Poor time management and a lack of trip planning can make drivers rush to their destinations. Unfortunately, when such is the case, these drivers tend to push the limits of traffic law, risking speeds well over the speed limit. However, speed limits exist for a reason; they create a safe driving environment for drivers and pedestrians alike. So, when you’re caught driving over the speed limit, the consequences are quick and sometimes severe. Depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your traffic stop for speeding, you might be in for more than a fine. Allow Brave Law Center, P.C. to explain some penalties surrounding speeding tickets in Illinois and what you should expect.
No matter the severity of your speeding infraction, having to pay a fine is the most certain consequence you face. Depending on how much you were over the limit, the size of your fine (alongside other penalties) will be impacted. You will be required to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. For example, here are some fine amounts as they relate to the amount over the speed limit you were traveling:
In addition to paying fines, speeding tickets place “points” on your driving record. Unfortunately, these points aren’t part of a game or competition. As points accrue on your driving record, penalties associated with repeat offenses can become more severe. For example, if you accumulate too many points within a short time, a final speeding ticket might result in an extended license suspension. Here are the ranges of speeds that can earn you points:
Depending on the amount of points you receive, you might be looking at driver’s license suspension with increasingly longer terms. As such, one or two speeding tickets won’t result in your license being taken away. However, if your speeding was above a certain threshold on your first offense, like the 26-34 mph above the speed limit range, that can earn you enough points for immediate license suspension. Here are how points translate to penalties:
While jail time is the least likely result of your speeding ticket, the range of your speeding will determine that. In Illinois, when drivers speed 26-24 mph over the limit, this is considered aggravated speeding and is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, with the potential of up to six months in jail. For 35 mph or more over the limit, the misdemeanor is upgraded to Class A and can result in up to a year in jail. Additionally, you’re still responsible for any associated fines and will have your license revoked.
Fines, points and jail time aren’t the end of the consequences you face when you speed! In addition to the standard penalties, a judge might require speeding offenders to take a traffic class or driver improvement program. Sometimes, such programs can wipe points off your record, but they won’t reduce fines (and can cost extra for you to attend).
There are personal consequences to speeding outside of what the court decides as a penalty. For example, you’ll likely be hit with increased insurance fees or dropped policies. Or, if your license is suspended, it might place your employment at risk if driving is a part of work. This is especially true if you hold a job requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Because CDL holders are held to higher standards, any minor driving infraction can cost professional truck drivers their jobs.
Also, there might be other associated costs, fines and fees when you are issued a speeding ticket in certain areas or under specific conditions. Speeding through a construction or school zone are two scenarios where additional fines will be applied to your speeding ticket.
For minor infractions, the best course of action can be to pay your fine, accept the points on your record, and use the speeding ticket as a learning experience. However, if you are dealing with speeding tickets that lead to steep fines and license suspensions, getting with an attorney is in your best interest. Brave Law Center, P.C. can provide counsel for your case, represent you in court if contesting a ticket, and potentially have charges reduced or dropped.
At Brave Law Center, P.C., we assist clients in overcoming their legal woes and always aim to reach a favorable resolution for your case. Alongside traffic law, our attorneys offer legal services for criminal defense, family law, divorce, real estate, estate planning, probate, and more. If you are interested in our legal services and wish to discuss your case, contact us today at 309-685-7900 to request a reservation.
330 NE Perry Ave., Peoria IL 61603
120 S Main St., Eureka, IL 61530
