Q: If I receive a photo citation in the mail. How do I pay this citation?
A: Payment for photo citations can be made by clicking here: payments
Q: What are my rights as a motorist, vehicle owner, or entity upon receiving a civil violation?
A: Please refer to Timberlake Codified Ordinance Chapter 317 enacting ordinance 08-2025 concerning these rights. A link to these laws has been made available on this page.
Q: Did the Ohio Supreme Court outlaw traffic cameras in 2022?
A: No, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled how traffic camera violations are adjudicated in court and how they impact local government funding. Traffic cameras are a legal method of enforcing traffic regulations in Ohio and the Ohio Supreme Court has upheld this in at least four rulings over the past 20 years.
Q: I thought photo enforcement was no longer allowed to be used, is this true?
A: No. A few cities have decided not to use photo enforcement. This is a community by community decision. This does not apply to Timberlake.
Q: Do photo enforcement of traffic laws violate my Constitutional rights?
A: No, the Ohio Supreme Court stated photo enforcement does not violate any person’s Constitutional rights.
Q: Does a police officer have to be present at the traffic cameras?
A: No, effective July 26, 2017, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled an officer need not be present.
Q: Can I contest, also known as appeal, the citation that was filed against me?
A: To contest a photo enforcement citation please visit the Willoughby Municipal Court website and efile, or mail in your request for an appeal, or visit the Civil Division of the Clerk of Court’s office at 4000 Erie Street, Willoughby, Ohio 44094.
Q: Although the vehicle is registered to me, I was not driving. Can I transfer liability of the citation?
A: Yes, transfer of liability can be made by completing the Transfer of Liability Affidavit included with your citation and then mailing/delivering it to:
Willoughby Municipal Court
4000 Erie Street
Willoughby, OH 44094
Q: If I receive a citation, do I actually have to pay it?
A: Yes, Ohio law permits the use of both automated and manually operated photo enforcement for issuance of fines for violations of the law. You are legally obligated to pay it or contest the citation using one of the methods outlined on the citation. Ignoring the citation will result in an automatic decision with no right to contest.
Q: Is it true that if I don't pay my fine, there is nothing they can do about it?
A: No, this is not true. It is one of those persistent internet myths. Failure to pay may result in assigning your citation to a collection agency. The agency has the right and does periodically file for judgment entries in municipal court. If this is done, this will affect your credit report and provides the collection agency with the right to potentially garnish your income. This process will negatively impact your credit.
Q: My question is not listed here, how do I obtain additional information?
A: You can contact the Willoughby Municipal Court directly.
