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Cicero, IL Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Cicero Code § 94-144
Base civil penalty
$100.00 per violation
Late/uncontested penalty
Additional $100.00 (total $200.00)
Speed enforcement
System may not enforce speed limits
Points assessed
None under Illinois point system
Notice deadline
Mailed within 30 days of owner ID, max 90 days
Hearing timing
At least 15 days after notice mailed

Summary

The Town of Cicero runs an automated traffic law enforcement system that photographs vehicles running red lights at monitored intersections, issuing a $100 civil penalty by mail rather than a criminal citation. The system cannot be used to enforce speed limits, and no license-suspension points attach to a paid ticket.

As used in the section, "automated traffic law enforcement system" means a device within the town with one or more motor vehicle sensors working in conjunction with a red light signal to produce recorded images of motor vehicles entering an intersection against a steady or flashing red signal indication in violation of section 11-306 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/11-306. The automated traffic law enforcement system shall not be used to enforce speed limit regulations. ... this shall be deemed a non-criminal violation for which a civil penalty of $100.00 shall be assessed and for which no points shall be assigned by the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code Point System for License Suspension to the owner or driver of the vehicle.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 121).

Full Breakdown

Section 94-144 of the Cicero Code authorizes cameras with motor vehicle sensors that pair with red signal indications to capture images of vehicles entering an intersection against a steady or flashing red light, in violation of 625 ILCS 5/11-306 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Every monitored intersection must post a visible sign warning approaching traffic that it is camera-enforced. Every flagged image is reviewed by a town police officer or retired officer before a notice of violation issues; the town must mail that notice within 30 days after the Illinois Secretary of State identifies the registered owner, and never later than 90 days after the violation itself.

00 civil penalty, the recorded images, the violation location, date and time, and a hearing date at least 15 days out. 00. Six defenses are recognized at the administrative hearing, including a stolen vehicle or plates, an authorized emergency vehicle, yielding to an emergency vehicle or funeral procession, a same-incident citation already resolved, a leased vehicle where the lessor identified the lessee within 60 days, and a respondent who was not the registered owner at the time. 3(b)(1). An owner with five or more unpaid automated traffic violations can be certified to the Secretary of State for driver's license suspension, though the code lets that owner challenge the certification in writing within five days of notice.

Violations & Fines

Running a red light captured by camera draws a $100.00 civil penalty under section 94-144, not a criminal charge and no Illinois point-system assessment. Missing the 30-day window to pay or contest triggers an automatic additional $100.00 penalty for a final determination of liability, for $200.00 total. Five or more unpaid automated violations can lead to certification to the Secretary of State for suspension of the owner's driving privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cicero's red light camera program also catch speeders?
No. Section 94-144 expressly states the automated traffic law enforcement system cannot be used to enforce speed limit regulations; it only detects vehicles entering an intersection against a steady or flashing red signal in violation of 625 ILCS 5/11-306.
How much is a Cicero red light camera ticket?
The civil penalty is $100.00 per violation. If you don't pay or contest it within 30 days of the notice being mailed, the town adds a second $100.00 penalty for a final determination of liability, bringing the total to $200.00.
Will a Cicero red light camera ticket add points to my license?
No. Section 94-144 specifically provides that no points are assigned under the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code Point System for License Suspension for an automated traffic law violation, since it is treated as a non-criminal civil matter.
What defenses can I raise against a Cicero camera ticket?
The code recognizes a limited list: the vehicle or plates were stolen, the vehicle was an authorized emergency vehicle, the driver yielded to an emergency vehicle or funeral procession, you already resolved a same-incident citation, you leased the vehicle and identified the lessee within 60 days, or you weren't the registered owner at the time of the violation.

Sources & Official References

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