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1. What are my options after receiving a traffic citation?

You may plead guilty and pay a $120 fine, unless the complaint is for speeding 21-30 miles per hour over the speed limit, then you must pay $140. No seat belt fine is $60.

You may request court supervision via the mail by using the Clerk of the Circuit Court of DeKalb County form or by appearing before the judge on your assigned court date. Provisions of court supervision are you must attend a 4-hour driving school, you have not been placed on court supervision within the last 12 months in any court for a traffic violation and you have to pay a $185 non-refundable fine, unless charged with driving 21-30 miles over the posted limit you must pay an additional $20 for a total of $205 fine.

You can also plead not guilty and request a hearing before a judge. Refer to your ticket for directions.

2. I received a traffic citation for Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance but I have insurance, what can I do?

You may appear in person at the DeKalb County Courthouse Circuit Clerk and show your proof of insurance was valid at the time of the traffic stop. You will then be excused from further court appearances on this specific charge. You may do this 5 days after receiving your ticket and no later than 5 days prior to your assigned court date. Or, you must appear in court on your assigned court date.

3. How do I report a traffic accident?

If you were involved in a traffic accident, first ensure that no one was injured. If someone is injured, call 911. If no one was injured, you may either call the non-emergency number at 815-748-8400 to inform the telecommunicator of the accident, who will then dispatch an officer to your location. Or, you may come to the DeKalb Police Department and report the accident.

Reporting requirements for a traffic accident are that a person has been injured or dies, a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a driver has fled the location without stopping to exchange information or check on the welfare of the other parties involved, or city property is involved. You should report the accident as soon as possible.

Accidents having property damage of under $500 does not have to be reported to the police; however, your insurance company will require a report be made if you make a claim with them.

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

Just call the DeKalb Police Department Patrol Lieutenant at 815-748-8400.

5. What if the other party in my traffic accident did not have insurance?

Contact your insurance agent and inform them that the other parties did not have insurance at the time of the accident. Your insurance agent should assist you.

6. 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 815-748-8400 or appear in person at the police department. Again, obtain as much information about the vehicle and driver as you possibly can.

7. How can I obtain a traffic accident report?

You may request a copy of your traffic accident online at buycrash.com, in person at the DeKalb Police Department Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by mail at:

DeKalb Police Department

700 W. Lincoln Highway

DeKalb, IL 60115

There is a $5 charge for accident reports purchased at the DeKalb Police Station. Payment is due prior to filling your request.

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

There is no grace period for renewing vehicle registration.

9. I just bought a car and it does not have plates on it: is it okay to drive it home?

If you get pulled over, you will need to show the bill of sale to the police officer.

10. How do I know what size car seat my child should use?

You may contact our Child Safety Seat technicians at the DeKalb Police Department to assist you with installation or knowing what size car seat your child needs. Or, you may link to the NHTSA Child Passenger Safety website for detailed information. NHTSA Child Passenger Safety