NSW Red-Light Cameras
Red-light cameras are among the most misunderstood devices on the road — half the drivers who get a ticket swear the light was still amber. Here's exactly what triggers one in NSW, the crucial difference between a plain red-light camera and a combined red-light speed camera, and how Ghost warns you before the intersection.
What actually triggers the camera
A red-light camera does not photograph everyone who passes. It arms only once the signal is already red, and it captures a vehicle that crosses the stop line and enters the intersection after that point. Two images are typically taken — one at the stop line and one further into the intersection — to prove the car proceeded through on the red.
The amber myth
Entering on a yellow (amber) light does not trigger the camera. Amber means stop if it's safe to do so; if you're already too close to pull up safely, proceeding through on amber is legal and the camera won't fire. The ticket comes only when you cross after the light has gone red.
Red-light camera vs red-light speed camera
| Device | What it enforces |
|---|---|
| Red-light only | Running the red light — entering the intersection after the signal turns red. |
| Red-light + speed | Both offences from one device: running the red and exceeding the speed limit through the intersection — even when the light is green. |
Most newer NSW intersection cameras are the combined type. That's the trap: drivers slow for the red-light aspect but forget the same unit is clocking their speed on a green. If you're over the limit crossing on green, it can still book you.
Penalties
Running a red light in NSW carries demerit points and a fine, with double demerits during declared holiday periods. A combined camera can issue a separate speeding penalty on top, scaled to how far over the limit you were. Because the exact dollar figures and point values are updated periodically, check Revenue NSW for the current schedule rather than relying on old numbers.
Where they are
Red-light and red-light speed camera locations in NSW are signposted and published by Transport for NSW — they're not hidden. They cluster at high-crash intersections, major arterial crossings, and pedestrian-heavy junctions. Because the positions are fixed, Ghost can load them and warn you reliably every time.
Never get surprised by an intersection
Ghost maps NSW's red-light & speed camera sites and chimes as you approach — plus live driver reports for mobile units and police.
Open Ghost free →How Ghost helps at intersections
- Approach alert — an amber bar and chime fire ~350 m before a known red-light/speed camera, filtered to your direction.
- Speed limit sign — the current limit shows on screen so you don't get caught by the speed half of a combined camera.
- Live reports — other drivers flag police and mobile cameras nearby in real time. See how →
Frequently asked questions
Does a red-light camera fine you for speeding too?
Many NSW cameras are combined units. They can penalise you for entering on a red and, separately, for speeding through the intersection — including on a green light.
What triggers a red-light camera in NSW?
It arms only when the light is already red and captures vehicles that cross the stop line and enter after that. Entering on amber does not trigger it.
Are the camera locations public?
Yes — they're signposted and published by Transport for NSW. Ghost loads them and alerts you on approach.
Can I be fined if the light was amber when I entered?
No. The offence is entering after the signal has turned red. If you lawfully proceeded on amber, the camera won't fire.
Penalties, demerit points and camera policy change over time. For the authoritative, current position check Transport for NSW and Revenue NSW. This guide is general information, not legal advice.