Show All Answers

1. What is a violation?

Pursuant to the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-306), vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if there is no such stop line, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no such crosswalk, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown.


Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, vehicular traffic facing any steady red signal may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street, after stopping. After stopping, the driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction or roadways. Such driver shall yield the right of way to pedestrians within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.

2. Can I turn on red, when no “No Turn on Red” sign is present?

Yes, as long as the vehicle comes to a complete stop and does not enter the intersection, during the cycle of the red signal indication unless one or more pedestrians or bicyclists are present, even if the motor vehicle stops at a point pat a stop line or crosswalk where a drive is required to stop, as specified in the Illinois Vehicle Code.

3. Why was I issued a citation?

The Palatine Police Department issued a Red Light Violation Citation based on the evidence provided by the Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement System to the registered owner of the vehicle.

4. How do I know these violations are valid?

Images of your vehicle were captured and recorded by an Automated Red Light Photo Camera. Your images and an actual video of the occurrence are available online for your review at the Red Light Violations website. The images and video passed a two part review process by qualified technicians before being submitted to the Palatine 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 Palatine Police Department by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. You have the option of contesting the Violation Notice either by Mail or by requesting an In-Person Hearing.

Red Light Violations Website

5. Where can I view the video of the citation?

View a video of the citation at the

Red Light Violations website.