Chicago’s speed camera program is one of the most aggressive in the nation. It’s easy to get a ticket if you don’t know the unique rules.
The most important thing to know is the “6 MPH Rule.”
Unlike programs in other states, Chicago will mail you a $35 ticket for driving just 6-10 mph over the speed limit. If you are 11+ mph over, the fine jumps to $100.
We built this resource to help you avoid them. Below is the full interactive map of Chicago’s speed cameras, followed by the specific rules and high-enforcement zones you need to know.
The 2025 Interactive Speed Camera Map
How Chicago’s Speed Cameras Work: The “6 MPH Rule”
This is what trips up most drivers. The city has a two-tiered fine system for its “Children’s Safety Zones”:
- $35 FINE: Issued for driving 6-10 mph over the posted speed limit.
- $100 FINE: Issued for driving 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit.
These are civil penalties and do not add points to your driver’s license, but they can add up quickly.
Where (and When) Are the Cameras Active?
All cameras are located in “Children’s Safety Zones,” which are areas within 1/8th of a mile of a school or park. However, their operating hours are different.
School Zones: Enforced 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- The speed limit is 20 mph from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. when children are present.
Park Zones: Enforced 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week.
This means many cameras are active on weekends and late at night, long after children have gone home.
High-Enforcement Areas & New Camera Locations
While any camera can issue a ticket, recent data shows that some areas are hotspots for violations. The city is also actively adding new cameras, with 22 new locations recently installed.
Be especially cautious in these communities, which have shown high ticket volume:
- Southeast Side
- Beverly
- North Park
- West Side (near Garfield Park and Douglass Park)
For a complete, raw list of every camera, you can view the official City of Chicago Data Portal.
A Map Is a Reference. An Alert Is a Solution.
This map is a great tool, but no one can memorize over 160 locations. You need a co-pilot that warns you before you enter a camera zone.
That’s why we built the Ticketguard app.
Ticketguard runs on your phone and provides real-time, audible alerts for speed cameras, red light cameras, and known police traps. It’s the best way to protect yourself from an unexpected $35 or $100 ticket.
