Let’s be honest—seeing that dreaded envelope in your mailbox or noticing a flash while driving can ruin your day. Whether you’re rushing to work on the 401 or trying to beat the light at a quiet downtown intersection, Toronto’s red light cameras are always watching. And if you’ve been caught, you’re probably wondering: how can I find out for sure?
Luckily, checking a red light camera ticket in Toronto doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. In fact, there are simple ways to do it, and I’m here to walk you through the 4 easiest ones. I’ve learned the ropes the hard way, and now I want to save you the time and headache.
Before we jump in, here’s a quick look at why this matters:
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Red light camera tickets in Toronto don’t affect your driving record, but they come with a hefty $325 fine.
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You’ll get them in the mail if the car is registered in your name—but what if you moved, or never got the letter?
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Ignoring a ticket can lead to additional penalties when you renew your license plate.
So, let’s break it all down together. Whether you’re checking out of curiosity or urgency, here are the 4 best ways to look up a red light camera ticket in Toronto.
1. Check Online Through the City of Toronto’s Court Services
The most straightforward and official way to look up a red light camera ticket in Toronto is through the City of Toronto’s Court Services website. They’ve made the process easy, secure, and available 24/7.
I’ve used this service myself when I couldn’t find the ticket I got months ago. It’s a lifesaver, especially when you’re unsure about the details.
Here’s how you can do it:
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Go to the City of Toronto’s “View and Pay Your Tickets” page.
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Enter either your ticket number or your driver’s license number.
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You’ll see all unpaid tickets linked to your vehicle or license.
This method is especially helpful if you lost your original notice or didn’t receive one due to a move or mail error. Just make sure your license plate or ticket number is correct, and you’ll get everything you need.
Pro Tip: Always screenshot your results or save a PDF. You never know when you’ll need proof!
Why it’s great: It’s quick, reliable, and it shows all the details (fine amount, due date, status).
2. Call or Visit a Toronto Provincial Offences Court Office
Sometimes, good old-fashioned human interaction is the way to go. If the online method feels overwhelming or isn’t working, give your local court office a ring. When I had issues with a duplicate ticket showing up twice, a helpful clerk cleared it up in five minutes.
Here’s what you’ll need when you call:
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Your license plate number or ticket number
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Your driver’s license for identification
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A few minutes of patience
If you prefer face-to-face help, you can also visit a Toronto Provincial Offences Court in person. They’ll print out your ticket details, explain the options, and even help you with a payment plan if needed.
Why this works: You get real-time help and answers from someone who knows the system.
3. Use the ServiceOntario Platform for License Plate Checks
If you’re not sure whether a red light ticket exists but want to be sure before renewing your license plate or buying a used car, ServiceOntario offers a great tool for this.
Here’s how it works:
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Go to the ServiceOntario website.
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Use their “Check for Outstanding Fines” tool.
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Enter your license plate number.
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You’ll see any unpaid fines, including red light tickets.
This is especially helpful for anyone who:
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Just bought a used vehicle in Ontario
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Thinks a family member might have used their car and got a ticket
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Is nearing a plate renewal date and doesn’t want a surprise
I once found an unpaid parking fine from two years ago using this. Saved me from an unexpected renewal block.
Bonus Tip: Always check this before transferring car ownership or renewing your plate.
4. Receive Email or Text Reminders with MyTORONTO Pay
One of the most convenient ways to manage your red light tickets is to sign up for MyTORONTO Pay. It’s a digital hub where you can view and pay all city fines, including red light camera tickets.
Once registered, you’ll get:
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Email or text alerts when a new ticket is issued
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A complete history of all city fines
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The ability to pay instantly by credit card
This tool is perfect if you’re like me and forget things unless you’re pinged about them. I added my email and got notified about a ticket the same day it was issued.
Here’s what you’ll need to sign up:
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Your license plate or driver’s license number
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A valid email address
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A few clicks, and you’re done!
Why it’s smart: You stay in the loop, avoid missing payment deadlines, and can manage everything in one place.
4 Easy Ways to Lookup Red Light Camera Tickets in Toronto
Method | Best For | Time Needed | Available 24/7? | Requires Ticket Number? |
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City of Toronto Website | Fast, reliable info lookup | 2-5 minutes | Yes | Optional (License OK) |
Phone/In-Person Court Office | Personalized help or disputed tickets | 10-20 mins | No (Office hours) | Preferred |
ServiceOntario Plate Check | Quick fine check before plate renewals | 2-5 minutes | Yes | License Plate Needed |
MyTORONTO Pay | Ongoing alerts and mobile payment options | 5 minutes | Yes | License/Ticket Number |
Why Being Proactive Saves You Time and Money
Let me tell you from experience: waiting around or ignoring a red light camera ticket won’t make it go away. If anything, it makes life harder. Late fees can add up, and if you try to renew your license plate, you’ll hit a wall.
In one case, I found out a ticket had been unpaid for 7 months because I moved and the notice went to my old address. Luckily, I checked online just before my plate renewal. If I hadn’t, I would’ve been driving illegally without even realizing it.
This is why staying proactive with these tools—especially MyTORONTO Pay and the ServiceOntario check—is such a game-changer.
Why Aaxel Insurance Recommends Knowing Your Red Light Camera Ticket Status
Now, you might be wondering, why is an insurance company like Aaxel Insurance talking about red light camera tickets? Simple. Because traffic fines matter, even if they don’t impact your driving record directly.
Aaxel Insurance, known for their deep roots in Toronto’s driving community, often helps clients navigate the murky waters of fines, renewals, and car-related legal stress. They’ve seen firsthand how ignoring a red light ticket can spiral into bigger issues—like delays in coverage or policy hiccups.
Here’s what Aaxel recommends:
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Always check for tickets regularly—even if you think you’re in the clear.
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Keep your address updated with the Ministry of Transportation.
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Use online tools to monitor your status, especially before plate renewals.
They’ve built a reputation for not just helping you get insured, but also helping you stay informed. That kind of care goes a long way.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Flash
Nobody likes getting a ticket—especially when it’s a sneaky red light camera that caught you in the blink of an eye. But knowing how to look up a red light camera ticket in Toronto makes a huge difference in how stressful (or not) the process becomes.
The best part? These tools are free, easy to use, and can save you hundreds in late fees or plate renewal delays. You’ve got options—use them!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from driving in Toronto, it’s this: The flash might surprise you, but the aftermath shouldn’t.
So next time you see that flash or get that letter, don’t panic. You’ve got four simple ways to check it, fix it, and move on.
Stay safe out there, and drive like your insurance depends on it—because sometimes, it just might.