Suffolk County drivers could get money back from red-light tickets

Got a red-light camera ticket in Suffolk County? Check your mailbox — you could be getting a refund.

A class-action settlement reached in a nearly decade-long lawsuit will send up to $45 million back to drivers who were charged what was deemed to be an illegal $30 administrative fee on their tickets, with eligible motorists potentially receiving as much as $36 for each one, according to NBC New York.

The lawsuit was filed in 2016 challenging the county’s decision to add the $30 administrative fee to red-light camera violations.

The county’s red-light camera tickets carried a $50 fine, but drivers were also required to pay the additional $30 fee. A court ultimately ruled that the county did not have the authority to impose the fee.

Under the settlement, eligible drivers will receive the $30 fee back, along with $6 in interest, for a total of up to $36 per qualifying ticket.

The overall value of the settlement is up to $57.5 million, which also includes attorneys’ fees and other costs. Suffolk County issued roughly 300,000 red-light camera tickets before the program was discontinued in 2024.

Not every driver who received a ticket will necessarily receive the full $36. The amount each person gets will depend on the number of eligible claims filed as part of the settlement.

According to The Shelter Island Reporter, the settlement awaits final court approval.

Once approved, the administrator, Kroll Settlement Administration, will mail claim forms and launch a digital portal where you can submit your details to get up to $36 back per ticket.

Payments are expected to begin next year.

Top: Red light camera, now offline, stationed at the corner of Route 83 and Horseblock Road in Farmingville. (GLI Photo/Nick Esposito)