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

1 authorizes automated traffic law enforcement systems at intersections across the city, each posted with a sign warning drivers the intersection is camera-monitored. Before any violation notice goes out, a law enforcement officer or retired officer employed by the city must independently review the recorded images and confirm the vehicle entered against the red signal in violation of 625 ILCS 5/11-306; no notice issues if the vehicle stopped before entering or if a statutory exemption (stolen plates, yielding to an emergency vehicle, funeral procession) applies.

The violation notice is mailed to the registered owner within 30 days of the Secretary of State identifying them, but never later than 90 days after the violation, and must include the recorded images, the fine amount, and hearing instructions. An owner who neither pays nor requests a hearing within 14 days receives a determination-of-liability notice. Requested hearings are conducted by an administrative hearing officer who must be a licensed attorney and have completed formal adjudication training; hearings are recorded, hearsay commonly relied on by reasonable people is admissible, and the officer can subpoena witnesses and documents.

A liability finding gives the owner 25 days to pay before the case moves toward final determination, and any finding is reviewable in the circuit court of Lake County under the Administrative Review Act, with transcript-preparation costs set at $100 for the first page and $25 for each additional page. 5.