Speeding Tickets in Illinois

Speeding violations in Illinois are governed by specific laws and come with a variety of consequences. Understanding these laws and their consequences can be challenging, but it's crucial for drivers in the state to understand the rules and potential penalties they face. This guide provides an in-depth look at the speeding laws in Illinois, offering valuable insights for both residents and visitors.

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Basic Speeding Law and Absolute Speed Limits

Illinois employs two main types of speeding laws: the basic speeding law and absolute speed limits. The basic speeding law in Illinois prohibits driving at a speed greater than what is considered reasonable and proper given the traffic conditions and the use of the highway. This means the acceptable speed can vary depending on factors like weather conditions and road type.

On the other hand, absolute speed limits are straightforward: if you drive faster than the posted limit, you are in violation of the law. Key speed limits to be aware of in Illinois include:

  • 70 mph on interstate highways
  • 65 mph on state highways with at least four lanes outside urban districts
  • 55 mph on other highways and roadways outside urban districts
  • 30 mph in urban district roadways
  • 15 mph in urban district alleys
  • 20 mph in school zones

Penalties for Speeding Violations

The consequences of a speeding ticket in Illinois vary based on how much over the limit you were driving:

  • 1 to 20 mph over the limit: $120 fine
  • 21 to 25 mph over the limit: $140 fine
  • 26 to 34 mph over the limit: Class B misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, $1,500 fine
  • 35 mph or more over the limit: Class A misdemeanor, up to one year in jail, $2,500 fine

Additional fines apply for speeding in school zones and construction or maintenance zones.

The Impact of Speeding on Your Driving Record

Speeding violations can have a significant impact on your driving record in Illinois. The state uses a points system where each violation adds demerit points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. For example:

  • Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit: 5 points
  • Speeding 11-14 mph over the limit: 15 points
  • Speeding 15-25 mph over the limit: 25 points
  • Speeding 26-29 mph over the limit: 50 points

The length of a license suspension depends on the number of points accrued:

  • 15-44 points: 2-month suspension
  • 45-74 points: 3-month suspension
  • 75-89 points: 6-month suspension
  • 90-99 points: 9-month suspension
  • 100-109 points: 12-month suspension
  • 110 or more points: License revocation

Understanding Traffic Courts in Illinois

If you receive a speeding ticket in Illinois, you may need to appear in traffic court. The process in traffic court involves:

  • Understanding your rights, including the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent
  • Deciding whether to plead guilty or not guilty
  • The possibility of a bench trial or a trial by jury

In certain cases, you may be eligible for an order of supervision, which could prevent a conviction from being added to your driving record if you meet specific conditions, such as paying a fine and attending traffic school.

Speeding violations in Illinois can have serious legal implications, especially when the violation is severe. Understanding these legal aspects is essential for anyone who finds themselves facing a speeding ticket.

Role of Lawyers in Speeding Violations

When dealing with a speeding violation, especially in cases that could lead to significant fines or license suspension, consulting with a lawyer can be beneficial. Law firms like ours, who specialize in traffic law, can provide you valuable advice on plea bargaining, represent clients in court, and help reduce or eliminate the charges. Their expertise can be particularly valuable in cases where the violation may lead to a misdemeanor or felony charge.

Contesting a Speeding Ticket

Contesting a speeding ticket in Illinois is a right that every driver has. The process typically involves:

  1. Pleading not guilty to the violation.
  2. Requesting a trial, which can be a bench trial (decided by a judge) or a jury trial.
  3. Presenting evidence and witness testimonies in court.
  4. Arguing the case before a judge or jury.

It's important to remember that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. They must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense.

CDL Holders and Speeding Violations

For commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, speeding violations can be particularly problematic. CDL holders are held to higher standards, and violations can impact their professional driving career. It's crucial for CDL holders to understand the specific rules and penalties they face when it comes to speeding violations.

Preventative Measures and Safe Driving

To avoid the complications that come with speeding tickets, it's important to adhere to posted speed limits and practice safe driving habits. Awareness of changing road conditions and traffic laws is essential for all drivers. Regularly refreshing your knowledge of traffic rules can also help in preventing violations.

For those facing more severe penalties or who wish to contest their speeding ticket, legal representation is advisable. Our experienced attorneys can fight your Illinois traffic ticket, reducing the severity of penalties or getting charges dropped entirely. Contact us today to see how we can help.