Got a camera ticket in Chicago?
Here's how to check it's real, what it costs, and where to pay or contest it. Use the official city pages linked below for anything to do with your ticket.
Is it real?
Besides the ticket, the Department of Finance mails a notice of violation, the first notice you receive, explaining how to pay or contest. (official source)
The city warns of email and text 'spoofing' by people posing as the City; don't click links, go directly to the city website and check for chicago.gov in the address. (official source)
Never pay through a link in a text message. Type the city's address into your browser yourself, or use the links on this page.
What it costs
| Camera | Band | Fine | Points | First-offence warning | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red light | any violation | $100 | — | no | official page |
| Speed | 6-10 over | $35 | — | yes | official page |
| Speed | 11+ over | $100 | — | yes | official page |
If a ticket found liable is not paid by the pay-by date, a late penalty is added equal to the original fine (capped so fine plus penalty is at most $250). (official source)
Final determinations can be collected like court judgments (collection agencies, credit bureaus, liens); owners with 3+ final determinations, or 2 at least a year old, can have any vehicle booted, with a $100 boot fee and a tow if it stays booted 24 hours. (official source)
After a liable hearing decision you have 25 days to pay before the ticket doubles; red-light final determinations count toward boot eligibility. (official source)
Contesting it
The mailed notice of violation gives you 21 days to pay or contest, with hearings by correspondence, virtually or in person. (official source)
The city explains how to request a hearing on its official dispute page.
Payment plans and reduced fines
Clear Path Relief is for low-income owners (household income at or under 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, or enrolled in Utility Billing Relief or Administrative Debt Relief): pay the original fine on tickets from the last 3 years and eligible older debt, including red-light and speed tickets, is waived. (official source)
Payment plans cover parking, red-light and speed tickets: early and standard plans run up to 24 months and a hardship plan up to 36 months, with low down payments (15%, or 5% for hardship, with no prior defaults) and a $25 monthly minimum. (official source)
Points and your record
Red-light camera tickets are administrative violations, like parking tickets, not moving violations, and go to the registered owner. (official source)
Quick answers
- How do I know a Chicago camera ticket is real?
- Besides the ticket, the Department of Finance mails a notice of violation, the first notice you receive, explaining how to pay or contest.
- How long do I have to contest it?
- The mailed notice of violation gives you 21 days to pay or contest, with hearings by correspondence, virtually or in person.
- Does it go on my driving record?
- Red-light camera tickets are administrative violations, like parking tickets, not moving violations, and go to the registered owner.
- What happens if I don't pay?
- If a ticket found liable is not paid by the pay-by date, a late penalty is added equal to the original fine (capped so fine plus penalty is at most $250). Final determinations can be collected like court judgments (collection agencies, credit bureaus, liens); owners with 3+ final determinations, or 2 at least a year old, can have any vehicle booted, with a $100 boot fee and a tow if it stays booted 24 hours. After a liable hearing decision you have 25 days to pay before the ticket doubles; red-light final determinations count toward boot eligibility.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Camera Tickets USA is independent and not affiliated with Chicago or any government agency. We never ask for ticket numbers or license plates.