FAQs • Western Springs, IL • CivicEngage

What is the fine for disobeying a railroad crossing signal?: With hundreds of trains passing through the Village each day, railroad safety is a serious concern in Western Springs. Illinois State Law imposes a mandatory $500 fine, or 50 hours of community service, for drivers and pedestrians failing to obey railroad crossing signals—walking or driving under or around lowered guard gates at railroad crossings. Western Springs, like many Chicago-area communities, has multiple, adjacent railroad tracks. A leading cause of railroad fatalities is pedestrians disregarding the lowered railroad gates once one train has passed, and crossing the tracks into the path of a second train.

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Police

1. Will the Police Department take my fingerprints for a job application or professional license?: The Police Department will take fingerprints for job applications, a professional license or for immigration purposes for both residents and non-residents of Western Springs or for people who are being fingerprinted because of a business or profession located in Western Springs. Fingerprinting is done on a walk in basis Monday through Friday during regular business hours and a nominal fee may apply. Applicants must provide their own fingerprint cards. For fingerprinting further information, contact the department at 708-246-8540.

2. Will the Police Department check my home when I am away?: Police Department staff will check homes while residents are on an extended trip. Learn more about the Vacation Watch Program here

3. What happens to my lost pet?: The Police Department frequently retrieves lost pets. If a pet has a license, as required by the Village, pet and owner are quickly reunited (owners are assessed a $35 fee for lost pets). Please call the Police non-emergency number, (708) 246-8540, regarding lost pets.

4. What is the fine for disobeying a railroad crossing signal?: With hundreds of trains passing through the Village each day, railroad safety is a serious concern in Western Springs. Illinois State Law imposes a mandatory $500 fine, or 50 hours of community service, for drivers and pedestrians failing to obey railroad crossing signals—walking or driving under or around lowered guard gates at railroad crossings. Western Springs, like many Chicago-area communities, has multiple, adjacent railroad tracks. A leading cause of railroad fatalities is pedestrians disregarding the lowered railroad gates once one train has passed, and crossing the tracks into the path of a second train.

5. When should I call to report suspicious activity?: If you feel it is suspicious activity, it probably is. You are the one who is familiar with your neighborhood. Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible, explain the problem, the location, and the description of individuals or vehicles. You do not have to leave your name.

6. Where can I ride my motorized scooter?: The Village does not have a separate ordinance regarding motorized scooters. State law prohibits them from being operated on a sidewalk or in the street. The only places to legally ride a motorized scooter are on your own property or on other private property with the owner’s permission.

7. What is the difference between an ordinance violation and a criminal violation?: The Village of Western Springs is allowed to enact ordinances to cover building codes, minor traffic offenses and various liquor and drug offenses. If a person is arrested for an ordinance violation, they cannot go to jail for that offense. It is considered a "fine only" and it is not a permanent mark on their record.