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Police Department - Tickets & Traffic

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1. What do I do if I am in a traffic crash?

It depends on what kind of traffic accident you have been involved in.

DRIVABLE ACCIDENTS AND NOT INVOLVING ANY INJURY:

Move out of the flow of traffic. If you are involved in a traffic accident and you determine that there are no personal injuries and the vehicles are driveable, please get the vehicles out of the flow of traffic. You do not want another accident involving other passing motorists.
Call the Police Department. This depends upon your location. If you do not know whom to call, call 911 and they will assist you.
Once a police officer arrives, he or she will be happy to take your traffic accident report. You will be given a case number; this is the report number. You will also be given an (SR1) accident form from the Secretary of State. You are required to fill this form out and mail it to the Secretary of State's Office if there is more than $1500.00 worth of damages on either vehicle. Mail it to the Secretary of State within the next ten days. Don't forget to make yourself a copy of the form before you send it in. Don't wait to make your report; call right away. Even if a report cannot be taken at that time, it is important to notify the proper authorities. When you get home, call your insurance agent and give them the report number and any other information that your have concerning the accident.

NON-DRIVABLE ACCIDENTS OR A PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENT:

Call 911 immediately! If you are involved in a traffic accident that is not drivable or there is personal injury, call or have someone else call 911 immediately. Be sure to give the dispatcher the location of the accident so the Police may be sent out to investigate. If there are injuries, make sure you tell the dispatcher the nature of the injuries and the Fire Department will be notified. Help will be sent.

A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT:

Don't chase a hit-and-run driver! If you are involved in a traffic accident and the other party involved drives off before you get the driver's name and information, do not pursue the other driver. You do not want to get into a high-speed chase and into another accident.
Call 911 immediately! Call 911 immediately and tell the dispatcher that the other driver left the scene. Give the best description possible of the driver, the vehicle type, color, license plate number, and direction of travel. A flash message will be given to the Police in the area over the radio telling them of the wanted driver in your hit-and-run accident. An officer will be sent to the scene to handle your accident report.

IF NO INJURIES AND DAMAGE IS BELIEVED TO BE LESS THAN $500

A report is not required. You may exchange information and decide among each other if you would like to handle the matter among yourselves. If not call the police and an officer will be dispatched to take the report.

IF BOTH CARS ARE DRIVABLE AND NO INJURIES ARE PRESENT:

You may both drive to the police department and an officer will take your report at the police station.

Traffic Accidents page.

2. Don't the police have better things to do rather than writing tickets?

Traffic enforcement is a very important part of the law enforcement function. The top concern that residents convey to our Police Department is for increased traffic enforcement to address such problems as stop sign violations and speeding vehicles. In addition, there is a direct correlation between the number of traffic tickets issued and the number of traffic accidents that occur.

Moreover, it is not just the property damage loss we are concerned about. We know that by enforcing Illinois traffic laws we are preventing injury and loss of life. After all, if we did not enforce the traffic laws, who would?

3. What do I do if I have been pulled over?

The Police Department has developed a list of suggested guidelines in how to handle being pulled over by the police. For more information, visit the Getting Pulled Over page.

4. Does the City of Rolling Meadows allow overnight parking?

It is unlawful for the driver or owner of any vehicle to park a vehicle on any street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Exceptions can be made by contacting the 24 hour Police Service Desk at 847-255-2416. The police department utilizes an online parking request server that immediately notifies the officer that your vehicle is on the overnight list. You can request to park overnight here: Overnight Parking Request Please keep your confirmation number in case you are issued a citation in error.

5. How can I contest a parking ticket?

Parking tickets issued only for violating a handicapped parking space is the only ticket you can contest, and may may be contested by utilizing our mediation process. For contesting this violation, bring the parking ticket to our Police Department’s Service Desk and ask the Desk Officer for a Mediation Form. If you wish to print out and complete the form before coming to the Police Department view the forms section of our website to print out a mediation form. After you complete this form and submit it, it will be reviewed by the issuing Officer who will make a decision as to the validity of your reason for the violation. All other parking violations have an adjudication date that you can appear at and contest the violation, otherwise the violation must be paid prior to the adjudication date on the citation. You will be notified of the decision by mail or phone call of the contested handicap violation.  The cost of the ticket will not increase while your handicap parking complaint is being reviewed.

