Suffolk County has agreed to a settlement of up to nearly $60 million to reimburse drivers for an unlawful $30 "administration fee" that was added to its now-defunct red-light camera tickets. The settlement addresses a class-action lawsuit that spanned a decade and involved fees collected between 2013 and 2023.
Under the terms of the agreement, drivers can receive up to $36 per ticket, which includes the $30 administrative fee and $6 in interest. The total payout for the county will not exceed $57.5 million for the drivers, with an additional $12.5 million allocated for legal fees and administrative costs. The exact amount each driver receives may vary depending on the number of reimbursement claims filed, as the total settlement fund remains capped.
The lawsuit, initially filed in 2016, sought to recover funds collected by both Suffolk and neighboring Nassau counties through these added surcharges. A state appellate court ruled in 2024 that the administrative fee was illegal. Former Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's administration oversaw the red-light camera program during the period in question.
Christopher Clayton, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs, stated that the resolution is fair to the class members while also safeguarding the interests of Suffolk County taxpayers. He noted that the litigation began under a previous administration and that this settlement provides a responsible conclusion, allowing the county to move forward.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine ended the county's red-light camera program in December 2024, shortly after the appellate court's ruling. Eligible drivers are expected to receive mailers with instructions on how to apply for their refunds.
Meanwhile, Nassau County is still contesting its own case, where it faces the potential repayment of $400 million for similar illegal fees. A county Supreme Court justice had previously ruled that Nassau did not have to repay drivers, a decision that is currently under appeal. Although Nassau's red-light cameras remain operational, the county has eliminated additional fees following the appellate ruling, now only charging the base $50 fine.