Slow Down in Illinois Construction Zones to Avoid Higher Penalties

 Posted on April 07, 2022 in Traffic violations

Warmer weather is right around the corner, but so is construction season in Illinois. If you are caught speeding or stopped for other traffic violations in a construction zone, you face much stricter penalties than for violations outside of a work zone. Even for a first violation, drivers face higher fines, the temporary loss of their license, and more points added to their driving record, resulting in higher insurance rates. Slow down and drive safely in a construction zone, or you could face serious penalties.

Speeding Violations in Construction Zones

A driver will be assessed a minimum fine of $250 for their first speeding offense in a construction zone. The minimum penalty is $750 plus a driver’s license suspension of 90 days for a second offense.

Aggravated Speeding in a Construction Zone

Drivers charged with speeding of at least 26 mph over the posted construction zone speed limit, which is known as aggravated speeding, may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor and risk spending up to six months in prison and face a maximum fine of $1,500. Aggravated speeding more than 35 miles per hour over the limit is a Class A misdemeanor, with a punishment of up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $2,500.

Reckless Driving in a Construction Zone

In addition to adhering to the speed limit, you must drive cautiously and slow down or yield to workers and construction vehicles in a construction zone. Regardless of whether you were speeding or not, reckless driving will result in a fine of at least $100. If the reckless driving results in injuries or property damage, fines can be a maximum of $25,000. Hitting a construction worker with your vehicle can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Additionally, an incident with property damage will lead to a license suspension of between 90 days and one year. A violation that causes injury to someone will lead to a license suspension of between 180 days and two years. Causing someone’s death will result in a two-year license suspension.

Contact an Elgin Traffic Violation lawyer

If you are facing these higher penalties, you need a lawyer who has experience fighting construction zone tickets. Whether you received a speeding ticket or a much more serious violation, you need to call an Aurora construction zone ticket lawyer. At The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola, we will provide you with strong, knowledgeable representation. Contact us or call 847-488-0889 for a free consultation.

Sources:

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

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-908

https://www.illinoistollway.com/projects/work-zone-safety