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1. How much is the fine?

When issued a Notice of Violation, it is mailed to the owner or lessee of the vehicle indicating a fine amount of $100. The violation notice needs to be contested or paid (in full) by or before the "Contest By" or "Pay By" date shown on the notice. If no action is taken, a Determination of Liability will be entered against the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle. As a result of the failure to pay the Determination of Liability Violation, a Final Determination of Violation Liability will be issued to the owner or lessee of the vehicle. The Final Determination of Violation Liability includes a late penalty of $100. The payment of the fine amount listed on the Final Determination of Violation Liability is required by or before the "Pay By" date shown on the notice, if this is not paid, the City of Hometown will take further enforcement and collection action.

2. How much time do I have to pay?

You must either pay the fine or contest the violation by or before the "Pay By" or" Contest By" date listed on the front of the Notice of Violation.

3. How can I pay the fine?

Pay Online

Please go to the Pay Online Tickets website.

Pay By Mail

Please place a check mark in the box next to "Payment Enclosed" on the Notice of Violation Liability Stub. Enclose the Notice of Violation Liability Stub along with a check or money order made payable to:

• City of Hometown RLE Program

Please mail payment to:
City of Hometown
P.O. Box 7643
Carol Stream, IL 60197-7643

Do not send cash. Be sure to write the ticket number on the front of the check or money order to ensure proper allocation.

There will be a $35 fee assessed for returned checks.

Pay By Phone

Please call 877-262-3318 and select the payment option when prompted. Business hours are: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (excluding legal holidays). Accepted forms of payment include: 

• Electronic check
• Credit card

Please note: There is a $2.50 processing fee for credit card and electronic check payments.

4. If I pay the fine, will it go against my driving record?

No. A violation under Illinois law will not affect your driving record or insurance rates (it is similar to a parking ticket).

5. What happens if I forgot to pay the fine by the "Pay By" date or forgot to contest by the "Contest By" date?

Failure to respond in a timely manner is an admission of liability. Therefore you will be required to pay the initial fine of $100 and a penalty of $100 for a total of $200 per violation. Failure to respond may also result in a suspension of driving privileges of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle. The City of Hometown must notify the Secretary of State about a registered owner having 5 or more unpaid automated traffic law violations.

6. Can I make installment payments?

No. Payment of the fine (and any penalty) must be paid in full by the date posted on the notice.

7. Can I contest the fine after I have already made payment?

No, you cannot. Once you have paid the fine it is considered an admission of liability.

8. What if I want to contest the Notice of Violation?

The registered owner or lessee may contest the Notice of Violation by mail or in-person.

To Contest by Mail

Please place a check mark in the box next to "Contest by mail" on the Notice of Violation Liability Stub. Enclose the "Notice of Violation Liability Stub" along with a statement signed by the registered vehicle owner, lessee or renter of the vehicle setting forth facts that establish a defense (see list of "Defenses"). Also enclose any supporting evidence, such as photographs, affidavits, official police vehicle theft and/or recovery reports (send copies and not originals as these documents will not be returned to you). An administrative hearing officer will determine whether you have met the burden of proof or whether you must pay the fine. Please mail all contesting materials to:
City of Hometown
P.O. Box 7643
Carol Stream, IL 60197-7643

To Contest in Person

Please place a check mark in the box next to "In Person Hearing" on the "Notice of Violation Liability Stub." Mail the "Notice of Violation Liability Stub" in the return envelope. Please appear at the In Person Hearing on the date and at the time set forth on the front of the "Notice of Violation Liability Stub" (the location of the hearing can be found on the back of the Notice). You must contest by the "Contest By" date found on the front of your Notice of Violation.

9. What if I have other questions that were not answered here?

You may call toll free 877-262-3318 or 877-262-3356 if you are hearing impaired. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (excluding legal holidays).