united-states california traffic illinois
Pass red light in another state
<p>My car is registered in California, but I was on a road trip and accidentally passed a red light in Chicago, Illinois. It was yellow, but quickly became red. And I noticed the camera flash (it was 4AM and no traffic). I was surprised.</p>
<p>Generally, how does it work given it's a second state? Should I be concerned?</p>

<h2>Illinois collects the fine; California treats it the same as if you had run a red light in California</h2>
<p>Both Illinois and California are parties to the <a href="https://apps.csg.org/ncic/PDF/Nonresident%20Violator%20Compact.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Nonresident Violator Compact</a> and the <a href="https://apps.csg.org/ncic/PDF/Driver%20License%20Compact.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Driver Licence Compact</a>.</p>
<p>The former means that <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/red-light_cameraenforcement.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Chicago</a> will forward the ticket to Illinois who will forward it to California who will forward it to you. You can <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/supp_info/revenue/challenging_tickets.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">contest</a> the ticket in various ways including by mail but your prospects of success are slim. If you successfully contest, that's the end of the matter. If you don't contest or lose, you have to pay the $100 fine.</p>
<p>The latter means that if the offence is upheld or not contested, California will apply 1 <a href="https://www.idrivesafely.com/dmv/california/laws/traffic-tickets-and-violations/#:%7E:text=Points%20on%20Your%20Driving%20Record,may%20lose%20your%20driving%20privileges." rel="nofollow noreferrer">point</a> to your licence.</p>
