What Are the Consequences of a Speeding Violation in Illinois?
Generally, we like to drive to our daily destinations as fast as we can, and sometimes, there are reasons we need to be quick. Unfortunately, exceeding the posted speed limit can result in a driver being pulled over and issued a speeding ticket.
Speeding is a traffic violation that can have serious consequences. According to the Illinois State Police, 32 percent of all fatal car accidents are caused by drivers disobeying the speed limits. In some cases, speeding violations occur because of driver ignorance, but in others, drivers may violate speed limits because of the lack of proper signage on the road. Drivers should be sure to understand the traffic laws in Illinois and the potential penalties for a violation.
How Fast Should I Be Driving?
Each type of road has a maximum speed limit under Illinois law. If there are no speed limit signs present, drivers are responsible for knowing the proper speed based on the type of road and the conditions they encounter. The speed limits for different kinds of roads in Illinois include:
- 65 miles per hour on interstate highways and some four-lane highways outside urban areas
- 55 miles per hour on other highways outside urban areas
- 30 miles per hour on urban roads
- 15 miles per hour in urban alleys
These speed limits should be followed at all times. In addition, there are some exceptions that can change the legal speed limits, including:
- Construction zones: Illinois law says that motorists should reduce their speed and change lanes to provide safety for workers. At some construction sites, signs are posted stating the consequences of hitting a worker to remind drivers to reduce their speed.
- Emergency vehicles: When a driver is approaching an emergency vehicle, they are required to reduce their speed and change lanes to accommodate the vehicle. If there is an ambulance approaching, drivers should pull over to the right lane to give the ambulance as much room as possible.
- School zones: While the speed limit in residential areas is typically 35 miles per hour, during the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, drivers are required to drive 20 miles per hour in a school zone. They must also yield to children who are crossing the road.
- Funeral processions: Motorists must yield to cars in a funeral procession and must never drive between the cars marked as part of a procession. Cars will have an orange sticker in their windshield with their emergency blinkers lit so other motorists will know they are part of the procession.
What Happens if I Am Pulled Over for Speeding?
Illinois police typically use a hand-held radar device for measuring the speed of motorists as they pass. If the speed measured exceeds the speed limit, an officer may pull the driver over and issue a ticket based on how fast the driver was traveling. Violations will typically result in fines, and multiple violations can result in the suspension of a person’s driver’s license. In some cases, a driver may face criminal charges and jail time if another person is injured or killed in a collision that was caused by speeding.
The consequences for a speeding violation in Illinois are:
- 1-20 miles per hour over the speed limit is a $120 fine.
- 21-25 miles per hour over the speed limit is a $140 fine.
- 26-34 miles per hour over the speed limit is a Class B misdemeanor, which can be punished by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,500.
- 35 miles per hour or more over the speed limit is a Class A misdemeanor, which can be punished by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500.
Contact a Will County Traffic Violations Lawyer
Drivers can make mistakes, even when they are taking the proper steps to follow the rules of the road. If you are facing a traffic violation that affects your license and your ability to drive, a Joliet traffic ticket lawyer from Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. can examine your case and help you build a defense. For your free consultation, call our office at 815-666-1285.
Sources:
- http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh
- https://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/speedlimitenf.cfm
- https://www.drive-safely.net/illinois-speed-limit-laws
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