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Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/092/092010400000300R.html

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K6-303

By Colin H. Gilbert

http://www.dgaalaw.com/colin-gilbert.html
cgilbert@dgaalaw.com

The New Year in Illinois comes with new speed limits to match. A new Illinois law raised the rural speed limits to 70 mph. A map that the Illinois Department of Transportation recently released details exactly which highways qualify for the new limit. As it turns out, about 90 percent of the Illinois highway by mileage will get the upgraded speeds. Although the law technically went into effect at the start of the year, the speed limits will not actually change until the state’s crews change the signs on the highways, a process they expect to complete by January 17^th, assuming the weather permits.

With these new limits, motorists should keep aware of the penalties that come along with speeding violations. The most obvious consequence that comes along with a speeding violation in Illinois is the fine. Simple speeding tickets are petty offenses, which come with a fine capped at $1,000. However, speeding tickets in excess of 20 mph over the posted speed limit trigger the charge of reckless driving. In Illinois, reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor, which means that the fine can go as high as $2500. In cases of reckless driving, the judge may also sentence the offender to up to one year in prison.

In addition to the fines and jail time, speeding tickets also add points to a person’s license. The amount of points added depends upon how much the driver exceeds the posted speed limit by.

• 0-10 mph over the speed limit: 5 points
• 11-14 mph over the speed limit: 15 points
• 15-25 mph over the speed limit: 20 points
• 26 or more mph over the speed limit: 50 points
• Reckless driving: 55 points

• The points on a driver’s license come into effect in the event that a driver receives three tickets in a 12 month period. If that happens, then the state can suspend their driver’s license for a certain amount of time, the length of which is determined by the number of points on the license.

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

If you have recently received a speeding ticket or other traffic violation, contact an Arlington Heights traffic attorney today. Their knowledge and experience can help ensure your rights are properly defended in Crystal Lake, Inverness, Deer Park, and the surrounding areas.

Motorists come in contact with yellow lights at intersections daily. And while many slow to a stop to avoid a possible accident, others may risk their chances by gunning the engine through the changing lights above, often doing so with no repercussions.

Even if you avoid an accident, you may still be hit with a traffic citation for running a red light. In fact, with the proliferation of red light cameras throughout Illinois, residents in Chicagoland may find themselves being mailed tickets for allegedly running a red light and being caught on camera. Citations are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, even if the owner was not driving at the time.

The cameras are connected to traffic signals at select intersections. There is usually a constant low-resolution video feed being recorded, and sensors are connected to crosswalk lines and stop lines. When vehicles cross those lines after a light is red, a high-resolution camera is triggered that tries to captures the vehicle license plate and an image of the entire vehicle in the intersection.

The Consequences

If you are convicted of red light camera violation, you will have clear consequences. For starters, you will owe a fine­--typically $100. But it is not only a matter of money; the citation will affect your driving record and may result in 20 “points” being added to your license record. Considering the effect that this may have down the road, it is important to think twice before automatically paying the ticket.

Defending Yourself Against Red Light Tickets in Illinois

Under Illinois law, if you receive a ticket in the mail you have the option to request a hearing to contest the violation.  

Mistakes are frequently made by these automated systems. The technology is not perfect, and many resident who lawfully enter an intersection before a light is red, or make a right turn on a red light after properly stopping, still receive citations in the mail. The same Illinois law that allows administrative hearings to contest a charge also require municipalities to provide you with access to the recorded images of your supposed violation.

In addition, there are specific state rules that prevent municipalities from issuing citations in any manner they choose. For example, the law explains that a municipality “may not use an automated traffic law enforcement system to issue violations in instances where the motor vehicle comes to a complete stop and does not enter the intersection… even if the motor vehicle stops at a point past a stop line or crosswalk where a driver is required to stop…”

For help with red light ticket legal issues throughout the Chicagoland areas, including Lake County, Will County, DuPage County, and other nearby communities, please contact an experienced Illinois traffic lawyer today. We help residents in many northwest suburban areas including Arlington Heights, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Barrington, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, McHenry, and Crystal Lake defend themselves in these situations.