FAQs • Villa Park, IL • CivicEngage

Why has the Village of Villa Park decided to implement an Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement Program?: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 2 million crashes occur each year at intersections. In 2005, red light running resulted in 800 fatalities and over 165,000 injuries.

It is the Village’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 Villa Park by reducing red light running violations, red light crashes, and red light injury crashes without impacting city funds.

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Red Light Cameras

1. Is the citation valid if it was not issued by a uniformed police officer?: Yes. These violations will be reviewed and authorized by sworn officers of the Villa Park Police Department. Each reviewing officer will be specifically trained in the operation and review process of the Red Light Photo Enforcement Program. These tickets are treated as a civil violation (just like a parking ticket) and will not impact the registered owner's driving record or insurance rates.

2. What do I do if I receive a citation?: If you receive a citation in the mail you should follow the instructions on the back. Detailed information is provided on how to pay or contest the violation. Should the individual decide to contest the violation, he / she may do so through the Village's adjudication program.

3. What if I wasn't driving the car?: Under Illinois State Law, HB 4835, the registered owner of the vehicle is liable for any automated traffic law violations that occur to the vehicle, regardless of who is operating it.

5. How much time do I have to pay my Red Light Violation Notice?: You must pay the civil penalty on or before the due date on your violation notice. The due date for payment is located on the top and bottom right of your violation notice.

6. Can a hearing date be re-scheduled?: Yes - a hearing date may be re-scheduled once.

7. Why has the Village of Villa Park decided to implement an Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement Program?: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 2 million crashes occur each year at intersections. In 2005, red light running resulted in 800 fatalities and over 165,000 injuries.

It is the Village’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 Villa Park by reducing red light running violations, red light crashes, and red light injury crashes without impacting city funds.

8. If I am in the intersection when the light is yellow and the light changes to red, will I receive a notice of violation?: No. The automated system only becomes active once the red light is showing. It will not capture a vehicle that enters the intersection prior to the light changing to red. If you entered the intersection on yellow, it is legal to clear the intersection if the light turned red while you were still in the intersection. In the violation notice, the first photo shows your car at the white line when the stoplight was red. In the second photo the stoplight was still red when the car proceeded into the intersection.

9. Will the red light cameras take a picture of the driver of the vehicle?: No. A violation of the Villa Park Ordinance is a civil violation assessed against the owner of the vehicle; it is not a criminal violation. Similar to a parking ticket, there is no need to identify the driver and therefore, no need to capture the image of the driver. This violation will not affect your driving privileges or insurance rates.

10. Where can I go to view my video and images?: To view your violation video clip and images, log on to RedLightViolations. To log on to the site you must enter your 16 digit Notice Number and License Plate information located at the top right of your Violation Notice. If you do not have internet access, you may visit any public library for internet access to view your video.

11. What if I was not the operator of the car at the time the violation took place, am I still liable?: Under Illinois State Law, HB 4835 effective May, 2006, the registered owner of a vehicle is liable for any automated traffic law violations that occur to the vehicle. It does not matter who was driving the car, the law clearly states that the registered owner is liable.

12. The car was a rental, why did I receive the violation notice?: Under the law, the person(s) designated on the rental or lease agreement of a vehicle as the driver(s) of that vehicle is responsible for any assigned violations during the rental period. Your name and address were provided to us by the rental car agency.

13. What happens if I ignore the a violation notice?: Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability prior to the pay or contest date on the notice will result in a determination of liability being entered against you. You will be given another 14 days to pay, at which time, if payment has still not been received, a final determination of liability will be issued. If the final determination of liability is not paid, a late payment fee will be imposed and the fine increased. If this second notice remains unpaid, collections and an entry of a judgment against you may proceed.

14. My payment has already been sent; will I still be charged late fees?: Payment must be received on or before the pay or contest date indicated on the violation notice. Postmarked dates are not considered as payment received, and payment extensions are not granted.

15. I paid the violation; why did I receive another Violation Notice?: The notice you just received could be for additional violations or it may just be a second notice which crossed your payment in the mail. Payments are posted the same day they are received, but you may call the toll free number on the notice for assistance and to confirm receipt.

16. If I pay the fine, can I then contest it or ask for a hearing?: No. Once you have paid a fine it is considered an admission of liability and requests to contest or schedule a hearing will not be granted.

17. How do I know these violations are valid?: Images of your vehicle were captured and recorded by an Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement System. Your images and an actual video of the occurrence are available online for your review at RedLightViolations.

The images and video passed a two part review process by qualified technicians before being submitted to the Villa Park Police Department for final review and approval. The alleged civil infraction notice was then mailed to you as the registered owner or identified driver. Confirmation of your name, address and vehicle registration information was provided to the Villa Park Police Department by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. You have the option of contesting the violation either by mail or by requesting an in-person hearing.