Illinois's Speeding Law and Ticket Penalties

Most drivers will, at some point, receive a speeding ticket. This article explains how Illinois's speeding laws work, including the different types of speed limits and the penalties for a speeding violation.

How Do Illinois's Speeding Laws Work?

Illinois has two types of speeding laws: a "basic speeding law" and "absolute limits." Below, we explain how these laws define Illinois's speed limits. (625 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/11-601.)

Illinois's Basic Speeding Law

Illinois's basic speeding law prohibits driving at a speed that is "greater than is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway, or endangers the safety of any person or property." In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it's dark and the road is icy, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law.

Illinois's Absolute (Maximum) Speed Limits

There is no trick to how Illinois's absolute speed limits work: If the absolute speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you've violated the law. Illinois's absolute speed limits include:

• 70 miles per hour on interstate highways
• 65 miles per hour state highways with at least four lanes that are outside urban districts
• 55 miles per hour on other highways, roadways, and streets outside urban districts
• 30 miles per hour on urban district roadways
• 15 miles per hour in urban district alleys, and
• 20 miles per hour in school zones.

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in Illinois

The consequences of a speeding ticket depend on the circumstances. But generally, the possible penalties are described below.

Fines and Jail Time for Speeding Violation in Illinois

The penalties for speeding violation depend on the driver's speed in relation to the speed limit. Here is how it breaks down:

• 1 to 20 miles per hour over the limit. $120 fine.
• 21 to 25 miles per hour over the limit. $140 fine.
• 26 to 34 miles per hour over the limit. Class B misdemeanor and carries up to six months in jail and a maximum $1,500 in fines.
• 35 miles per hour or more over the limit. Class A misdemeanor and carries up to one year in jail and a maximum $2,500 in fines.

In other words, the penalties are much more severe if the driver exceeded a speed limit by at least 26 miles per hour.

Illinois Imposes Enhanced Penalties for Speeding Violations in School and Construction Zones

For speeding violations in school zones, the minimum fines are $150 for a first offense and $300 for a second or subsequent offense.

Violations that take place in a construction or maintenance zone carry minimum fines of $250 for a first offense and $750 for a second or subsequent violation.

Reckless Driving and Homicide in Illinois

Depending on the circumstances, a speeding violation could lead to a "reckless driving" conviction. And if a motorist kills another person while speeding, reckless homicide charges are a possibility.

Illinois Traffic Violation Point System

Generally, a speeding violation adds demerit points to the motorist's driving record. A speeding ticket normally results in five to 50 points depending on the driver's speed in relation to the speed limit and where the violation took place. Accumulating too many points leads to license suspension.