Illinois Red Light Cameras

If you’re ticketed by a red light camera in Illinois, you could be charged up to $500 if you have prior tickets or if you challenge the citation and lose.
Written by Amy Bobinger
If you’re ticketed by a red light camera in
Illinois
, you could face fines of up to $500—but state laws govern red light camera usage in Illinois, and understanding them could give you recourse if you feel that you mistakenly received a citation.
  • Red light cameras are legal in Illinois but there are laws that dictate how they can be used.
  • Red light camera systems can reduce red light running and the fatalities that can result from them, but they’re not always perfect.
  • If you received a red light violation in error, you may be able to contest the citation. 
Red light cameras are legal in the state of Illinois, and there are red light photo enforcement programs in several jurisdictions across the state. 
There are state laws that govern how those jurisdictions are required to use the cameras:
  • Municipalities must conduct and share a statistical analysis of the safety impact of their red light camera systems.
  • 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
  • Have 20 demerit points added to your driving record
  • Potentially be charged with reckless driving. 
And if you caused a collision 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. If you think you received the citation in error, you may be able to challenge it. There are pros and cons to either approach.
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

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

Red light camera programs can be effective but sometimes, people are mistakenly ticketed. 
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. If you were making a right turn on red, check to see if the video shows you coming to a complete stop—or maybe there was still a yellow light while you were making a turn. 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.
If you live in Chicago: Visit the
City of Chicago’s website
to watch your red light camera video.
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 police departments or the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) ticket motorists 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, cameras used in red light enforcement programs 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 registered owner of the vehicle that was caught committing an infraction.
The
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
found that red light camera systems can reduce fatal crashes at busy intersections by as much as 14%. That’s why many states allow red light camera locations in their cities—even if the programs aren’t always perfect.
“This app is all about savings!
Jerry
just saved me $193/month on my car insurance. They literally found me the cheapest policies out there and with better coverage! Seriously, just sit back and watch Jerry work its magic.” —Rachel B.
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings