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1. What is a Red Light Violation?

There are two types of Red Light Violations:

1. Entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
2. Right Turn on Red - You may be cited with a Red Light Violation if you fail to bring your vehicle to a complete stop before turning right on red (where permissible). You may be cited with a Red Light Violation if you turn right on red where it is expressly prohibited and/or if you turn right on red on days and/or during hours prohibited by law (expressly or implicitly).

2. Can I see the images of my vehicle online?

Yes, your vehicle was captured by photo-enforcement cameras. You may view the images of your vehicle by going to the Pay Online Ticket website. Enter your ticket number and follow the directions as they appear. If you do not have your ticket number, you may still view the vehicle images by entering the license plate number, driver's license number of the registered owner (or lessee) or the VIN (vehicle identification number) of the registered vehicle.

3. What if I am already in the intersection, when the light turns red?

If you entered the intersection when the light was green or yellow, you will not receive a "Notice of Violation." It is legal to clear the intersection if you are already in the intersection when the light turns red.

4. What if I was not driving at the time of the recorded violation? Do I still have to pay the ticket?

Under Illinois State Law, the registered owner (or lessee) of a vehicle is liable for any automated traffic law violations that occur. It does not matter who is driving the car (unless the vehicle has been reported stolen prior to the time of violation - refer to list of "Defenses").

5. What are the defenses to a Red Light Violation?

The defenses to a Red Light Violation are as follows:

1. The operator of the vehicle was issued a Uniform Citation by a police officer for the same incident as captured by the Red Light Enforcement Camera.
2. The violation occurred at a time during which the vehicle or its license plate was reported to a law enforcement agency as having been stolen and the vehicle or license plate had not been recovered by the owner at the time of the alleged violation.
3. The vehicle was leased to another, and within sixty calendar days after the citation was mailed to the lessor, lessor submitted to the municipality, the correct name and address of the lessee of the vehicle identified in the violation notice at the time of the alleged violation, together with a copy of the lease agreement, the lessee's driver's license number and any additional information that may be required.
4. The vehicle was an authorized emergency vehicle or it was yielding the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.
5. The vehicle was lawfully participating in a funeral procession.
6. The facts alleged in the Notice of Violation are inconsistent or do not support a finding that a violation occurred.
7. The respondent was not the registered vehicle owner or lessee of the cited vehicle at the time of the violation.

6. What if the car was a rental?

Under the law, the person(s) designated as the driver of the vehicle on the rental or lease agreement is responsible for any assigned violations during the rental/lease period.

7. Do red light cameras violate a motorist's privacy?

No, driving is a regulated activity on public roads. By obtaining a license, a motorist agrees to abide by certain rules, such as obeying traffic signals. The camera only captures an image of the vehicle's license plate committing a traffic violation.

8. Isn't the main purpose of red light cameras to make money?

No. The goal of red light camera enforcement systems is to improve public safety by reducing injuries and deaths caused by accidents. Drivers are advised of camera systems at each intersection that photo enforcement is in use by way of signage. Revenue is generated from fines paid by drivers who continue to run red lights, which is a serious traffic safety problem.