Q: what happens if I don't pay my speed camera ticket from Chicago IL?
Received both a warning and a ticket issued on the same day within a minute of each other. The ticket says it is not a uniform traffic citation and it will not impact your driving privileges but if I don't pay they can suspend my license?
A:
Automated speeding and traffic light cameras cannot form the basis of a suspension for receiving too many violations. That much is true. What this refers to is the rule where 3 moving violations convictions in 12 months (21 or older) or two moving violations in 24 months (if under 21) results in a suspension. The secretary of state doesn't consider these moving violations meaning it won't trigger this rule.
The treat of suspension only arises for failure to pay. When it comes to parking, tollway, or automated camera violations, having too many unpaid tickets WILL result in a suspension. The limits for unpaid tickets are 10, 10, and 5 respectively. This means you could have 4 unpaid tickets to the end of time and never be suspended but upon receipt of the 5th, you can be suspended.
As for the impact, you run the risk of collection fees (which can be sometimes as high as the ticket) and credit report damage. In addition, you if you trigger a suspension, it can only be lifted by paying ALL tickets owed, not merely the fifth ticket. Either that or you must enter a qualified payment plan, present proof to the secretary of state, and make payments regularly.
The choice is yours if you want to pay but if you don't, be aware of how many remain unpaid because when you hit that limit, you will have to pay all the tickets PLUS collection fees to be valid again.
Hope that helps!
Jason A. Wilkins
Attorney at Law
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