In a fairly comprehensive and well reported story, Mark Saxenmeyer of Fox News Chicago, reports on a class action lawsuit that has been filed in federal court against the city of Chicago, challenging the legality of our red light camera laws.
The crux of this suit is based on the question whether it is legal to ticket the registered owner of the vehicle, even if he or she may not have been driving the vehicle when the violation occurred.
Normally, under Illinois state law, if you blew a stop light in front of a cop, you, the driver would be ticketed–not necessarily the registered owner of the vehicle.
But with the red light camera tickets, the onus is on the registered owner–no matter who was driving at the time of the violation.
The suit is calling the law unconstitutional because it unfairly transfers the responsibilities of the driver to the vehicle owner, provides inadequate means for the vehicle owner to defend themselves and is in direct conflict with state law (regarding running red lights).
The city contends red light ticketing is legal as it’s not a misdemeanor traffic violation and does not affect the status of your license or insurance rate.
Several attorneys were interviewed for the news story and both felt that the lawsuit had merit. But one lawyer felt the chances of prevailing were slim, as fighting city hall, with it’s army of lawyers, will be difficult and unpleasant.
Another lawsuit attacking the legality of Chicago’s red light camera law was filed in the fall of 2006, but it was thrown out in January of 2008 according to this report by Attorney Dave Abels.
The Expired Meter will be watching this lawsuit very closely.
So here’s the link to the video below. Check it out. Because at The Expired Meter…we retort, you decide.
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The City of Chicago Revenue is ripping off concumer. It is absolutely criminal.In 2008, I was on the north side, drove around for twenty minutes to find a park, I paid my $1.50 for a parking ticket,went into the store for 10 minutes only for find the meter maid walking away after giving me a ticket. I informed her that I was properly park and she just walk away. I paid that ticket ($100) not because I was guilty but because I knew that it was a waste to time going before the traffic judges.
On 9/19/09, I received a red light ticket, I appeal that ticket, I called
serveral times, since it was months since I appealed this ticket(7002135578), I called numbererous of times to check status, I was told each time that I was still in appeals, well on 4/19/2010 I received a new ticket for that violation from city revenue doubling the $100 to $200 not explaination. I take pride in keeping my driving records good but I keep getting these wrongful tickets from these officers of the law.
On 3/13/10, I received anoyher camera enforcement violation ticket, this time for making a right turn on green, I assumed that the light had changed to yellow as I was turning right,I did not see it because the light was on green when I proceeded to turn. This thicket was for $100.00. I am constesting. Please look at the video on this ticket- Infor:Ticket#70007506708,Lic#X752242ILPAS, Date of Viola;3/13/10. I received ticket on 4/17/10.
Consumers needs help, this is totally out of control. FEEDUP!!!
If u received a 100 dollar ticket from a meter maid its probably because you were at a bus stop or hydrant.
Sandra –
First: Your ticket number is 7007506708.
Second: You clearly pulled up to the light after it was red and did not even attempt to slow down before turning right.
Being ignorant of the law or ignoring the facts are not valid defenses to contesting a ticket.
Oops… I messed it up too… Ticket number 7002506708.
Yeah, Sandra, if you are putting yourself out there for public scrutiny, at least get the ticket number right so other people checking on it don’t waste time.
In case anyone is curious, the website is:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/rev/provdrs/citation/svcs/view_red-light_video.html
As much as I hate to admit it, ChgoPA is right (at least on 7002506708). You didn’t even really slow down, much less come to a complete stop before the line.
Sandra is an example of the people we run into daily that don’t hesitate to use a Hydrant or Bus Stop as their own private space for coffee or dry cleaning or picking their brat up from day care or w/e…
Sandy….please learn and use proper spelling and grammar when you post online. And learn to drive and park.
Saw some ticket writer on bike today riding the wrong way and from side to side on a one-way street. I wondered how that person would react if he received a ticket for dangerous driving, you know, ignoring the law and all.
SS….which would you prefer…
Bike on a Sidewalk or what you are whining about?
Personally…I see average Joe and Jane bike riders going down one way streets the wrong way or the wrong direction on a 2 way street all the time.
Cry about something Important.