There are three approaches at each intersection which are marked clearly with signs.  For example Barrington/Higgins Road has the following cameras:

• Southbound Barrington Road at Higgins Road (Route 72)
• Eastbound Higgins Road (Route 72) at Barrington Road
• Westbound Higgins Road (Route 72) at Barrington Road

• The system activates when motion is detected just prior to the stop bar AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras capture two images of an alleged violation, taken from the rear of the vehicle.
• The first image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar and the illuminated red light.
• The second image shows the violator in the middle of the intersection with the red light illuminated.
• The license plate image is a close-up from one of the images captured.
• Data, including the time, date and duration of the yellow and red lights, also is recorded.
• Cameras also record a 12-second digital video of the violation, including six seconds prior to and six seconds after running the red light.

The Red Light Camera Program is designed to take two rear photographs of a vehicle that may be committing a violation. The first rear image captures the vehicle prior to entering the intersection with the traffic signal red, and the second image shows the vehicle continuing through the intersection during the red signal phase.

On occasion, a vehicle approaching an intersection with a red light may come to a stop before entering the intersection, yet trigger the red-light camera system, causing the flash to discharge. In addition, a vehicle approaching the intersection and making a right turn may not come to a complete stop, but only slow before continuing to turn, triggering the Red Light Camera Program and causing the flash to discharge.

The Hoffman Estates Police Department reviews each violation event captured by the Red Light Camera Program, and makes the final decision to issue a citation. All flash incidents do not equate to a citation.