What Happens When You Speed in a Construction Zone?

 Posted on February 09, 2016 in Traffic Law

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.

If you are driving fast enough, you could also be cited with aggravated speeding. Depending on your speed, the maximum penalty would include a $2,500 fine and even up to a year in jail. Aggravated speeding is when you exceed the posted speed limit by 26 miles per hour. The most severe penalties are triggered when you are driving 35 miles per hour or more over the speed limit.

Defenses to a Construction Zone Speeding Ticket

When you have been cited for speeding in a construction zone, it can seem like an open and shut case. However, Illinois law is very specific about what it takes to designate an area as a construction zone. All of the signs must conform to the legal requirements for design and content. The maximum speed limit must be posted at an appropriate distance before the construction zone. The presence of some cones and a temporary sign may not be enough to create a construction zone.

Before you sign a citation and pay a fine, you need to have your case reviewed by a knowledgeable traffic violation lawyer. If the construction zone you were in was not properly setup, it is possible your ticket can be reduced, or even dismissed. You may also have other options available to you.

If you have been cited for speeding in a construction zone, you need to speak with an experienced Wheaton traffic violation lawyer. You need to understand all of your options. Please call Davi Law Group, LLC today to schedule your consultation at 630-580-6373.

Source:

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