What You Should Know About a Chicago Red Light Ticket

Getting a Chicago red light ticket can be expensive and frustrating. If you’ve received one recently or want to avoid one in the future, this handy guide provided by our car accident law firm will help answer your questions.

Things You Should Know About a Chicago Red Light Ticket

How Much Is a Red Light Ticket in the City of Chicago?

Chicago imposes hefty fines for red light violations. In cases where a driver runs a red light—violation code 9-102-020—the fine is $100.

For exceeding the speed limit by 6–10 mph—violation code 9-101-020—the penalty is $35. If your vehicle’s recorded speed exceeds the limit by 11 mph or more—violation code 9-101-020—the fine increases to $100.

Failing to pay these fines on time will result in a late payment fee, which will double the amount you must pay.

Can I View Red Light Camera Footage?

Yes, if you think you’ve received a red light or speed violation in Illinois but don’t want to wait for the ticket, you can check for the violation online. The website allows you to search for parking tickets, view photos and videos of violations, and contest a ticket if necessary.

How Long Does the Red Light Camera Video Stay Available?

The 24-hour stream of the red light intersections with camera enforcement is available for 30 days, while footage of violations can be viewed for up to two years. There’s a limited time to dispute a ticket.

Can I Ignore a Red Light Traffic Camera Ticket in Chicago?

No, skipping ticket payments can lead to doubled fines and serious penalties like having your vehicle towed or your driver’s license suspended in Illinois. Make sure to pay tickets on time to avoid these consequences.

Can I Dispute a Red Light Ticket in Chicago?

Yes. You can call to request an in-person hearing to challenge a red light ticket, but only a few specific defenses are eligible.

Call the City of Chicago’s Ticket Helpline at 312-744-7275 or 312-744-7277 (for the hearing impaired), which is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Central Time.

How Long Do I Have to Pay a Red Light Ticket in Chicago?

In Chicago, you have 21 days to pay or contest a ticket; failing to do so will double the fine. Take note of the payment due date upon receiving the ticket to avoid increased penalties for unpaid tickets.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Red Light Ticket in Illinois?

If you saw a flash at an intersection, a red light camera may have captured your license plate. Expect a ticket and notice to be sent to the registered owner’s address within five to seven business days.

Where Are the Red Light Cameras in Chicago?

The Chicago Department of Transportation offers the Chicago Traffic Tracker, which provides real-time updates on traffic, speed camera locations, and congestion information. Red light camera intersections are clearly marked with signs indicating if they are “photo-enforced.”

What Happens If the Light Turns Yellow or Red When I Am Still in the Intersection?

If you find yourself already in the intersection when the light turns yellow, you should have ample time to move through safely.

In Chicago, yellow lights last three seconds when the speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less, and they last four seconds when the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or more. This timing helps traffic flow smoothly, meets national safety standards, and gives drivers enough time to stop at intersections.

What Is Considered a Red Light Violation?

According to Illinois law, drivers are required to obey all traffic signals and signs. Running red lights or performing a rolling stop while making a right-hand turn on red are red light violations.

Will I Get a Red Light Ticket for a Rolling Stop?

Yes. Rolling through a red light—failing to stop at a red light—can result in red light tickets. To avoid a ticket for a right turn on red, make sure to come to a full stop first.

Do Red Light Camera Tickets Go on My Record in Illinois?

No, they don’t. In Illinois, red light camera tickets won’t impact your driving record or insurance rates because they aren’t classified as moving violations. They’re treated more like parking tickets.

Can Red Light Camera Footage Help Me Prove Fault in a Car Accident?

If you’re injured in an accident and think the red light camera system may have caught the other driver committing a traffic violation, it is possible the footage may help your case.

We can assess your case (such as a dangerous angle crash) to find evidence using the traffic signal system—like video footage of traffic accidents or images from red light cameras—to support your claim and maximize the value of your case.