How do you fight a traffic camera violation and is it worth it?

Basically, I was entering an intersection four lanes plus a turning lane in the fast (left) lane. A cab in the right lane pulls in to my lane while braking for no reason while entering the intersection (which is a violation alone on his part). I slow and he stops in my lane all while the light has now turned yellow. I pull into the turning portion of the intersection and drive around him as he sits there.

All of this is very clear in the photos. the only thing that worries me is they said my approx speed was 40?? Which in my mind there is no way, but they aren't ticketing me for that just the red light violation. This happened about 5 months ago, but I remember it clearly because I saw all the camera lights flashing.

Lastly it's my work car so the violation isn't even in my name, so if I pay there's nothing on my license.

What do you think, I just hate paying when it really wasn't my fault. I'd gladly admit if it was.

Im not sure if its on all Chicago traffic cameras, but the one that caught me had a video to go along with it. It had a good 5 seconds before the actual snapshot probably for situations like that.

For that pay the fine. Unless you got the time to roll dice in court.

Yeah, taking time off work would cost me more than court costs...not worth the trouble.

How much total in fines?

On principle, if you can say you were avoiding an accident and then subsequently because of that clearing the intersection.. you may have a chance.. However.. is it worth it? What is cheaper for you?

As a follow up, the way to beat them is a very strong old-school laser pointer.

you figure out the rest with the ccd's in there... true story.

Do you have to go to court to contest this? I would have thought that there are some channel to dispute the ticket and have it reviewed. I remember hearing about all of the people who were incorrectly ticketed when they first rolled these cameras out. They had to contest somehow, no? Did they all get dragged into court?

Welcome to the new era, you're guilty until proven innocent.

I believe the appropriate protocol is to-


1. Grab ankles.

2. Pay Fine.

3. Get on with life.

4. Profit!

Seriously, its crap. I can't believe we let them get away with it.

Well I have free use of a good lawyer whom I usually use. It's more the principal of the whole thing.

A free lawyer is a good thing.


But, because I'm a guy like me, I wouldn't burn up a favor on a $75.00 ticket. LOL

+100

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Usually cash.

i just got a camera ticket saying i went through a red light on 95th and cicero. I was half way through the intersection when it turned red and the camera flashed, plus a guy was riding me so i did not want to stop quickly.

+Notice+ I have seen this camera flash for no reason all the time and no cars were turning on a red light or going through one.

I am definetly escalating this, not paying $100...

Get R Kelley's lawyer. Say it wasn't you.

Ticks me off to hear about two innocent people, when the city is raking in the dough. How many others are also innocent.

Time for a tea party.

I just found out that the tickets issued by camera are not moving violations and thus won't go on your driving record. So I just paid mine. Sucks.

i think those monitored intersections are unfair

thats like 'cheating' to me

i say, keep it real, and catch my ass red handed for a ticket

fighting it might be tough because a picture is worth a thousand words

i got a warning one at 95th and roberts. they had just put up the camera there so i lucked out. it was for not stopping long enough at the intersection before turning on red. i deal with these cameras everywhere, basically when it turns yellow stop and before the white stripe not the crosswalk. these cameras have been causing many rear ends. they are there to make money for the politicians( cough stroger) and you will not get out of them.