Speeding in Restricted Zones

 Posted on July 13, 2016 in Traffic Law

Speeding, no matter how far over the speed limit, is illegal. The reasoning for this is because it puts lives in danger, including your own. Punishments have the potential of being harsh, especially without the right representation. However, if you are charged with speeding in a speed restricted area, such as a construction zone, punishments are exponentially more severe.

What are Speed Restricted Zones?

In all technicalities, it is illegal to speed anywhere, especially as Illinois enforces an “absolute” speed limit law. This law, in short, says that it is illegal to operate a vehicle at a speed over the legal limit by even one mile per hour (MPH). There are a few key areas where the danger of injuring someone is higher. In these locations, law enforcement officials, as well as lawmakers, have agreed that punishments should be more severe to dissuade motorists from driving more than the posted speed limit. These specific areas include construction zones and school zones.

Punishments for Speeding vs. Speed Restricted Area

To truly appreciate the difference between the two, you must have a generalized knowledge of the penalties for each. If you have been accused of speeding under normal conditions without any special circumstances, the following fines may be expected:

• Speeding 1 to 20 MPH over the posted limit: $75.00.
• Speeding 21 to 30 MPH over the posted limit: $95.00.

If you are found guilty of speeding in a speed restricted area, you may face these penalties:

• Speeding in a school zone: $150.00.
• Speeding in a construction zone, first offense: $375.00.
• Speeding in a construction zone, second offense: $1,000.00.

Statistics Behind the Fines

Though traffic-related fatalities have declined over the last five years, law enforcement officials continue to protect drivers by issuing tickets. The results from a survey in 2013 indicate that speed is still a large contributor to the amount of accidents on the roadway:

• Crashes involving speed made up 31.2% of all accidents.
• 35% of accident fatalities were speed related.
• Accidents involving injuries were 35.7% speed related.

In many cases, faulty equipment and radar operator error may result in an inaccurate gauge of speed. Among others, this becomes a great defense mechanism that can be used in a court of law. To avoid an excessive fine, the addition of points to your driving record, and even an increase of your monthly insurance payment, it may be in your best interest to secure legal counsel to defend your rights.

To speak to an experienced DuPage County traffic law attorney, contact Davi Law Group, LLC at 630-580-6373 to schedule your consultation. Financing options are available and we offer four convenient office locations to suit your needs. Let us put our years of experience to work for you.

Sources:

http://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/speedlimitenf.cfm

http://www.safemotorist.com/Illinois/Roads/speed.aspx

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

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2013%20CF.pdf

http://illinois.drivinguniversity.com/speeding-tickets/speeding-ticket-fines