Red Light Camera Frequently Asked Questions

No, driving is a regulated activity on public roads. By obtaining a driver's license, a motorist agrees to abide by certain rules, such as to obey traffic signals. Neither the law nor common sense suggests drivers should not be observed on the road nor have their violations documented/recorded. The use of RLR cameras in support of traffic safety has been upheld by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals for the Northern District for Illinois.

When issued a Notice of Violation, it is mailed to the owner, lessee or renter of the vehicle indicating a fine amount of $100. The violation notice needs to be contested or paid (in full) by or before the "Contest By" or "Pay By" date shown on the notice. If no action is taken, a Determination of Liability will be entered against the registered owner, lessee or renter of the vehicle. The violation needs to be paid (in full) or a Final Determination of Violation Liability will be issued to the owner, lessee or renter of the vehicle. The Final Determination of Violation Liability includes a late penalty of $100. ($200 total, $100 for the original fine and $100 late penalty) The payment of the fine amount listed on the Final Determination of Violation Liability is required by or before the "Pay By" date shown on the notice, if this is not paid, the City of Oakbrook Terrace will take further enforcement and collection action.

Failure to pay Five (5) Violations may result in the Owner's Drivers License Being Suspended.

No. A violation under Illinois law will not affect your driving record or insurance rates (it is similar to a parking ticket).

The defenses to a Red Light Violation are as follows:

1. The operator of the vehicle was issued a Uniform Citation by a police officer for the same incident as captured by the Red Light Enforcement Camera.
2. The violation occurred at a time during which the vehicle or its license plate was reported to a law enforcement agency as having been stolen and the vehicle or license plate had not been recovered by the owner at the time of the alleged violation.
3. The vehicle was leased to another, and within sixty (60) calendar days after the citation was mailed to the lessor, lessor submitted to the municipality, the correct name and address of the lessee of the vehicle identified in the violation notice at the time of the alleged violation, together with a copy of the lease agreement, the lessee's driver's license number and any additional information that may be required.
4. The vehicle was an authorized emergency vehicle or it was yielding the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.
5. The vehicle was lawfully participating in a funeral procession.

Under Illinois State Law, HB 4835 effective May, 2006, the registered owner (or lessee) of a vehicle is liable for any automated traffic law violations that occur. It does not matter who is driving the car, (unless the vehicle has been reported stolen prior to the time of violation) the law clearly states that the registered owner is liable.

There are two (2) types of Red Light Violations:

1. Entering an intersection AFTER the traffic signal has turned red.
2. Right Turn on Red - You may be cited with a Red Light Violation if you fail to bring your vehicle to a complete stop before turning right on red (where permissible). You may be cited with a Red Light Violation if you turn right on red where it is expressly prohibited and/or if you turn right on red on days and/or during hours prohibited by law (expressly or implicitly).

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a recent nationwide study of deadly crashes at traffic signals indicates that 22 percent failed to obey the signal. In 2012, the fatality rate approached 700 and 133,000 injuries were recorded, all a result of red-light running. It is the City’s belief that implementation of an Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement Program will reduce the number of red light collisions and injuries associated with such crashes. The goal of this program is to increase traffic safety in Oakbrook Terrace by reducing red light running violations, red light crashes and red light injury crashes without impacting City funds.

We encourage you to Choose Safety. Stop On Red.