Refund process begins for Suffolk's illegal red light camera fees. Here's how to apply.

Suffolk County has begun sending out mailers and launched a website so that drivers who paid the county’s illegal red light camera fees from 2013 to 2023 can get reimbursed.

The private contractor handling Suffolk’s claims process began sending out mailers on Wednesday, according to one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys. Each mailer contains a “class member identification number." Recipients must use it within three months to file a claim online or by mail, according to samples posted online.

The claims are part of a class action settlement the county reached in July regarding $30 administrative fees it used to charge on top of the base fine of $50, which courts found violated state law.

Nassau County is still fighting a similar ticket case in court, arguing it should not have to repay drivers for the $100 in extra fees it charged per ticket even if the fees were illegal.

It's unclear when exactly drivers will get paid, but it won't be before a scheduled December court hearing to finalize the settlement.

Although Suffolk County collected about $90 million in fees over a decade, under the agreement it is only liable to reimburse motorists a maximum of $45 million, although it must also pay $12.5 million to the plaintiffs’ lawyers and costs for administering the claims.

Drivers must submit a claim by Dec. 8 to be eligible for reimbursements of up to $36 per ticket — an amount that could be reduced depending on how many eligible drivers apply.

Michael Martino, a spokesperson for Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine's office, said the county may need to pay some of the settlement with "cash on hand, but will largely bond the obligation."

The extra fees originated under Romaine's predecessor, Steve Bellone, who did not respond to Newsday's request for comment on the settlement.

Mike Perino, 69, a former Bay Shore resident who paid the fees and now lives in Florida, said, "I like the idea that the county is being told, ‘This was wrong, and you got to give the people their money back.' "

Kroll, the contractor handling claims, has identified more than 1.1 million class members based on county ticketing records, and sent mailers based on their mailing addresses or updates on file with the Postal Service, according to David Raimondo, an attorney for the plaintiffs. Drivers can choose to be paid via check, prepaid debit card, Venmo, Zelle or PayPal.

Once a driver receives an ID number in the mail, they can file a claim at www.SuffolkRedLightSettlement.com or mail their completed form to Kroll.

Raimondo acknowledged that Kroll has not been able to identify some drivers — though he said he did not know exactly how many. If an eligible driver does not receive an ID number, they should contact Kroll via the website or call 833-447-6790, according to materials posted online.

The settlement still awaits final approval from the court, which would come after a fairness hearing on Dec. 8. Drivers who paid the fees but object to the settlement deal must file an objection by Nov. 9.

Frank S. Farello, 77, of West Babylon, said he’s awaiting his mailer after paying the fees several times in Suffolk and Nassau.

“I'm glad somebody finally stepped in and stopped this, and it bothers me that Nassau County isn't reimbursing people,” he said.

By Peter Gill

peter.gill@newsday.com