Suffolk County to Refund Up to $57.5 million for Illegal Red-Light Ticket Fees

Suffolk County will pay back drivers up to $57.5 million after a lawsuit challenged the $30 “administration fee” that was added to red-light camera tickets from 2013 through 2023. Under the settlement, each eligible ticket can be reimbursed for $30 of the fee plus $6 in interest, with a maximum of $36 per citation, though the total pool remains fixed at $57.5 million. The fee was ruled illegal by a state appellate court in 2024, leading County Executive Ed Romaine to shut down the camera program at the end of his first year.

Plaintiff attorney Christopher Clayton called the agreement a responsible conclusion to a lengthy case that began under former County Executive Steve Bellone. Suffolk will also cover $12.5 million in legal fees and up to $45 million in additional driver payments. Meanwhile, neighboring Nassau County continues to contest a similar case involving $100 illegal fees per ticket.