What Are the Penalties for Speeding in an Illinois Construction Zone?

 Posted on November 22, 2019 in Traffic Law

Not all traffic tickets are created equally. While some traffic violations may only result in a monetary fine, others can result in much more severe consequences and even criminal penalties. All traffic offenses are serious, but some traffic violations can become even more consequential depending on the location. According to the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA), in 2017, there were a total of 5,423 work zone motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 1,435 injuries and 30 fatalities, many of which were caused by speeding drivers. In Illinois, construction zones are one of those locations in which you could face criminal penalties for actions that would be considered minor violations in other places.

Work Zone Considerations

Some people believe that they do not have to worry about speeding tickets if the work zone is not currently active, but this is incorrect. Even if there are no workers present in the construction zone, you are still required by law to follow the posted speed limit, or you risk the penalties for speeding in a work zone.

Another fact you should consider is that you do not have to be going “aggravated” speeds over the speed limit to feel the effects of a construction zone speeding ticket. If you are caught speeding in a construction zone, you face a minimum of $375 fine for a first offense and a minimum $1,000 fine for a second offense.

Aggravated Speeding in Construction Zones 

Criminal charges may come into play when you are traveling a certain amount over the speed limit in a construction zone. This is called aggravated speeding, and it can result in jail time, hefty fines, and even a loss of your driving privileges in some situations.

Driving 26 miles per hour or more, but less than 35 miles per hour over the posted construction zone speed limit can result in a Class B misdemeanor. In Illinois, Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in prison and imposing a fine of at least $75 but not more than $1,000.

Driving 35 miles per hour or more over the posted construction zone speed limit can result in a Class A misdemeanor. If you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, you can face up to one year in prison along with fines of at least $75 but not more than $2,500. 

Contact a Wheaton, IL Criminal Defense Attorney 

If you have been charged with speeding while driving in a construction zone, you can face serious criminal penalties. At the Davi Law Group, LLC, we can review your case and help you determine your best course of action. Let our skilled and knowledgeable DuPage County traffic violations defense lawyers help you form a solid defense against your charges and work with you to protect your driving privileges. We offer free consultations; schedule yours today by calling our office at 630-580-6373.

Sources:

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

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1999&ChapterID=55

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

https://www.irtba.org/Safety