Contesting Red Light & Speed Camera Tickets In Chicago
So you got a Camera Ticket in the mail. While the City doesn't make it easy, you can fight that ticket and we can show you how.
The City (CDOT) sent you a ticket because they claim you are the owner of a vehicle that either ran a Red Light or sped past a School or Park Speed Camera. They don't have to prove you were driving but they do have to prove you were the owner, it happened and there was no excuse. With the ticket they give you access to all of their evidence and that's where we start.
2006 E. 95th Street
2550 W. Addison Street
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday - Friday)
Central Hearing Facility
400 W. Superior Street
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday – Friday)
50 W. Washington St., Room 602.
This option must be exercised within 35 days of the Administrative Law Officer's decision. - penalty doubles after 25 days
Contact us for help if you are considering appealing a decision 312-612-9979
After your appeal has been accepted Call the City of Chicago's Ticket Helpline @ 312.744.PARK (7275) advising them that you have appealed and asking them to suspend any penalties until the case is decided. (If done within 25 days of determination should prevent the fine from doubling)
So you got a Camera Ticket in the mail. While the City doesn't make it easy, you can fight that ticket and we can show you how.
The City (CDOT) sent you a ticket because they claim you are the owner of a vehicle that either ran a Red Light or sped past a School or Park Speed Camera. They don't have to prove you were driving but they do have to prove you were the owner, it happened and there was no excuse. With the ticket they give you access to all of their evidence and that's where we start.
- Review the evidence – do it now YOU HAVE ONLY 21 DAYS TO CONTEST
- Look at the ticket
- Is all the information correct – if not it may be part of your defense
- is Make listed as OTHR
- can you tell the Make of the Vehicle in the photos
- Look at the Video https://parkingtickets.cityofchicago.org/CPSWeb/home.do
- did you see a reason / excuse – if so may be part of your defense
- can you tell the make of the vehicle in the video
- Look at the ticket
- Contest it – Photo Enforcement Violations are classed as Administrative Violations, like parking tickets, and meaning they go through the cities Administrative Hearing Process. You can contest by mail, online or by requesting an In-Person Hearing. This is your opportunity to “plead your case”. The City has a list of allowed defenses you should review as you plan you defense. We believe all tickets marked “OTHR” are flawed and have had repeated success at the Appeal level.
- You can request an in-person hearing by calling the City of Chicago's Ticket Helpline @ 312.744.PARK (7275)
- You can contest or request an in-person hearing by mail. Fill the request for in-person hearing bubble on the ticket envelope or return the envelope provided with the mailed Notice of Violation and your written defense.
- You may also contest or request an in-person hearing through the City’s website. Click on the link Submitting a Hearing Request via the City’s Website and follow the instructions to request an in-person hearing.
- Include this with any other excuse
- The facts alleged in the violation notice are inconsistent or do not support a finding that the Chicago Municipal code was violated; THIS IS YOUR DEFENCE - THE MAKE OF MY CAR WAS LISTED AS “OTHR” WHILE IT IS CLEARLY DESERNABLE IN THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN LISTED ON THE VIOLATION AS REQUIRED BY STATE STATUTE AND CITY ORDINANCE
- The Hearing Process
- If you Contested by Mail or Onilne you will receive a determination by Mail
- If you requested an In-Person Hearing a notice will be mailed to you noting the begin date of the week you can appear at any of the City of Chicago's hearing facilities during the hours noted below. You can choose which day of your scheduled week is most convenient for you to appear. However, hearing locations are closed on legal City holidays. Bring to the hearing any evidence you wish to be considered, including, but not limited to: police reports, registration documents, receipts, and pictures.
2006 E. 95th Street
2550 W. Addison Street
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday - Friday)
Central Hearing Facility
400 W. Superior Street
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday – Friday)
- What Happens If You Do Nothing
- If no response to the Notice of Violation is received, a Notice of Determination is mailed as notification that you have been found liable by default and have the option to petition to set aside the default judgment by appearing in person within twenty-one (21) days of the date of the Determination.
After twenty-five (25) days a Notice of Final Determination is mailed informing you that your options to challenge the ticket, both administratively and judicially, have been forfeited. A penalty equal to the amount of the fine will be assessed at that time.
- If no response to the Notice of Violation is received, a Notice of Determination is mailed as notification that you have been found liable by default and have the option to petition to set aside the default judgment by appearing in person within twenty-one (21) days of the date of the Determination.
- Should you lose - Appealing the Administrative Law Officer's Decision:
If you are dissatisfied with the Administrative Law Officer's decision, you can appeal before a judge under Administrative Review in the
50 W. Washington St., Room 602.
This option must be exercised within 35 days of the Administrative Law Officer's decision. - penalty doubles after 25 days
Contact us for help if you are considering appealing a decision 312-612-9979
After your appeal has been accepted Call the City of Chicago's Ticket Helpline @ 312.744.PARK (7275) advising them that you have appealed and asking them to suspend any penalties until the case is decided. (If done within 25 days of determination should prevent the fine from doubling)
