Chicago speed camera tickets are issued by mail, not by a police officer, and you have specific steps to challenge or pay them
When a speed camera in Chicago records your vehicle exceeding the posted limit, the city's Department of Finance mails you a ticket weeks later. You do not receive a citation at the roadside. The ticket includes a photo of your vehicle, the date and time, the camera location, and the recorded speed. Unlike a ticket from a police officer, a speed camera ticket does not add points to your driving record and does not affect your insurance rates — but you still owe the fine if you do not contest it.
Speed cameras in Chicago are installed in school zones and residential areas. The city operates hundreds of them. The fine varies by how much over the limit you were traveling. You have 21 days from the ticket date to respond, either by paying, requesting a hearing, or submitting evidence that the ticket is wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Speed camera tickets arrive by mail weeks after the violation and include a photo of your vehicle and the recorded speed.
- The fine depends on how far over the speed limit you were going, and fines range from $35 to $100 for most violations.
- You have 21 days from the ticket date to pay, request a hearing, or submit a written challenge with evidence.
- A speed camera ticket does not add points to your license or affect your insurance, but unpaid tickets can result in vehicle boot or towing.
- You can request a hearing in person or by mail, and the city will review the camera photo and your vehicle registration.
How much the fine costs
Chicago's speed camera fines depend on the violation speed. Traveling 6 to 10 miles per hour over the limit costs $35. Going 11 to 15 miles per hour over costs $75. Speeds 16 miles per hour or more over the limit cost $100. These are the standard fines as of the most recent city ordinance, though the city can adjust them.
If you do not pay within 21 days, the city may add late fees and can eventually place a boot on your vehicle or tow it. The city also reports unpaid tickets to credit agencies. Paying the fine does not require you to admit fault — it straightforward closes the case.
The three ways to respond to a ticket
When you receive a speed camera ticket, you have three options: pay it, request a hearing, or submit written evidence that the ticket is wrong. You must choose one within 21 days of the ticket date.
Paying the ticket is the fastest route. You can pay online through the city's Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a city office. Payment closes the case when ready.
Requesting a hearing means a city official will review the camera photo, your vehicle registration, and any evidence you submit. You can request a hearing in person at the Department of Finance office or by mail. If you request a hearing in person, you will receive a date and time. If you request by mail, you submit your request and any documents together, and the city mails you a decision.
Submitting written evidence is an option if you believe the ticket is factually wrong — for example, if the photo shows a different vehicle, or if you can prove you were not driving that day. You mail this evidence to the address on the ticket within 21 days. The city reviews it and mails you a decision.
How to request a hearing and what to bring
To request a hearing in person, visit the Department of Finance office listed on your ticket. Bring your ticket, your vehicle registration, and any evidence that supports your case. Evidence might include a photo showing your vehicle was not the one in the camera image, a receipt showing you were elsewhere that day, or documentation that someone else was driving your car.
The hearing is informal. A city official will look at the camera photo alongside your registration and listen to your explanation. The official will then decide whether to uphold or dismiss the ticket. You will receive the decision by mail within a few weeks.
If you cannot attend in person, you can request a hearing by mail. Write a letter explaining why you believe the ticket is wrong, include copies of any supporting documents, and mail it to the address on the ticket. Do not send originals — send copies only. The city will review your letter and documents and mail you a decision.
What happens if you ignore the ticket
If you do not pay or respond within 21 days, the city treats it as an unpaid debt. Late fees are added to the original fine. The city reports the unpaid ticket to credit agencies, which can lower your credit score. After a certain period, the city can place a boot on your vehicle, preventing you from driving it, or tow it entirely.
An unpaid speed camera ticket can also prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. The city cross-references unpaid tickets with the Secretary of State's vehicle registration database. When you try to renew, the system flags your vehicle and blocks the renewal until the ticket is resolved.
Speed camera locations and how to find them
Chicago publishes a list of all active speed camera locations on the city's data portal. You can search by address or ward to see which cameras operate near your home or workplace. The city also posts signs at each camera location warning drivers that the area is monitored.
Most cameras are in school zones (operating during school hours and 30 minutes before and after) and residential areas with a 20 mph speed limit. A few cameras operate in parks. The speed limit at each location is posted on the street sign, and the camera photo on your ticket will show the posted limit and the speed recorded.
Why you might win a hearing
Speed camera tickets are overturned when the evidence does not support the violation. Common reasons include: the photo shows a different vehicle than yours (wrong color, different body style, or obscured license plate), the camera was not properly calibrated (though the city maintains calibration records), or the posted speed limit sign was missing or obscured at the time of the violation.
You can also win if you can prove you were not the driver — for example, if you have a receipt showing you were in another city, or if you can document that someone else borrowed your car that day. Bring specific, dated evidence. A vague statement that you were not driving is not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a speed camera ticket add points to my license?
No. Speed camera tickets are civil violations, not criminal ones. They do not add points to your driving record and do not affect your insurance rates. Only tickets issued by a police officer during a traffic stop add points.
Can I pay the ticket and still request a hearing?
No. Once you pay, the case is closed and you cannot request a hearing. If you are unsure whether you want to pay or contest it, request a hearing first. You can always pay after the hearing if the ticket is upheld.
What if the photo on the ticket is blurry or does not clearly show my license plate?
Bring this up at your hearing or include it in your written response. If the city cannot clearly identify your vehicle from the photo, the ticket may be dismissed. Bring a copy of the ticket with you and point out the specific areas that are unclear.
How long does it take to get a decision after a hearing?
The city typically mails a decision within two to four weeks of your hearing. If you requested a hearing by mail, the timeline is similar. Check the ticket for the specific address to send your request and any documents.
Can I pay a speed camera ticket with a payment plan?
The city does not offer payment plans for speed camera tickets. You must pay the full amount or request a hearing. If you cannot pay when ready, contact the Department of Finance to ask about hardship options, though these are limited for this type of violation.