Suffolk County Red-Light Camera Settlement (2026)

Status: Live (claims open)

Summary & Commentary

For years, Suffolk County on Long Island added a $30 "administrative fee" on top of the fine for every red-light camera violation. Drivers sued in McGrath v. Suffolk County, arguing that state law did not allow the extra fee. The court agreed, declared the fee illegal and barred the county from collecting it.

Suffolk County still denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle refund claims. Anyone who paid the fee since April 1, 2013 can claim up to $36 for each $30 fee, which is more than the fee itself. The county pays administration costs and attorneys' fees separately, so the entire $45 million fund goes to claimants.

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TL;DR

• Who: People or entities that paid a $30 administrative fee for a Suffolk County red-light camera violation
• When: April 1, 2013 – present
• Benefit: Up to $36 for each $30 fee paid, reduced pro rata if claims exceed $45 million
• Deadline: December 8, 2026
• Proof required: Yes, a Class Member ID and information that verifies your fee payment
• Administrator: Kroll Settlement Administration LLC

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Who Is Included

All persons or entities that, between April 1, 2013 and the present, paid a $30 administrative fee to Suffolk County or the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency for a red-light camera violation. Justice David T. Reilly and any other judge assigned to the case and their immediate families, and anyone who opts out, are excluded.

What You Could Receive

• Up to $36 for each $30 administrative fee you paid.
• If valid claims exceed the $45 million fund, payments are reduced proportionally.
• The county will not collect the fee in the future.
• Payments are made after final approval and any appeals.

Key Dates

• Opt-out deadline: November 9, 2026
• Objection deadline: November 9, 2026
• Claim deadline: December 8, 2026 (online or postmarked)
• Final approval hearing: December 8, 2026

What You Need To Do

1. Get your Class Member ID from your notice or through the Contact Us page on the settlement website.
2. File online through the claim form link, or mail a paper claim form to Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324.
3. Provide information that verifies you paid the $30 fee, such as the violation or notice number; documentation may be requested.
4. Submit by December 8, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get the fine itself back? No. The refund covers the $30 administrative fee only.

I had several tickets. Can I claim for each? Yes. Payment is per fee paid.

Why up to $36 for a $30 fee? The settlement pays more than the fee itself, as long as the fund covers all claims.

What This Case Is About

The plaintiffs alleged Suffolk County and its Traffic and Parking Violations Agency unlawfully imposed a $30 administrative fee on top of the statutory fine for red-light camera violations, in violation of New York law. The court found the fees illegal and stopped their collection. The county denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.

Administrator

Kroll Settlement Administration LLC

• Phone: (833) 447-6790
• Mail: c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324
• Website: suffolkredlightsettlement.com

Important Documents

The Settlement Agreement, Preliminary Approval Order, Claim Form and long and short form notices are available on the settlement website.