Traffic Camera Locations: Illinois' Surveillance Secrets

Traffic cameras are an essential tool used by authorities to enforce traffic laws and improve road safety. In Illinois, these cameras are located across many major cities and roads. The Illinois Vehicle Code allows for several types of automated enforcement, including speed enforcement in work and safety zones, red-light running enforcement, and school bus arm violation enforcement. The Expressway Camera Act, also known as the Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act, was enacted to create a program involving the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority for the use of automated license plate reader cameras. These cameras are typically placed on top of traffic lights or on the side/corner of intersections.

Traffic cameras in Chicago, Illinois

Traffic cameras are an essential tool for enforcing traffic laws and improving road safety. While traffic cameras do not issue tickets, red-light and speed cameras do. They are often placed on the side or corner of an intersection.

In Chicago, Illinois, traffic cameras are located at the following intersections:

• Dan Ryan - I-55 Interchange
• I-55 west of Kedzie Ave
• I-55 0.5 miles east of Pulaski Rd
• I-55 at IL-43 (Harlem Ave)
• I-55 west of IL-43 (Harlem Ave)
• I-55 east of IL-171 (First Ave)
• I-55 west of IL-171 (First Ave)
• I-55 2.0 miles west of IL-171 (First Ave)
• I-55 east of US-12/20/45 (La Grange Rd)
• I-55 at US-12/20/45 (La Grange Rd)
• I-55 at US-12/20/45 (La Grange Rd)
• I-55 east of Willow Springs Rd
• I-55 east of I-355
• I-55 at IL-53
• I-55 east of Schmidt Rd
• I-55 west of Bolingbrook Weigh Station
• I-55 south of Naperville Rd
• I-55 at IL-126
• I-55 south of IL-126
• I-55 at Lockport Rd
• I-55 at Renwick Rd
• I-55 north of US-30
• I-55 at US-30
• I-55 south of US-30
• I-55 north of Caton Farm Rd
• I-55 at Caton Farm Rd
• I-55 south of Caton Farm Rd
• I-55 north of US-52 (Jefferson St)
• I-55 at I-80
• I-55 at Bluff Rd
• I-55 south of Des Plaines River

Additionally, Chicago is one of eight counties in the Metro East and Chicago area that are allowed to implement Red Light Running (RLR) Enforcement Systems. The other counties are Cook, Lake, Kane, DuPage, McHenry, Will, and Madison.

Traffic cameras on I-55

Traffic cameras are an essential tool used by authorities to monitor and enforce traffic laws and improve road safety. While traffic cameras do not issue tickets, red-light cameras—often confused for traffic cameras—are located on the side or corner of an intersection and capture images of vehicles that run red lights.

In Illinois, there are several traffic cameras on Interstate 55 (I-55), a major highway that runs north-south through the state. These cameras are located at various points along the highway, including in the communities of Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and Romeoville.

For example, in Bolingbrook, there is a traffic camera located east of Schmidt Road on I-55. This camera monitors traffic flow in the area and does not issue tickets. Similarly, in Plainfield, there is a traffic camera located at the intersection of I-55 and Illinois Route 126 (IL-126). This camera also monitors traffic flow to help manage traffic congestion and improve road safety.

Additionally, in Romeoville, there is a traffic camera located west of the Bolingbrook Weigh Station on I-55. This camera helps authorities keep track of commercial vehicle traffic and ensure compliance with weight regulations.

It is important to note that while these traffic cameras do not issue tickets, red-light and speed cameras are also present along I-55 and throughout Illinois. These cameras are strategically placed to enforce traffic laws, improve road safety, and reduce reckless driving behaviours.

To stay informed about the locations of red-light and speed cameras in Illinois, drivers can refer to resources such as interactive maps and local city websites. Staying aware of these camera locations can help drivers navigate safely, avoid penalties, and contribute to safer roads for everyone.

Traffic cameras on I-57

Traffic cameras are located on many roads and highways in Illinois, including I-57. These cameras are typically used to monitor traffic flow and improve road safety by discouraging reckless driving behaviours.

