Running a red light in Australian Capital Territory: Demerit Points & Fine (2026-27)

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.