Receiving a speeding camera ticket can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re not familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding traffic enforcement in your area. In Chicago, speeding camera tickets are issued to drivers who exceed the speed limit in designated areas, and the fines can be steep. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of a speeding camera ticket in Chicago, the factors that determine the fine amount, and what you can do to contest or pay your ticket.
Understanding Speeding Camera Tickets in Chicago
Speeding camera tickets are issued by the City of Chicago’s Department of Finance, which is responsible for managing the city’s automated traffic enforcement program. The program uses cameras to monitor traffic speeds in designated areas, including school zones, parks, and other locations where speeding is a concern. If a driver is detected speeding in one of these areas, a ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Types of Speeding Camera Tickets in Chicago
There are two types of speeding camera tickets that can be issued in Chicago:
- Warning notices: These are issued to drivers who are detected speeding, but the fine is waived as a warning. Warning notices are typically issued to drivers who are speeding at a low rate, such as 5-10 mph over the limit.
- Citation notices: These are issued to drivers who are detected speeding at a higher rate, and a fine is assessed. Citation notices require the driver to pay the fine or contest the ticket.
The Cost of a Speeding Camera Ticket in Chicago
The cost of a speeding camera ticket in Chicago varies depending on the speed at which the driver was detected. The fine amounts are as follows:
| Speed Over Limit | Fine Amount |
| — | — |
| 6-10 mph | $35 |
| 11-15 mph | $50 |
| 16-20 mph | $75 |
| 21-25 mph | $100 |
| 26-30 mph | $125 |
| 31+ mph | $150 |
In addition to the fine amount, drivers may also be required to pay a $20 administrative fee and a $10 late payment fee if the fine is not paid on time.
Factors That Determine the Fine Amount
The fine amount for a speeding camera ticket in Chicago is determined by the speed at which the driver was detected. The faster the driver was going, the higher the fine amount. Additionally, drivers who are detected speeding in school zones or other designated areas may be subject to higher fine amounts.
Contesting a Speeding Camera Ticket in Chicago
If you receive a speeding camera ticket in Chicago, you have the option to contest the ticket. To contest a ticket, you must submit a written request to the City of Chicago’s Department of Finance within 21 days of the date the ticket was issued. The request must include:
- Your name and address
- The ticket number
- A statement explaining why you believe the ticket was issued in error
You can submit your request by mail or online through the City of Chicago’s website.
Grounds for Contesting a Speeding Camera Ticket
There are several grounds on which you can contest a speeding camera ticket in Chicago, including:
- The camera was malfunctioning
- The speed limit was not clearly posted
- The driver was not the owner of the vehicle
- The ticket was issued in error
If your request to contest the ticket is approved, the fine will be waived, and you will not be required to pay the ticket.
Paying a Speeding Camera Ticket in Chicago
If you do not contest the ticket or if your request to contest the ticket is denied, you must pay the fine. You can pay the fine online, by mail, or in person at a City of Chicago payment center.
Payment Options
The City of Chicago offers several payment options for speeding camera tickets, including:
- Online payment: You can pay your ticket online through the City of Chicago’s website using a credit or debit card.
- Mail payment: You can pay your ticket by mail using a check or money order.
- In-person payment: You can pay your ticket in person at a City of Chicago payment center using cash, credit, or debit.
Consequences of Not Paying a Speeding Camera Ticket in Chicago
If you do not pay a speeding camera ticket in Chicago, you may face additional penalties, including:
- Late payment fees: A $10 late payment fee will be added to the fine amount if the ticket is not paid on time.
- Collection agency fees: If the ticket is not paid, the City of Chicago may send the account to a collection agency, which can result in additional fees.
- License suspension: If you have multiple unpaid tickets, your driver’s license may be suspended.
In conclusion, speeding camera tickets in Chicago can result in significant fines, especially if you are detected speeding at a high rate. Understanding the cost of a speeding camera ticket and the factors that determine the fine amount can help you avoid costly mistakes. If you receive a speeding camera ticket, you have the option to contest the ticket or pay the fine. Failure to pay a speeding camera ticket can result in additional penalties, including late payment fees, collection agency fees, and license suspension.
What is the cost of a speeding camera ticket in Chicago?
The cost of a speeding camera ticket in Chicago varies depending on the speed at which the vehicle was traveling. For speeds 6-10 mph over the limit, the fine is $35. For speeds 11 mph over the limit, the fine increases to $100.
It’s essential to note that these fines are subject to change, and additional fees may be added to the total cost. Furthermore, failure to pay the fine on time can result in additional penalties, including late fees and potential license suspension.
How do speeding cameras in Chicago work?
Speeding cameras in Chicago use automated license plate readers to capture images of vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. The cameras are equipped with sensors that detect the speed of oncoming traffic and trigger the camera to take a photo of the vehicle’s license plate when the speed limit is exceeded.
The images are then reviewed by city officials to verify the infraction, and a ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The cameras are designed to be accurate and fair, with multiple checks in place to ensure that only speeding vehicles are ticketed.
Can I contest a speeding camera ticket in Chicago?
Yes, it is possible to contest a speeding camera ticket in Chicago. If you believe the ticket was issued in error or that there were extenuating circumstances, you can request a hearing to dispute the fine. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as photos or witness statements.
To contest a ticket, you can submit a written request for a hearing or appear in person at a scheduled hearing. A hearing officer will review the evidence and make a determination regarding the validity of the ticket. If the ticket is dismissed, the fine will be waived, and no further action will be taken.
How many speeding cameras are there in Chicago?
There are over 160 speeding cameras located throughout Chicago, with cameras installed in school zones, parks, and other areas where speeding is a concern. The cameras are strategically placed to maximize their effectiveness in reducing speeding and improving safety.
The city regularly reviews and updates the camera locations to ensure they are operating in areas where speeding is most prevalent. The cameras are also equipped with signage to alert drivers of their presence and to encourage safe driving practices.
Do speeding cameras in Chicago operate 24/7?
Speeding cameras in Chicago operate during specific hours, typically Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 7 pm, in school zones, and from 6 am to 10 pm, in parks. However, some cameras may operate 24/7, especially in areas with high speeding incidents.
It’s essential to note that even when cameras are not operating, speeding laws are still enforced by police officers, and drivers can still be issued tickets for speeding. The cameras are designed to supplement traditional enforcement methods and provide an additional layer of safety.
Can I get a speeding camera ticket in Chicago if I’m not the driver?
As the registered owner of the vehicle, you may still receive a speeding camera ticket in Chicago, even if you were not the driver. However, you can submit an affidavit stating that you were not the driver and providing the name and contact information of the person who was driving.
If you provide this information, the city will attempt to contact the driver and hold them responsible for the fine. However, if the driver cannot be identified or contacted, you, as the registered owner, may still be held liable for the fine.
How do I pay a speeding camera ticket in Chicago?
You can pay a speeding camera ticket in Chicago online, by mail, or in person. To pay online, visit the city’s website and follow the prompts to enter your ticket information and payment details. To pay by mail, send a check or money order with your ticket number to the address listed on the ticket.
To pay in person, visit a city payment center or a currency exchange that accepts city payments. Be sure to bring your ticket and payment with you. It’s essential to pay the fine on time to avoid additional penalties and late fees.