Do You Have to Pay Camera Tickets in Louisiana?
If you’ve received a camera ticket in Louisiana, you’re probably wondering: Do I really have to pay this? The answer depends on where the ticket was issued, what kind of violation it was for, and the current state law.
Louisiana’s Changing Laws on Camera Tickets
Louisiana has recently tightened restrictions on traffic enforcement cameras:
Speed cameras are now limited to school zones that meet specific legal requirements. Outside of these zones, speed enforcement cameras are not authorized.
Red light cameras and other intersection cameras are still allowed in some cities, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Criminal penalties cannot be imposed solely for failing to pay a camera-issued citation that arrives in the mail. In other words, you can’t be jailed just for ignoring a mailed camera ticket.
Unpaid camera tickets are not reported to credit bureaus.
What This Means in Practice:
Speed Camera Tickets
If you received a ticket from a speed camera that wasn’t in a compliant school zone, the city may not be able to enforce it under current Louisiana law. In fact, as of August 2025, New Orleans paused issuing new speed camera tickets until school zones are updated to comply with the law.
Red Light Camera Tickets
Red light camera citations remain enforceable in many parishes. If you run a red light and receive a ticket in the mail, you will likely still be responsible for paying it.
Parking Camera Tickets
Some municipalities also issue parking camera or meter tickets. These remain civil fines, and failure to pay can result in additional penalties, such as booting or towing.
Should You Pay a Camera Ticket?
Here’s the bottom line:
Speed camera outside a legal school zone? You may not be required to pay.
Red light or parking camera ticket? These usually must be paid unless you successfully challenge them.
Unsure about your ticket? Every parish handles camera enforcement differently, and laws are evolving.
What To Do If You Receive a Camera Ticket
Check the details. Where was the ticket issued, and what violation does it claim?
Review the current law. Speed cameras outside valid school zones may not be enforceable.
Don’t ignore it completely. Even if the law is on your side, it’s better to confirm with a lawyer before throwing a ticket away.
Call an attorney. A lawyer can determine whether your ticket is enforceable and may be able to get it dismissed or reduced.
Conclusion
So, do you currently have to pay camera tickets in Louisiana?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Speed camera tickets are restricted, but red light and parking camera tickets are still enforceable in many places.
If you’ve received a traffic camera ticket and aren’t sure whether you need to pay—or if you want help fighting it—give us a call. It never hurts to have a candid conversation with an attorney about your options. If you have any questions, call me at 504-300-8338 to discuss. Remember … When No One’s Carin’ Call McLaren!