Claims open in Suffolk County red-light camera settlement

A proposed $45 million settlement is moving into the claims stage for people who paid Suffolk County’s $30 red-light camera administrative fee. Eligible motorists and entities have until Dec. 8, 2026, to file for payments that could reach $36 per qualifying fee if the deal wins final approval.

Why it matters: - The proposed settlement could return money to drivers and entities that paid Suffolk County red-light camera administrative fees later challenged in court. - Final approval could trigger up to $45 million in cash payments to eligible claimants. - Individual payments could matter most for people who paid multiple fees between April 1, 2013 and now.

What happened: - The Raimondo Law Firm, as class counsel in McGrath v. Suffolk County, says the claims process is now open in the proposed class action settlement. - The case covers administrative fees tied to Suffolk County red-light camera violations. - The lawsuit began in 2016 with representative plaintiff Robert McGrath Jr. on behalf of similarly situated individuals and entities. - The Appellate Division, Second Department, affirmed in November 2024 that monetary liability above $50 per red-light camera violation, or $75 with a late fee, was void as a matter of law under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1111-b.

The details: - The settlement would require Suffolk County and the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violation Agency to provide up to $45 million in cash payments if the court grants final approval. - Settlement administration expenses, court-approved attorneys’ fees and costs, and any award to the class representative would be paid separately. - The settlement class generally includes persons or entities that, between April 1, 2013 and the present, paid a $30 administrative fee for a Suffolk County red-light camera program violation. - Eligible class members may submit a claim for up to $36 for each qualifying administrative fee paid. - Payments can be reduced proportionally if valid claims exceed the $45 million maximum benefit amount. - Claims may be filed online through the court-authorized settlement website or by mailing a completed claim form to the settlement administrator. - Mailed claims must be postmarked by Dec. 8, 2026. - All claims must be submitted to Kroll Settlement Administration, the court-appointed settlement administrator. - A final approval hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. - The Raimondo Law Firm is serving as class counsel with Taus, Cebulash & Landau, LLP. - The firm directs potential class members to the court-authorized notice and the official settlement website for details. - Settlement information and claim submission are available at SuffolkRedLightSettlement.com or by calling (833) 447-6790.

Between the lines: - The settlement reflects a broader legal challenge to whether Suffolk County collected more than state law allowed through red-light camera-related charges. - The appellate ruling strengthens the class’s legal position, but the settlement still needs court approval before any payments go out. - The separate payment structure for fees and costs means the advertised $45 million is not the same as the amount that will go directly to class members.

What's next: - Eligible settlement class members must decide whether to submit a claim, exclude themselves, or object by Nov. 9, 2026. - The court will consider final approval at the Dec. 8, 2026 hearing. - If approved, the settlement administrator will process valid claims and calculate payments, including any proportional reductions if claims exceed the fund cap.

The bottom line: - Suffolk County motorists and other fee payers have a limited window to seek money back from a settlement tied to red-light camera administrative fees challenged as unlawful under New York law.