Drivers cited for Suffolk red-light violations between 2013 and 2023 may receive refunds of up to $36 per ticket under a proposed $57.5 million class-action settlement. The agreement follows a 2024 court ruling that the county’s $30 administrative fee violated state law, although final approval still requires a court fairness hearing.
What does the proposed Suffolk settlement provide?
The proposed settlement sets aside up to $45 million for refunds to eligible motorists. It also allocates $12.5 million for attorneys’ fees and administrative costs.
Each qualifying ticket could produce a payment of up to $36, consisting of the county’s $30 administrative fee and $6 in interest. The county collected that fee in addition to the $50 state-authorized fine.
The refund fund has a cap. If an unusually large number of motorists file claims, the amount received by each driver could be less than the full $36.
Why is Suffolk paying refunds?
New York’s Appellate Division ruled in 2024 that the administrative fee violated state law. That decision opened the way for the proposed class-action settlement covering violations issued from 2013 through 2023.
According to the source article, the red-light camera program was installed under former County Executive Steve Bellone as a way to pad Suffolk’s finances. The program later became the subject of a decade-long legal fight, political pressure and a legislative effort to renew its authorization.
Steve Ruth, known as the “Red Light Robinhood,” said the program was unconstitutional and described it as a money grab. He was arrested for taking a Sawzall to the cameras and later argued that the county reduced the length of yellow lights at intersections to catch more drivers.
According to Ruth, the shorter yellow lights may have caused drivers to brake sharply, leading to alleged crashes and deaths. Ruth alleged that his research could not identify an engineer who signed off on the system. The source article does not provide independent verification of those claims.
How did the cameras become a political issue?
After the cameras were installed, Steve Ruth drew support from thousands of residents who opposed the program and increased pressure on state legislators. Then-Assemblyman Fred Thiele got a bill to renew the program through the Assembly, but no Suffolk state senator supported it.
As the authorizing legislation approached expiration, County Executive Ed Romaine announced that the camera program was finished. The legal and financial consequences continued after the operational program ended.
Will every driver receive money automatically?
No. Refunds will not be issued automatically. A claims administrator is expected to mail notices to eligible motorists and conduct a public outreach campaign explaining how to apply.
The settlement is still proposed. A court fairness hearing must take place before the agreement receives final approval, so the payout process remains subject to the court’s decision.
What to do now
- Keep any red-light camera tickets issued in Suffolk between 2013 and 2023.
- Watch for notices from the claims administrator after the settlement receives final court approval.
- Review the application instructions once the public outreach campaign begins.
- Submit a claim by the stated deadline if the notice identifies you as eligible.
- Check the amount of any refund carefully, since the capped fund could reduce the $36 maximum per ticket.
What this means for you
Drivers eligible for the settlement may recover the administrative fee and interest tied to their tickets, while the settlement will cost Suffolk County $57.5 million. Because payments are not automatic and the fund is limited, drivers should retain their records and follow the claims administrator’s instructions once the court approves the agreement.
FAQ
How much will Suffolk drivers receive under the proposed settlement?
Eligible drivers may receive up to $36 per ticket, consisting of a $30 administrative fee and $6 in interest. The amount could be lower if too many drivers file claims.
Which Suffolk red-light camera tickets qualify for a refund?
The proposed settlement covers violations issued between 2013 and 2023.
Do Suffolk drivers receive refunds automatically?
No. A claims administrator will mail notices to eligible motorists and explain how to apply. The settlement also requires a court fairness hearing before final approval.