No, red light camera tickets in Ohio do not go on your driving record. They are generally considered civil infractions, not moving violations.
Understanding Red Light Camera Tickets in Ohio
In Ohio, automated traffic enforcement tickets, such as those issued by red light cameras, are treated differently from traditional traffic citations issued by a police officer. This distinction is crucial for understanding their impact on your driving record.
Key Characteristics of Camera Tickets:
- Civil Infraction: Unlike a moving violation that results from an officer witnessing an offense, camera tickets are typically classified as civil infractions. This means they are more akin to a parking ticket than a speeding ticket.
- No BMV Reporting: The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) does not receive reports of these infractions. Consequently, they do not appear on your official driving record.
- No Driver's License Points: Since these tickets are not reported to the BMV and are not considered moving violations, they do not result in points being added to your driver's license.
- Vehicle Owner Responsibility: The ticket is usually issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving at the time of the alleged infraction.
Comparing Camera Tickets vs. Moving Violations
To better illustrate the difference, here's a comparison:
| Aspect | Red Light Camera Ticket (Ohio) | Traditional Moving Violation (Ohio) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact on Driving Record | No (Civil Infraction) | Yes (Goes on Driving Record) |
| Reporting to BMV | No | Yes |
| Points Added to License | No | Yes (Potentially) |
| Nature of Offense | Civil | Criminal/Traffic |
| Liability | Vehicle owner | Driver |
| Impact on Insurance | Generally no direct impact | Can increase insurance premiums |
Practical Implications
While a red light camera ticket won't affect your driving record or result in points, it's still a financial penalty. Failure to pay these tickets can lead to late fees or collection efforts by the municipality that issued the ticket. However, it will not lead to license suspension or appear on your driving history report.
