A resident of Chicago has decided to avoid driving on his own street due to new speed camera laws that could result in a fine of up to $100 for simply pulling out of his driveway. The homeowner, Eddie Johnson, expressed his frustration regarding the city’s aggressive enforcement of traffic laws, particularly with the installation of 22 new speed cameras since June. These cameras have rapidly increased the number of speeding tickets issued, raising concerns among local drivers.
Johnson recently moved to a neighborhood where one of the city’s highest-ticketing cameras is located. He described the camera as being active “all night” and stated, “I won’t drive down the street” it monitors, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. The newly installed cameras have already issued over 91,000 tickets in their first month of operation. Alarmingly, five of the six highest-ticketing cameras in Chicago are among these recent additions.
Drivers in the city are subject to fines based on their speed relative to the 30 mph limit. Exceeding this limit by 6 to 10 mph incurs a $35 fine, while those exceeding it by 11 mph or more face a $100 fine. Local residents have voiced concerns about the intent of these cameras, questioning whether they exist solely to generate revenue rather than enhance road safety. Tim Garrity, another local resident, noted that he finds the speed limit signs in the area “very confusing” and believes he adheres to the law by driving at 20 mph.
Inconsistencies in the speed measurement by the cameras have also been highlighted in a report by WLS, revealing a variance of 0.62 mph in their readings. This discrepancy has led to arguments that residents ticketed for going slightly over the limit should not be held accountable.
In March, Mayor Brandon Johnson approved a plan to install a total of 50 new cameras to address a projected $11.4 million shortfall in the city’s budget for 2025. The revenue generated from these cameras will be directed to the city’s general corporate fund.
Concerns Over Camera Effectiveness
Research conducted by Stacey Sutton, a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, casts doubt on the effectiveness of the speed cameras. Her study, published in 2022, revealed that a significant portion of speeding offenders remains undeterred by the financial penalties associated with violations. Sutton emphasized that while some cameras have contributed to improved safety, others have not performed as expected. She urged city officials to prioritize road safety over revenue generation.
For those who receive a speeding ticket, there are several strategies to contest it. Drivers can challenge the officer’s opinion, present evidence, or argue that their situation constituted a “mistake of fact.” Other defenses could include justifying the need to speed in certain circumstances or consulting a traffic attorney for assistance.
The Equity in Enforcement group plans to present reform recommendations at the upcoming September meeting of the city’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, where community members will have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion through a survey conducted by the group.
Other Cities Implement Similar Initiatives
Chicago is not alone in adopting speed camera technology. San Francisco first introduced automated cameras in August, now operating 33 cameras that impose fines ranging from $50 to $500 based on speed. City transportation officials report that these cameras have effectively reduced speeding and fatal accidents at high-risk intersections.
Additionally, over a dozen schools in Miami-Dade County, Florida, have installed speed cameras that are only active at specific times during the school day. Fines of $100 will apply to drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph or more, but enforcement will not begin until after a 30-day grace period.
In a broader context, states like South Carolina have enacted new traffic laws, such as a hands-free law that bans using mobile phones while driving, with penalties starting at $100. Meanwhile, Ohio has mandated 40 hours of adult-supervised driving for new drivers aged 18 to 20, including night-time driving hours.
While the methods may vary, the common goal across these measures is to enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians.