Speed Cameras in Vancouver: A Driver’s Guide For 2025

You’re running late for work and roll through an intersection just as the light turns red. You didn’t see a flash, so you didn't get a fine, right?

Maybe not. Vancouver’s upgraded intersection cameras can now ticket drivers for both red-light and speeding violations, even without a visible flash. This guide explains where the cameras are, how much over the limit triggers a fine, and what to do if one shows up in your mailbox.

Do Speed Cameras Really Exist in Vancouver?

You might think Vancouver only has red-light cameras, but the system has changed. The province upgraded dozens of intersections with speed detection, meaning you can be fined even if the light is green.

There are 140 Intersection Safety Cameras across British Columbia, with 35 in Metro Vancouver that also record speeding. These aren’t hidden vans or highway traps — they’re fixed cameras at major intersections like Boundary and 49th, Kingsway and Joyce, and Grandview and Rupert.

How Fast Is Too Fast for a Speed Camera in BC?

You might think a few kilometres over the limit is fine, but the truth isn’t that simple. The province keeps its exact speed thresholds secret to prevent drivers from “gaming” the system.

Officials say cameras only ticket vehicles going “well over” the posted limit, but that can vary by intersection. Data shows tickets have been issued for speeds as high as 90 km/h in a 30 zone, yet someone driving 59 in a 50 usually won’t trigger a fine.

Red Light & Speed Camera Locations in Vancouver (Verified)

Vancouver doesn’t use speed cameras everywhere — only specific intersections under the Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) program.

Here are some known intersections in Vancouver that have cameras (red-light or red + speed):

• Boundary Road & E 49 Avenue

• E Hastings Street & Renfrew Street

• Grandview Highway & Rupert Street

• Granville Street & King Edward Avenue

• Kingsway & Joyce Street

What Happens When You Get a Camera Ticket in BC

You won’t find a ticket tucked under your wiper or handed to you by police. It’s mailed to the registered owner after the violation is reviewed and confirmed by RoadSafetyBC.

The fine is usually $167 for a red-light ticket or $120 to $480 for speeding, depending on how far over the limit you were going. Pay within 30 days to save $25, or dispute it within 45 days to fight it in court.

Should You Pay or Dispute a Speed Camera Ticket?

Most people pay the fine and move on, but that isn’t your only option. There’s no extra penalty for disputing, and some tickets get withdrawn if the evidence package is incomplete.

Lawyers in British Columbia say to dispute only if you have a clear reason, such as an error in your vehicle plate, date, or camera calibration. If the photo and data are solid, it’s often cheaper and faster to pay early and take the $25 discount.

What Happens If You Dispute a Speed Camera Ticket

Filing a dispute doesn’t mean standing in front of a judge right away. You’ll first receive a court date, and the province must provide disclosure showing the photo, time, and equipment details.

If the evidence is missing or incorrect, the case can be thrown out. If it’s complete, the judge decides based on the documents, not the officer, and there are usually no extra court costs for trying.

Is Photo Radar Back in BC?

You might have heard that photo radar is returning to British Columbia. The truth is more complicated.

The old photo radar vans from the 1990s were scrapped after public backlash, but today’s Intersection Safety Cameras serve a similar purpose. The difference is transparency: these cameras are fixed, publicly listed, and focused on high-risk intersections rather than random roadside traps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Speed and Red Light Cameras in Vancouver

1. Does Vancouver have speed cameras?

Yes. Vancouver’s intersection cameras can now ticket drivers for both red-light and speeding violations at select intersections.

2. How much over the speed limit can you go in BC?

The province doesn’t publish an exact number, but tickets are issued only to vehicles going well over the limit. Someone driving 59 in a 50 zone usually won’t get fined.

3. Do red light cameras flash in Vancouver?

Some do, but newer cameras use invisible infrared light instead of a visible flash. You might not notice anything when the photo is taken.

4. How do I know if I got a red-light or speed ticket in BC?

You’ll receive a ticket by mail if your vehicle was recorded breaking the law. It’s sent to the registered owner, not necessarily the driver.

5. How much are the fines?

Red-light tickets cost $167, and speeding fines range from $120 to $480 depending on how far over the limit you were. Pay within 30 days to save $25.

6. Will I get demerit points?

No. Camera tickets don’t add points to your licence because they’re issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver.

7. Is it worth disputing a camera ticket?

You can dispute without extra penalties if you believe the evidence is wrong or incomplete. If everything checks out, it’s usually faster and cheaper to pay early.

What to Remember About Vancouver’s Speed Cameras

Speed cameras aren’t everywhere in Vancouver, but the ones that exist are active and accurate. They’ve changed how drivers get caught, with mailed tickets replacing roadside stops.

If you see a flash—or even if you don’t—it’s worth knowing what comes next. Check your mail, understand the fine, and make an informed choice about whether to pay or dispute.