If you’re ticketed by a red light camera in
Illinois
, you could be facing fines of up to $500. However, there are very specific laws governing red light cameras in Illinois. Understanding these laws could give you recourse if you feel you mistakenly received a citation.
In recent years, many states have begun using red light cameras to help law enforcement cut down on traffic violations at heavily-traveled intersections. There’s evidence that these cameras can actually cut down on fatalities at intersections by 14%, so they can be really effective. However, people are sometimes mistakenly ticketed.
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Are red light cameras legal in Illinois?
Yes, red light cameras are legal in Illinois, and there are red light camera programs in a number of jurisdictions across the state. However, there are statewide laws that govern how those jurisdictions are required to use the cameras:
Jurisdictions must provide at least two images or a video of the violation to the vehicle owner.
The time, date, and location of the violation must be included in the citation.
The vehicle owner must be notified in writing no later than 90 days after the violation.
A driver can’t be ticketed for a violation if they came to a complete stop before they entered the intersection—even if they went over the stop line or crosswalk line. However, this exception does not apply if there was a bicyclist or pedestrian present in the intersection.
What should I do if I receive a red light camera ticket?
If you’re issued a citation by a red light camera in Illinois, you’ll be fined $100 and you’ll have 20 demerit points added to your driving record. Depending on the circ*mstances of the violation, you could also be charged with reckless driving.
And if you caused an accident where someone was hurt or killed, those charges could be upgraded to vehicular manslaughter.
In the case of a simple red light ticket, you may be able to keep the conviction off of your record by paying the ticket and completing traffic school, but if you think you received the citation in error, you may be able to challenge it. There are pros and cons to either approach.
How to pay a red light camera ticket
If you believe that you were ticketed fairly, the easiest way to handle your red light camera ticket is simply to pay it. Just make sure you don’t procrastinate for too long—if you don’t pay the ticket within 25 days, the fine will double.
How to fight a red light camera ticket
Because Illinois has very specific rules that regulate how red light cameras must be operated, you may have better luck challenging the ticket than you would in another state. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Read the ticket carefully. If any of the information listed is incorrect or incomplete (like the make and model of your car), you may be able to use that in your defense. In particular, check whether the make of your car is listed as “OTHR”—it could cast doubt on whether your vehicle was actually present.
Watch the video. Illinois law requires law enforcement to allow you to see the video or photos that were taken at the time of the violation. Check your ticket for more information on how to view the video.
See if there’s a viable excuse for the violation. Did you have to run a red light to avoid a collision with another vehicle? Or maybe the video shows that you stopped completely, then proceeded through the intersection to make a legal right-on-red. Look for anything that could bolster your defense.
After carefully reviewing the ticket, photos, and video, you can request an in-person hearing if you believe you have a legal basis to challenge the ticket. The process for that may vary depending on where you live. If you’re in Chicago, for instance, you can request a hearing online, over the phone, or by mail.
Pro Tip If you contest your ticket, include the following phrase in your written explanation: “The facts alleged in the violation notice are inconsistent or do not support a finding that the [City where the ticket was issued] Municipal code was violated.” Then, explain why.
How does a red light camera work?
Red light cameras are placed in busy intersections to help law enforcement ticket drivers who run stop signs or red lights. They capture photo and video evidence of any vehicles that enter the intersection after the light turns red.
The camera photographs the back of the car to capture the license plate number. It also saves data such as:
The date and time of the infraction
How fast the driver was going
Where the infraction occurred
How long it had been since the light turned red
Generally, red light cameras are operated by a third-party company. That company is responsible for reviewing the photos and videos that are taken. They then send any relevant evidence to the appropriate law enforcement agency. From there, law enforcement can send tickets to the owner of any vehicles that were caught committing an infraction.
The
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
found that red light cameras can reduce fatal crashes at busy intersections by as much as 14%. That’s a lot of lives saved! That’s why many states allow these red light cameras in their cities, even if the programs aren’t always perfect.
How to find affordable car insurance in Illinois
If you’re issued a citation by a red light camera in Illinois, not only will you have to pay a fine, but you’re probably going to see your insurance premiums go up. Don’t let those high prices get you down, though!
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