Got a camera ticket in Washington, DC?
Here's how to check it's real, what it costs, and where to pay or contest it. Use the official city pages linked below for anything to do with your ticket.
Official links
Is it real?
Photo citations are mailed to the registered owner, who is liable even if someone else was driving; you can view the images online with the citation number and PIN. (official source)
DC DMV warned about phishing emails claiming an 'unsatisfied photo enforcement ticket'; real photo tickets and unpaid-ticket notices come by US mail, and DMV emails only people enrolled in its ticket alert service. (official source)
Never pay through a link in a text message. Type the city's address into your browser yourself, or use the links on this page.
What it costs
| Camera | Band | Fine | Points | First-offence warning | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red light | right on red without stopping | $100 | — | no | official page |
| Red light | pass red signal | $150 | — | no | official page |
| Speed | 11-15 over | $100 | 2 | no | official page |
| Speed | 16-20 over | $150 | — | no | official page |
| Speed | 21-25 over | $200 | 5 | no | official page |
| Speed | 26+ over (controlled-access road) | $400 | 5 | no | official page |
| Speed | 26+ over (other roads) | $500 | 5 | no | official page |
| Stop sign | any violation | $100 | — | no | official page |
If DMV doesn't receive payment within 30 calendar days of the date a photo ticket was mailed, a penalty equal to the fine is added. (official source)
A vehicle can be booted once it has two or more unpaid parking and/or photo tickets more than 60 days old; booted vehicles can be towed, and all fines and fees must be paid before release. (official source)
Contesting it
Photo tickets can be contested online, by mail or at a walk-in hearing within 60 calendar days of issue, but must be paid or contested within 30 days to avoid a penalty equal to the fine; after 60 days you need a Motion to Vacate Judgment, filed within 120 days. (official source)
The city explains how to request a hearing on its official dispute page.
Payment plans and reduced fines
DMV no longer sets up ticket payment plans; that authority moved to the Office of Finance and Treasury's Central Collection Unit, which you reach first through 311 or (202) 737-4404. (official source)
Points and your record
DMV does not put driver's-license points on parking or photo tickets. The STEER Act's separate vehicle point system for camera tickets was still being developed as of DMV's early-2026 answers to the DC Council. (official source)
Quick answers
- How do I know a Washington, DC camera ticket is real?
- Photo citations are mailed to the registered owner, who is liable even if someone else was driving; you can view the images online with the citation number and PIN.
- How long do I have to contest it?
- Photo tickets can be contested online, by mail or at a walk-in hearing within 60 calendar days of issue, but must be paid or contested within 30 days to avoid a penalty equal to the fine; after 60 days you need a Motion to Vacate Judgment, filed within 120 days.
- Does it go on my driving record?
- DMV does not put driver's-license points on parking or photo tickets. The STEER Act's separate vehicle point system for camera tickets was still being developed as of DMV's early-2026 answers to the DC Council.
- What happens if I don't pay?
- If DMV doesn't receive payment within 30 calendar days of the date a photo ticket was mailed, a penalty equal to the fine is added. A vehicle can be booted once it has two or more unpaid parking and/or photo tickets more than 60 days old; booted vehicles can be towed, and all fines and fees must be paid before release.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Camera Tickets USA is independent and not affiliated with Washington, DC or any government agency. We never ask for ticket numbers or license plates.
Washington, DC camera ticket statistics · Ticket cost calculator