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Red Light Violation FAQs
- What is a Red Light Violation?
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There are two types of Red Light Violations:
- Entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
- 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).
- Can I see the images of my vehicle online?
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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.
- What if I am already in the intersection, when the light turns red?
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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.
- What if I was not driving at the time of the recorded violation? Do I still have to pay the ticket?
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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").
- What are the defenses to a Red Light Violation?
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The defenses to a Red Light Violation are as follows:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The vehicle was an authorized emergency vehicle or it was yielding the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.
- The vehicle was lawfully participating in a funeral procession.
- The facts alleged in the Notice of Violation are inconsistent or do not support a finding that a violation occurred.
- The respondent was not the registered vehicle owner or lessee of the cited vehicle at the time of the violation.
- What if the car was a rental?
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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.
- Do red light cameras violate a motorist's privacy?
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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.
- Isn't the main purpose of red light cameras to make money?
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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.
- How much is the fine?
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When issued a Notice of Violation, it is mailed to the owner or lessee of the vehicle indicating a fine amount of $100. The violation notice needs to be contested or paid (in full) by or before the "Contest By" or "Pay By" date shown on the notice. If no action is taken, a Determination of Liability will be entered against the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle. As a result of the failure to pay the Determination of Liability Violation, a Final Determination of Violation Liability will be issued to the owner or lessee of the vehicle. The Final Determination of Violation Liability includes a late penalty of $100. The payment of the fine amount listed on the Final Determination of Violation Liability is required by or before the "Pay By" date shown on the notice, if this is not paid, the City of Hometown will take further enforcement and collection action.
- How much time do I have to pay?
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You must either pay the fine or contest the violation by or before the "Pay By" or" Contest By" date listed on the front of the Notice of Violation.
- How can I pay the fine?
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Pay Online
Please go to the Pay Online Tickets website.
Pay By Mail
Please place a check mark in the box next to "Payment Enclosed" on the Notice of Violation Liability Stub. Enclose the Notice of Violation Liability Stub along with a check or money order made payable to:
- City of Hometown RLE Program
Please mail payment to:
City of Hometown
P.O. Box 7643
Carol Stream, IL 60197-7643Do not send cash. Be sure to write the ticket number on the front of the check or money order to ensure proper allocation.
There will be a $35 fee assessed for returned checks.
Pay By Phone
Please call 877-262-3318 and select the payment option when prompted. Business hours are: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (excluding legal holidays). Accepted forms of payment include:
- Electronic check
- Credit card
Please note: There is a $2.50 processing fee for credit card and electronic check payments.
- If I pay the fine, will it go against my driving record?
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No. A violation under Illinois law will not affect your driving record or insurance rates (it is similar to a parking ticket).
- What happens if I forgot to pay the fine by the "Pay By" date or forgot to contest by the "Contest By" date?
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Failure to respond in a timely manner is an admission of liability. Therefore you will be required to pay the initial fine of $100 and a penalty of $100 for a total of $200 per violation. Failure to respond may also result in a suspension of driving privileges of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle. The City of Hometown must notify the Secretary of State about a registered owner having 5 or more unpaid automated traffic law violations.
- Can I make installment payments?
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No. Payment of the fine (and any penalty) must be paid in full by the date posted on the notice.
- Can I contest the fine after I have already made payment?
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No, you cannot. Once you have paid the fine it is considered an admission of liability.
- What if I want to contest the Notice of Violation?
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The registered owner or lessee may contest the Notice of Violation by mail or in-person.
To Contest by Mail
Please place a check mark in the box next to "Contest by mail" on the Notice of Violation Liability Stub. Enclose the "Notice of Violation Liability Stub" along with a statement signed by the registered vehicle owner, lessee or renter of the vehicle setting forth facts that establish a defense (see list of "Defenses"). Also enclose any supporting evidence, such as photographs, affidavits, official police vehicle theft and/or recovery reports (send copies and not originals as these documents will not be returned to you). An administrative hearing officer will determine whether you have met the burden of proof or whether you must pay the fine. Please mail all contesting materials to:
City of Hometown
P.O. Box 7643
Carol Stream, IL 60197-7643To Contest in Person
Please place a check mark in the box next to "In Person Hearing" on the "Notice of Violation Liability Stub." Mail the "Notice of Violation Liability Stub" in the return envelope. Please appear at the In Person Hearing on the date and at the time set forth on the front of the "Notice of Violation Liability Stub" (the location of the hearing can be found on the back of the Notice). You must contest by the "Contest By" date found on the front of your Notice of Violation.
- What if I have other questions that were not answered here?
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You may call toll free 877-262-3318 or 877-262-3356 if you are hearing impaired. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (excluding legal holidays).