6. Where do I pay a parking ticket?

You may pay your parking ticket at Rolling Meadows City Hall located at 3600 Kirchoff Road. You may pay inside during normal work hours at the main desk in City Hall/Finance Department or you may drop off your payment in the citation/envelope at City Hall. You may also pay your ticket by following this link: Pay a P,C, or A Ticket Online here

7. I have to go to court. Where is it?

If you received a ticket or were arrested in the 3rd District of Cook County, your hearing will be held at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse at 2121 Euclid Avenue. It is located at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Wilke Road, across from Arlington Park Race Track, which is a half mile east of Route 53.

8. Can I drive and talk on my phone or send a text message?

The answer is NO to both. You will be cited for unlawful operation of a wireless device. Wireless Device Law

9. If I am driving and I am holding my phone in one hand in speaker mode is that hands free?

The answer is NO. The law specifically states that the driver must be using a headset or blue-tooth type device that is usually installed within newer vehicles.

10. Uh-oh. Red and blue lights are flashing in my rear-view mirror... Now what do I do?

Consider the following: Getting pulled over by a police officer can be intimidating, frustrating, and even dangerous for the motorist and the police officer. However, remembering some simple steps will help make your traffic stop as safe and as pleasant as possible. The law states that when a police or fire vehicle using emergency lights and/or sirens approaches, drivers must pull over immediately to the right curb and stop. Respond to the red and blue lights and signal your intentions to let the officer and other motorists know what you plan to do. If the roadway is clear and the officer doesn't pass you, assume that your vehicle is the one being pulled over. Once you’ve stopped, roll down your window so that you may hear any verbal directions from the officer instructing you to move to another location he or she deems safer. Be aware that the violation may have occurred one or two miles before the traffic stop. This delay is due to the fact that most departments have developed strict procedures for officers to follow to ensure your safety and theirs. They are required to give the location, vehicle and occupant description, and license plate to the dispatcher. The officer is also trying to locate the safest place to initiate the stop. Remain in the vehicle unless the officer instructs otherwise. That is safest for you and the officer. Distracted motorists have been known to leave the roadway and strike vehicles or individuals at a traffic stop, causing injury or even death. Listen to the officer and comply with instructions. Drivers often assume they are being stopped for a routine traffic matter, but the officer may be stopping you because your vehicle is similar to one just seen leaving the scene of a crime. Additionally, many people have warrants out for their arrest, are mentally unbalanced, or simply don't like police officers. Many officers have experienced verbal and physical confrontations as a result of traffic stops. Consequently, the officer may initially be acting under the assumption that you are a safety threat. Control over the situation can be accomplished by keeping yourself and your passengers in the vehicle with your hands visible. Generally, the officer will need to converse with only the driver. Have your passengers remain in their seats and quiet unless the officer addresses them directly. If it's a case of mistaken identity, you'll be on your way as soon as it's cleared up. If it's a traffic stop, the officer will request your driver's license, registration and insurance card. The officer may allow you to explain your actions; if so, you should speak calmly. If the officer saw you commit the violation, your statement may not be necessary. If your complaint is about the validity of the citation, then it must be handled through the courts. If the contact was unprofessional, complain to the police department. Police departments have procedures for lodging complaints against officers. Departments want to know if there's a problem with an officer. If you comply with the rationale behind an officer's actions by following these steps, a traffic stop can be a pleasant experience.

11. What are the driving rules when a police vehicle is approaching with lights and siren on?

Under Illinois Vehicle Code section 625 Failure to Yield to Authorized Emergency Vehicle, ANY vehicle, other than the emergency vehicle, must pull over to the right hand edge of the curb, clear any intersection they may be in, and come to a stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Any vehicle making a turn must also do the same when safe to do so to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. Any pedestrian must proceed to the nearest curb and stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed.

12. When I am driving and come to an intersection with the signals working and emergency personnel on scene, what do I do?

The driver of any vehicle should respond to the uniformed person who is waving their arms. There may be some physical damage to the roadway, there may be equipment that is blocking the right of way, there could be overhead wires down in the roadway,measurements are being taken to document a collision, or emergency equipment is responding to the scene, or any other good example, and the uniformed person waving their arms is trying to get your attention.

13. How do I report a reckless driver?

If you want to report a reckless driver that is in progress – call 911. Try to obtain the vehicle description, registration information, and any information about the driver. If the careless driving is NOT in progress, call the non-emergency number at 847-255-2416 or appear in person at the police department. Again, obtain as much information about the vehicle and driver as you possibly can.

