Got Unpaid Traffic Tickets?: Lake Co. Residents to Get Break from Fines Next Month

LAKE COUNTY, IL - Drivers with unpaid fines from traffic violations in Lake County could get a break from late fees next month. From July 17 through July 21, Lake County residents with outstanding traffic tickets will be able to pay their fines at the original cost. Harris & Harris, the county’s collection agency, has agreed to waive their collection fees, and Lake County will waive any accrued interest, according to a Monday announcement by Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court Erin Cartwright Weinstein.

Dubbed Operation Green Light, the effort is meant to honor Audrey Nixon, a Lake County board member who recently died and who was passionate about helping Lake County residents regain their driver's license, Cartwright said in a statement Monday.

“I understand that fines can become costly, especially when older fines incur collection agency fees and accrue interest," Cartwright Weinstein said. "Operation Green Light is to help people clear up their financial obligations and get back on the road.”

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Cartwright Weinstein and her office are teaming up with Michael Nerheim, Lake County State's Attorney, to make Operation Green Light a possibility.

“It is my hope that this program will allow people the opportunity to get their licenses back so they can get to work and avoid future penalties." Nerheim said.

The one-week amnesty from accrued fines on traffic tickets will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 17 through July 21. Operation Green Light payments can be made over the phone or at any of the four court locations in Lake County. The phone numbers and addresses for those court branch locations are below:

• Lake County Courthouse – Main Branch, 18 N County St. in Waukegan. 847-377-3239
• Mundelein Branch Court, 105 IL-Route 83 in Mundelein. 847-377-3300
• Park City Branch Court, 301 Greenleaf St. in Park City. 847-377-3500
• Round Lake Beach Branch Court, 1792 Nicole Lane in Round Lake Beach. 847-377-3400

For more information, visit www.lakecountycircuitclerk.org.

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