Automated Enforcement

Automated enforcement uses cameras to capture images of vehicles and potentially the motorist committing a traffic law violation. The Illinois Vehicle Code allows for the following types of automated enforcement: Speed Enforcement by IDOT and ISP in work zones; speed enforcement in safety zones by Chicago DOT; Red Light Running (RLR) enforcement on state and local roads in 8 counties in the Metro East and Chicago area; railroad grade crossing gate violations; and school bus arm violations. Automated enforcement is intended to supplement traditional enforcement efforts and to assist in eliminating fatal and severe injury crashes and is part of the implementation of several emphasis areas within the Illinois SHSP.

Photo Speed Enforcement

Speed and distracted driving continue to be the leading causes of crashes in work zones. Photo speed enforcement in work zones was enacted into law to assist IDOT and Illinois State Police in its efforts to reduce the number and severity of crashes related to speeding in work zones. While work zone speeds and fines apply regardless of the presence of workers, photo speed enforcement can only be utilized when workers are present.

Red Light Running

Angle and turning crashes at intersections are the most severe. Running red lights contributes to these types of crashes. The Illinois Vehicle Code allows the following 8 counties to implement Red Light Running (RLR) Enforcement Systems: Cook, Lake, Kane, DuPage, McHenry, Will, Madison, and St. Clair. IDOT established a policy for local agencies to use when considering RLR cameras on state maintained routes. The policy can be found at the following here.

School Bus Arm Law

Pedestrians are considered vulnerable users. Children can be more at risk especially in school zones and areas where children are being picked up and dropped off by a school bus. The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1414) (from Ch. 95 ½, Par. 11-1414) enacts law, commonly referred to the “school bus arm law”, on how motorists shall approach, overtake, and pass school bus. Illinois law was recently passed that allows for local agencies to use automated enforcement for the violation of the school bus arm law.