Photo Radar, Red Light Cameras & Automated Speed Enforcement in Ontario

How Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Works

ASE cameras are fixed cameras in designated school zones and community safety zones. They photograph vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit. The ticket goes to the registered owner of the vehicle — not necessarily the driver.

• Ticket issued as an owner's certificate of offence under the HTA
• Fines are the same as regular speeding fines ($2.50–$9.75/km over)
• No demerit points — because it is an owner's liability offence, not a driver's
• No impact on your driving record or insurance
• Owner can pay, dispute at a hearing, or request a meeting with a prosecutor

Red Light Camera Tickets

Red light cameras photograph vehicles entering an intersection after the signal turns red. Similarly, the notice goes to the registered owner.

• Fine: $260 + a 20% victim surcharge (total ~$312)
• No demerit points assigned (owner liability, not driver)
• No effect on insurance directly — though insurers can see licence abstract notes

Can I Dispute an ASE or Red Light Camera Ticket?

Yes — you have two options:

• Request a meeting with a prosecutor: You can argue the circumstances (e.g., emergency, camera malfunction) and potentially get the fine reduced or the charge withdrawn.
• Request a trial: At trial, you can challenge whether the camera was properly calibrated, whether the image clearly identifies your vehicle, and whether proper signage was posted.

One effective argument: the owner is not liable if they can identify who was driving at the time and that person was not the registered owner. The burden then shifts to the prosecution to prove the owner was driving.

Do ASE Tickets Affect Insurance Premiums?

Generally no — because there are no demerit points, most insurers do not rate ASE convictions. However, the certificate of conviction does appear on the vehicle owner'splate record, which some insurers may review at renewal. Always review your insurance policy terms.

Officer-Issued Speeding vs. ASE — Key Differences