the treatment can differ from what drivers expect.
The exact points and fines vary by jurisdiction and are set out in the schedules above.
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if I'm caught — running a red light in NSW?
- The standard penalty is 3 demerit points and a $562 fine.
- How close does this put me to suspension in NSW?
- 13 points within 3 years on a full (unrestricted) licence — 14 for professional drivers. This offence adds 3 points to your record.
Standard first-offence penalty for a full-licence holder unless noted. Information, not legal advice — if your licence is at stake, get legal advice.