14. Can I tow a car in the City just using a chain?

Under Illinois Vehicle Code that is illegal and you may be ticketed for that violation.

15. I just bought acar and it does not have plates on it. Is it OK to drive it home?

You will need to show the bill of sale to the police officer, and the car must be insured.

16. My car's license plate expires at the end of the month is there a grace period in renewing my registration?

NO

17. How can I get the moving radar trailer parked in front of my house?

Simply call the non-emergency number at 847-255-2416 and ask to speak to Commander Fior or Commander Spanos

18. Where are the red light cameras located in Rolling Meadows?

W/B Kirchoff & at Rohlwing (Non-IDOT controlled intersection)
Camera live (1/28/2008)

S/B Rohlwing at Kirchoff (Non-IDOT controlled intersection)
Camera live (1/28/2008)

E/B Algonquin at New Wilke (IDOT) (E)
Camera live (6/9/2008)

S/B Hicks at Euclid (IDOT) (S)
Camera live (6/6/2008)

N/B IL Rt. 53 Exit Ramp at Algonquin (IDOT) (S)
Camera live (9/9/2008)

W/B Algonquin at N/B IL Rt. 53 Ramp (IDOT) (W)
Camera live (9/2009)

W/B Kirchoff at Plum Grove (Non-IDOT controlled intersection) (W)
Camera live (11/7/2009)

19. I received a red light camera violation, what do I do?

If you received a red light camera violation and you do not wish to contest the violation please go to https://secure.redlightviolations.com/

If you wish to view your violation please visit: www.redlightviolations.com
Please note: Illinois Law dictates the vehicle MUST come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn on red. In other words, if your vehicles tires DO NOT come to a complete stop (not rolling, slowing before turn without stopping, yielding prior to the turn, etc..) this is the reason you received the citation. Be advised that all of the red light tickets are viewed by a police officer, not a company representative. Therefore, if you did not stop like Illinois law requires this is why you received the citation.

If you decide that you wish to contest the violation you may appear at an adjudication hearing where an Adjudicator will listen to your case and view the video of your violation. All adjudication hearings are held in the City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 3600 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. at 2 pm on the date you received.

20. Do the red light cameras take a picture of the driver?

No, a violation of the red light camera ordinance is a civil violation assessed against the registered owner of the vehicle.

21. Can I dispute a photo enforced ticket without expensive court costs?

Yes, As of January 2011, Illinois law prohibits any community from charging additional fees.

22. Does the camera flash and I automatically get a ticket?

No, Seeing a flash does not mean a ticket is generated. The camera DOES NOT automatically send out tickets. All digital evidence including video is reviewed by a Rolling Meadows Police Officer. He or she shall decide if a citation is warranted based on the evidence that is presented through the video and if the vehicle came to a COMPLETE stop, or entered the intersection as the light changed to yellow then red.

23. Why does Rolling Meadows need red light cameras?

Traffic studies show that red light violations is a problem at several intersections within the City. The goal of this program is to change driver behavior by encouraging compliance with traffic signal laws through around the clock enforcement.

24. Why aren't police officers monitoring the red light camera intersections?

The Rolling Meadows Police Department is committed to the safety of their residents, but no community can afford to police EVERY red light intersection 24 hrs a day. Traditional enforcement also creates a safety hazard for the violator, other drivers, pedestrians and the officer when police chase a violator through a red light. This technology frees up officers to assist and protect residents in other ways.

25. Is the red light camera program a way for the City to make money?

No, the objective of this program is to deter drivers from disobeying the law and COMPLETELY stopping at a red light and prior to turning right on red. This program is not about "catching the violator". There is NO cost to the City for installing, operating, or maintaining the system. The program is COMPLETELY violator funded.

26. Why don't police officers monitor school bus stop arms?

The Rolling Meadows Police Department is committed to the safety of their students and residents, but no community can afford to police every school bus. This would create a safety hazard for the violator and other person’s inn the area. When the officer would chase the violator who passes the stop arm on the school bus think of the children either boarding or getting off the bus at the time. 

27. I was not driving at the time of my red light violation, now what?

This is a civil penalty so no points are assessed and insurance rates are not affected. Like a Parking ticket, violations are issued to the vehicle’s registered owner regardless of who was driving the vehicle at the time the violation was captured.