Matteson, IL asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois

Q: How can I beat this red light camera ticket in Blue Island, IL?

I needed to make a right turn and saw that cars were starting to make left turns. Knowing that there cannot be oncoming traffic while cars are turning left, I did a rolling pause, and then proceeded with my right turn; but somehow, I still received a $100 fine. The "photo enforced" sign is clearly posted and is also on the website. Is there any way out of this? I need the $100 and the deadline to pay or contest is by tomorrow, 08/25/2017. Please let me know if you can help.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Jason A. Wilkins
Jason A. Wilkins
Answered
  • Traffic Tickets Lawyer
  • Carol Stream, IL
  • Licensed in Illinois

A: Hello Asker,

My apologies that this answer is reaching you later. Unfortunately, there isn't a defense to be raised here. The law relating to red lights requires a full and complete stop even when it would appear that you are clear to travel. Even though traffic wouldn't likely collide with you, it is important to remember that U-Turns would be legal and could conflict with your driving path.

As for methods to challenge the ticket, there is not much out there. You can refute them based upon a police report for a stolen vehicle as well as pointing out that an officer gave you a ticket for the offense. Aside from that, you may be able to claim that the notice was defective in that it was missing required components listed in this statute 625 ILCS 5/11-208.6. I haven't personally seen this defense raised but it is the only one that comes to mind since I hear that cities sometimes fail to provide all the proper documentation to support these fines. Please take this with a grain of salt as it is merely a theory rather than a fully thought out legal defense.

Hope that helps and let us know if you have any questions!

Sincerely,

Jason A. Wilkins

Traffic Attorney

(630) 445-2293

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