Red Light and Traffic Cameras in Illinois

If you pay within the time you’re given, you only have to cough up the basic fine. The fee for these tickets in Illinois is $100. That increases to $200 if paid late.

Doing nothing could lead to a much higher price. You could get a seizure notice from the city of Chicago. What was once a $100 ticket could now be a chunk of change. In addition to your ticket, you must now pay:

• $60 Boot Fee
• Any Towing Charges. Fees are $150 for vehicles weighing less than 8,000 pounds (normal cars) and $250 for vehicles weighing more. Daily vehicle storage costs range from $20 per day to $100 per day.

Feel so mad you could rip that boot off? Monkeying around with your car’s boot is a bad idea. This error in judgement could cost you $750 to $1,000.

Generally, you have 30 days from the date ticket was issued to pay. A month can seem like plenty of time. Life happens. Things come up. If you plan on paying, take care of it sooner rather than later. Getting this fine out of the way can be one less thing off your to-do list.

Hopefully, nothing should happen. What color was the light when you drove into the intersection? If the traffic light was green or yellow, you should be good.

Photos help explain the story. These systems are not geared to register these actions as violations. You shouldn’t get a ticket if you wound up stuck in an intersection.

The light turning red activates the system. Tickets are intended for drivers who see red lights but choose not to stop.

Think you may have been caught running a red light? If you’re expecting a nasty fine from the city of Chicago, you won’t have to wait long. Tickets tend to arrive five to seven days after the violation.

If you can’t wait a week, go online. Search to see if you’ll be getting a ticket. Enter your license number or license plate number to search. You may not have the ticket in hand but you’ll know where you stand.

Yes! The Windy City simplifies things with online access. Grab your ticket first. The site requests information found on your violation.

Login to the finance page of the city of Chicago’s website. Next you’ll click to view your red light video. Type in your ticket and license plate numbers. The site will then generate your footage.

Watching what took place can be interesting. While it won’t make the Top 10 on Netflix, it helps you see what the camera saw. You can also look for any discrepancies if you feel you were ticketed in error.

This footage is only kept online for two years. That length of time is long enough to log plenty of viewing hours. But if you’re disputing the ticket, this time may run short. Be sure to get what you need while it’s available.

No, these tickets don’t appear on your driving record. Phew! That’s a relief! Even though your vehicle wasn’t still, red light tickets aren’t considered moving violations. There was no officer handing out citations.

You could compare this type of ticket to a parking ticket. While this violation shouldn’t be sluffed off, it’s not the end of the world either. Another bonus? Car insurance rates won’t increase.

In 2019, the United States witnessed a tragic toll due to drivers running red lights, with 1,109 fatalities reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Collaborative Strategies to Prevent Red Light Accidents

Red light accidents are preventable tragedies that can be significantly reduced through cooperative efforts between drivers and municipal authorities. Here’s how both parties can work together to create safer intersections:

Responsibilities of Drivers:

• Obey Traffic Signals: Compliance with traffic lights is essential. Every driver should stop at red lights, no exceptions.
• Stay Alert: Paying attention to the driving environment is critical. Avoid distractions such as mobile phones, eating, or overly loud music.
• Exercise Caution: Even if the light turns green, it’s wise to look both ways before proceeding through an intersection.

Role of Municipalities:

• Optimize Traffic Light Timing: Ensuring that the duration of red, yellow, and green lights is appropriate can reduce instances of red-light running.
• Increase Visibility: Cities can improve signage and ensure that traffic lights are clearly visible, even in adverse weather conditions.
• Install Red Light Cameras: These cameras can serve as a deterrent for those who might consider running a red light. They also help in enforcing traffic laws more effectively.
• Public Education Campaigns: Municipalities should run campaigns that highlight the risks of running red lights and promote responsible driving habits.

By integrating these measures, both drivers and local governments can work in harmony to enhance road safety and minimize the risks associated with red light running. This partnership is crucial in cultivating a culture of safety that protects all road users.

If you’ve been a victim of a red light accident, you have several legal options to consider. Specialized car accident injury lawyers can guide you through the process. These professionals understand the intricacies involved in such cases and aim to secure the compensation you deserve. This includes coverage for your medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering. By demonstrating the negligence of the driver who violated the red light, these lawyers play a crucial role in the success of your personal injury claim.

Common injuries resulting from red light accidents can vary widely because of the impact force and how the incident occurs. Frequently observed injuries include whiplash, where the sudden stop can cause severe neck strain. Fractures are also common due to the high-impact collision. Traumatic brain injuries, often resulting from hits to the head or sudden, forceful stops, are serious consequences as well. Additionally, spinal cord injuries can occur, potentially resulting in lasting mobility issues. Internal bleeding is another critical injury that might not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.