Speeding, no matter how far over the speed limit, is illegal. The reasoning for this is because it puts lives in danger, including your own. Punishments have the potential of being harsh, especially without the right representation. However, if you are charged with speeding in a speed restricted area, such as a construction zone, punishments are exponentially more severe.

What are Speed Restricted Zones?

In all technicalities, it is illegal to speed anywhere, especially as Illinois enforces an “absolute” speed limit law. This law, in short, says that it is illegal to operate a vehicle at a speed over the legal limit by even one mile per hour (MPH). There are a few key areas where the danger of injuring someone is higher. In these locations, law enforcement officials, as well as lawmakers, have agreed that punishments should be more severe to dissuade motorists from driving more than the posted speed limit. These specific areas include construction zones and school zones.

Punishments for Speeding vs. Speed Restricted Area

Some of the harshest penalties for traffic violations are reserved for construction zones. People may be tempted to just pay the expensive fine and move on. However, that may not be your best option.

Consequences for Speeding in a Constriction Zone

The fine for a first offense when speeding in a construction zone is a minimum of $375. The fine may be even more, depending on how fast you were driving in the construction zone.

If you are cited for speeding in a construction zone for a second time, then the minimum fine is $1,000. Just as with a first offense, the fine can be even more, depending on your speed. If you are cited a second time for speeding in a construction zone within two-years of your first citation, you will also have your driver’s license suspended for 90 days.