How to Access Traffic Camera Footage in Chicago

Here is a useful guide for how to access traffic camera footage in Chicago from our team of experienced car accident lawyers.

Types of Traffic Camera Footage

Traffic cam footage of an accident scene with personal injuries or traffic violation can come from a variety of sources including:

• actual traffic camera videos, like violation footage from red light cameras, red light camera feeds, or automated speed enforcement cameras
• business security cameras
• dashcam footage from police vehicles
• other cameras like witness cellphones or home surveillance systems

The process for requesting traffic camera video will vary depending on the type of footage that recorded the car accident or traffic violation. To get the footage promptly, you may need to contact the City of Chicago, local law enforcement agencies, or seek legal representation.

How Do I Obtain Traffic Camera Video or Images From Red Light Cameras in Chicago?

If you noticed a flash at an intersection, a red light camera may have captured your vehicle. Expect a ticket and notice to arrive at the registered owner’s address within five to seven business days.

The City of Chicago website allows you to:

• search and pay for parking tickets
• view photos from parking tickets
• view speed camera videos
• view red light videos
• contest tickets

Once you have received a ticket from one of Chicago’s red light cameras, you can go to www.chicagophotociteweb.com/publicinq/ to view videos and/or stills of the alleged red light camera violation. You will need your ticket number and license plate number to access the footage.

How Can I See Videos or Images From Speed Traffic Cameras in Chicago?

To see photos, video, and speed of the alleged violation captured by speed traffic cameras in Chicago, visit violationinfo.com/Chicago/ and have your ticket number and license plate number handy.

How Long Do Traffic Cameras Keep Footage?

In Chicago, 24-hour streaming video from red light cameras is available for 30 days, while red-light violation footage can be viewed for up to two years.

It is important to note that there is a limited time to contest a ticket, in some cases, as little as 7 days, so act quickly when obtaining traffic camera footage in relation to a violation.

How Do I Get Other Types of Video Footage of a Car Accident?

To obtain video footage from other sources like the City of Chicago’s 24-hour streaming video, videos from red-light cameras, or video from Chicago police observation device cameras, you will need to submit a FOIA request.

If you were injured in a car accident, your attorney can obtain this type of video evidence to support your case.

Examples of Video You Might Subpoena

In some cases involving serious injuries, a subpoena may be required to get other types of traffic camera video footage of a car accident. For example, surveillance videos from a business, parking garage, or private property that captured the traffic accident. Your lawyer can handle this type of formal request for evidence following a car accident.

Other Evidence

You may also need other evidence for your case including police reports or accident reports. Find out how in our guide: How to Get a Police Report in Chicago.