How Do Construction Zones Affect Traffic Violation Charges?

 Posted on October 08, 2020 in Traffic Law

Road work areas are a common sight on Illinois roads. While they can be a nuisance, leading to slow traffic and difficulty navigating unfamiliar traffic patterns, they can also lead to serious consequences for drivers who commit traffic violations. Failure to follow traffic laws in construction zones can result in expensive tickets, and drivers may even face criminal charges in some cases.

Construction Zone Speeding Violations

The speed limit is usually lowered in work zones, and signs will be posted notifying drivers that they must reduce speed and displaying the fines a person may face for speeding in a construction zone. Work areas are often closely monitored by police officers, or photo enforcement may be used to ensure that motorists are taking the proper measures to protect the safety of workers. Drivers are required to follow work zone speed limits even if there are no workers present.

For a first offense of speeding in a construction zone in Illinois, a driver will face a minimum fine of $375. Any subsequent violations will result in a minimum fine of $750. A second offense within two years will result in the suspension of a person’s driver’s license for 90 days.

The consequences a person may face will be even more serious in situations involving aggravated speeding. Driving between 26 and 35 miles per hour over a work zone speed limit is a Class B misdemeanor, and a person may be sentenced up to six months in jail and fined up to $1,500. Driving 35 miles per hour over a construction zone speed limit is a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in a jail sentence of up to one year and fines of up to $2,500.

Other Types of Violations

Using a cell phone or another type of electronic device while driving is another violation that can result in a traffic ticket for drivers in construction zones. A driver can be fined $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth offense.

A motorist who hits a construction worker may face criminal charges. If this type of accident results in a permanent disability, disfigurement, or other forms of great bodily harm, a driver may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. If a worker is killed, a driver may be charged with a Class 4 felony, which can result in a jail sentence of one to three years and a fine of up to $25,000.

Contact Wheaton, IL Traffic Violations Attorney

The safety of road workers is taken very seriously in Illinois, and drivers who violate traffic laws in construction zones can face steep fines, driver’s license suspension, or even jail time. If you have been charged with a work zone traffic violation, the distinguished Davi Law Group, LLC can provide you with skilled legal representation, and we will help you take the necessary steps to minimize the possible consequences you may face. Contact our DuPage County criminal defense lawyers at 630-580-6873 to set up a free consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/assets/uploads/files/travel-information/pamphlets-&-brochures/workzone%20il%20fact%20sheet.pdf

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-605.1

https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K12-610.2