I Got Caught Speeding in a Construction Zone

 Posted on October 06, 2022 in Traffic Law

With so much construction underway as Rebuild Illinois continues full steam ahead, it is easy to get frustrated with delays. You may be used to a certain schedule and are having trouble adjusting to the lower speed limits around construction zones. However, exhibiting even a small lack of patience through those areas can have you dealing with a traffic violation that will tarnish your clean driving record.

Protecting Drivers and Construction Workers

Nearly 7,000 motor vehicle accidents occur in Illinois work zones leading to more than 1,600 injuries. Last year, 25 people died in construction zones in Illinois and none of them were workers. That is the first time that has happened since 2015. 

The minimum speed limit throughout the state of Illinois is 45 miles per hour. That may seem slow but you have to drive even slower than that through construction zones. Excessive speeds in a construction or maintenance zone (work zone) will have you facing some harsh fines and even jail time.

Keep in mind, you can get a speeding ticket even if construction workers are not present. That is because crews sometimes leave equipment behind that could be hazardous to drivers. After all, the law is designed to protect motorists as well.

Illinois Construction Zone Laws

•  State and local agencies must decide that the regular speed limit is greater than is reasonable or safe for construction conditions so they post a lower limit.

• Signs must warn drivers about the approaching construction and display the maximum speed limit along with the minimum fine for a violation.

• Devices that detect speeds can be placed within 500 feet of signs in a construction or maintenance zone. However, any evidence obtained by those devices is inadmissible in any prosecution for speeding. The devices are mainly present to enforce the speed limit.

•  Automated photo enforcement of speeding is allowed only when construction workers are present. A ticket is sent in the mail along with a photo of the driver.

Penalties and Fines

Penalties depend on whether or not you are a repeat offender. There are some instances in which speeding becomes more than just a traffic ticket and you could wind up in jail. Aggravated speeding in Illinois is a crime that can result in misdemeanor criminal charges against you. Here’s an idea of what you could be facing for breaking the law in a construction zone:

•  Class B misdemeanor (traveling 26 mph but less than 35 mph over the posted speed limit) – up to 6 months in jail and a $1,500 fine on top of additional fees

• Class A misdemeanor (traveling 35 mph or more over the posted speed limit) – punishable with up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine plus additional fees

• First-time offenders must pay a minimum fine of $375

• A second offense carries a minimum fine of $1,000. If it occurs within two years of the first offense, your driving privileges will be suspended for 90 days.

Contact a DuPage County Traffic Violation Attorney

If you are caught speeding in a construction zone, call the Davi Law Group, LLC to discuss your case. At Davi Law Group, LLC, we will help you decide the best course to take. Call 630-580-6373 to schedule an introductory consultation with a Wheaton traffic violation attorney to protect your driving record.

Sources:

https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-605.1.htm

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2619&ChapterID=49

https://www2.illinois.gov/IISNews/24757-%E2%80%9CWork_Zones_Are_a_Sign_to_Slow_Down%E2%80%9D_.pdf