Last Updated on October 8, 2022
If you’ve been caught running a red light in Illinois, you may be wondering if you can simply ignore the ticket. Unfortunately, this is not an option. Red light camera tickets are considered civil violations, not criminal offenses, which means you cannot be arrested for failing to pay the fine.
However, ignoring the ticket will result in additional penalties.
- If you receive a red light camera ticket in the mail in Illinois, you can ignore it
- The state does not have the authority to enforce these tickets
Can You Ignore a Red Light Camera Ticket in Illinois
According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, if you receive a notice of violation from a red light camera, you must either pay the fine or contest the ticket within 30 days. If you do not respond to the notice, you will be issued a second notice that includes a late fee. If you still do not respond, your case will be sent to collections and your license could be suspended.
So while you technically can ignore a red light camera ticket in Illinois, it’s not advisable as there are significant repercussions.
What Happens If You Ignore a Red Light Camera Ticket in Illinois
If you ignore a red light camera ticket in Illinois, the penalties will depend on whether you have received prior violations. For a first offense, you will be fined $100. For a second offense, you will be fined $200.
If you have three or more prior violations, you will be fined $500. In addition, your driver’s license may be suspended for up to 90 days.
How Do I Pay a Red Light Camera Ticket in Illinois
If you receive a red light camera ticket in Illinois, you will have to pay a fine. The amount of the fine varies from county to county, but is typically around $100. You will also have to pay a processing fee, which is usually around $30.
You can pay your ticket online, by mail, or in person at the court house.
Where Do the Funds from Red Light Camera Tickets Go in Illinois
The funds from red light camera tickets in Illinois go to the municipality where the violation occurred and the state’s general fund. In Chicago, for example, the majority of the revenue from red light camera tickets goes to the city’s general fund, with a smaller portion going to the state.
Some people argue that red light cameras are nothing more than a money grab by municipalities.
Others counter that they improve public safety by deterring drivers from running red lights. Whatever your opinion on red light cameras, it’s important to know where the revenue from these tickets goes.
Are Red Light Cameras Constitutional in Illinois
The answer to this question is complicated, as there are a number of factors to consider. First and foremost, it is important to note that the constitutionality of red light cameras in Illinois has not been definitively established by any court. There have been a few lawsuits challenging the use of red light cameras in the state, but none of them have reached the level of the Illinois Supreme Court, which would be the final word on the matter.
That said, there are some arguments that red light cameras are unconstitutional in Illinois. One argument is that they violate due process rights, as drivers who are ticketed for running a red light do not have an opportunity to confront their accusers or present their side of the story in court. Additionally, some argue that red light cameras disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities, as these groups are more likely to live in areas where red light cameras are installed.
ultimately, whether or not red light cameras are constitutional in Illinois is still an open question. It will likely take another lawsuit making its way up through the courts before we get a definitive answer on this issue.
How to Fight your Red Light Camera Ticket and Why
Conclusion
In the state of Illinois, it is possible to ignore a red light camera ticket. However, if you do so, you will be risking accumulating late fees, as well as having your license suspended. If you choose to ignore the ticket, you should be prepared to face the consequences if you are caught by police.