On I-57, traffic cameras can be found at various locations, including intersections with major roads and streets. Here is a list of some of the notable locations of traffic cameras on I-57:

• I-57 at I-94
• I-57 at 100th St
• I-57 at 104th St
• I-57 at 107th St
• I-57 at 114th St
• I-57 at 116th St
• I-57 at 121st St
• I-57 at 126th St
• I-57 at 141st St
• I-57 at Norris St / Oakley Ave
• I-57 at IL-83 (Sibley Blvd)
• I-57 at I-294
• I-57 north of Kedzie Ave
• I-57 at 155th St
• I-57 at US-6 (159th St)
• I-57 south of Pulaski Rd/Crawford Ave
• I-57 at 167th St
• I-57 at IL-50 (Cicero Ave)
• I-57 at 173rd St
• I-57 at I-80
• I-57 NB at Mile Post 305
• I-57 at US 136
• I-57 at Mile Post 242.8
• I-57 at Market St.
• I-57 at I-72
• I-57 at Curtis Rd.
• I-57 at Mile Post 226.4
• I-57 at Pesotum
• I-57 at US 36
• I-57 SB at Green Creek Rest Area
• I-57/I-70 at North Tri-Level
• I-57/I-70 at Keller Drive
• I-57/I-70 at South Tri-Level
• I-57 SB at Watson
• I-57 NB at Marion (Mile Post 56.56)

These locations are equipped with traffic cameras to monitor the flow of vehicles and ensure road safety. The cameras are strategically placed to capture images and videos of the traffic, which can be used to improve traffic management and enforce traffic laws when necessary.

Traffic cameras in Cook County

Traffic cameras are an essential tool for enforcing traffic laws and improving road safety. In Cook County, Illinois, there are several locations with traffic cameras that monitor vehicle movement and help enforce traffic rules.

Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, has an extensive network of traffic cameras. The City of Chicago first installed cameras back in 2003 to issue red-light and speeding tickets. Today, there are over 300 intersections in Chicago equipped with cameras that can snap photos, record videos, and measure speed using radar technology. These cameras are strategically placed to capture images of vehicles running red lights or speeding, with the goal of discouraging reckless driving behaviours and improving road safety.

In addition to Chicago, other towns and municipalities in Cook County have also installed traffic cameras. For example, the village of Oak Park in Cook County is known for its proactive approach to traffic safety and is likely to have several traffic cameras in place. Moreover, locations such as Glen Ellyn, Addison, and Des Plaines, which are all in Cook County, are mentioned on a list of locations with traffic cameras in Illinois.

While the presence of traffic cameras can be inconvenient for drivers, their primary purpose is to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. These cameras are typically mounted on top of traffic lights or poles, monitoring traffic flow and capturing any violations. It's important for drivers to be aware of the locations of these cameras and to drive responsibly to avoid penalties and contribute to safer roads.

To stay informed about traffic camera locations in Cook County, residents and visitors can utilise resources such as interactive maps and local city websites. Staying informed can help drivers navigate safely and avoid penalties associated with traffic violations. Additionally, drivers who receive tickets can refer to the resources provided by Cook County, such as the online traffic ticket payment system, to address their citations.

Traffic cameras in Illinois work zones

Photo speed enforcement in work zones is legal in Illinois, with clear signage indicating "work zone", "automatic photo enforcement", and the minimum fine of $375. These signs are not empty threats; Illinois State Police conduct photo enforcement from white vans with "photo enforcement van" in orange lettering. The vans are equipped with updated technology, including lidar-based speed detection and high-resolution cameras, to effectively monitor speeding vehicles.

When a vehicle speeds past the radar-triggered speed limit sign, sensors activate the photo enforcement equipment, capturing images of the vehicle's make and model, license plate, and driver, along with the time, date, location, and speed. These photos are then reviewed by the Illinois State Police, who determine if a traffic ticket should be issued to the vehicle's registered owner. To uphold a traffic violation in court, the state must prove the presence of a worker and clearly display the license plate and driver in the photo.

The Illinois Vehicle Code permits speed enforcement by IDOT and ISP in work zones, along with red-light running enforcement in eight counties in the Metro East and Chicago area. This automated enforcement is intended to supplement traditional enforcement efforts, reduce crashes, and improve road safety. The state emphasizes that the primary goal of photo enforcement is not revenue generation but rather speed reduction and changing driver behaviour to protect workers and road users.

Frequently asked questions