Richmond Activates First 4 Red Light Cameras with 30-Day Grace Period

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Richmond has activated the first four of 10 planned red light cameras across the city, with a 30-day grace period starting on Friday where drivers will receive warnings rather than fines for running red lights. The cameras are located at four intersections, and the remaining six cameras will be activated at later dates.

Why it matters

Red light cameras are a controversial traffic enforcement tool, with some seeing them as an important public safety measure and others criticizing them as revenue generators for local governments. This initial rollout in Richmond will likely generate debate around the effectiveness and fairness of the program.

The details

The four new red light cameras are located at the intersections of 25th and Main streets, Belvidere and Cary streets, Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park Boulevard, and Chamberlayne and Laburnum avenues. After the 30-day warning period ends, drivers caught running red lights will face $50 fines. The remaining six cameras in Richmond's red light camera program will be activated at future undisclosed locations.

• The new red light cameras went online on Friday, January 30, 2026.
• The initial 30-day grace period began on Friday, January 30, 2026.

What’s next

After the 30-day grace period ends, the city will begin issuing $50 fines to drivers caught running red lights at the four camera locations. The remaining six cameras in the program will be activated at future dates.