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I rec'd a ticket for running a red light in Chicago. The ticket photo shows an amber time of 3.0 seconds.

Reaction and stopping distance for a car at 30MPH can't even stop the vehicle in 3.0 seconds. (Math shows the minimum time at 3.1 seconds, at least, assuming no grade on the pavement) Is there an IL law (or city or federal) that sets a reasonable cycle time for traffic lights to change from yellow to red to ensure time to even stop the vehicle?

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Attorney answers (3)

Avvo Pro

Reputation Level 20
I don't know if there is law on the subject but as a matter of science the amber light has to be keyed to the actual speed limit. If it's too quick the ticket may be invalidated. You can ask for the engineering studies for the light you supposedly ran to see if they support the amber light time.
4 people marked this answer as good

Reputation Level 20
Negotiating a resolution acceptable to you given the circumstances of your case will take an attorney familiar with the policies and procedures of the court to increase that likelihood.

Check with a lawyer in your locale to discuss more of the details.

Good luck to you.

God bless.

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3 people marked this answer as good

Reputation Level 14
I would recommend that you fight this ticket in court.

It may take up a couple of hours and you may miss work, but I've seen many of these tickets dismissed.

In my opinion the odds of getting a dismissal increase exponentially by having an attorney.

Also, as a resident of Chicago myself, I hate these things.....
3 people marked this answer as good

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