“But they fined the owner who wasn’t driving it.”
But?
Just like a parking ticket. It goes with the car.
Just like tag pass on tollways.
Not a traffic violation. No points, no record.
Not a traffic violation.
If it's not a traffic violation, then why the charge?
Parking and tolls are not safety issues but these red light cameras were justified as a safety issue.
So the fine isn't a fine but instead is a toll for your car being used to drive through a red light.