Most drivers have experienced the sense of dread that comes with seeing flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror. In the best-case scenario, a driver pulled over by police will get off with just a warning. In the worst-case scenario, the driver may leave the traffic stop in the back of a police vehicle.

How a driver handles a traffic stop can mean the difference between a temporary detour or moderate fine and criminal charges. It is important for everyone to understand their rights and responsibilities during traffic stops.

De-Escalate the Situation by Making Officers Feel Safe

On average, 176 police officers are killed in the line of duty every year. Over 14,000 are injured. One of the best things you can do during a traffic stop is to demonstrate to police that you mean them no harm. If you see lights and hear sirens behind you, pull the car to the right side of the road as soon as you can safely. Turn off the car and put your hands on the wheel. Do not reach for your license or registration until told to do so.

The state of Illinois is home to one of the most famous cities globally — Chicago. This vibrant city is full of exciting monuments to tour, high-rise buildings for business seminars, and gorgeous parks filled with acres of green space. Before you get too eager to roam the streets of Chicago, it is essential to remember all of the pedestrians and driving laws that are enforced throughout the city. 

What is Jaywalking?

Pedestrians, like drivers, must obey the laws of the road when exploring a city on foot. This means that walking on a busy street, running into merging traffic, or crossing a road with no crosswalk may be against the law. Jaywalking is a term primarily used in the United States that refers to pedestrians crossing the street in prohibited areas. Jaywalking comes in many shapes and sizes and can look like:

• Running across a road with no crosswalk when traffic slows

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If you are looking to have your driver’s license reinstated in the state of Illinois, you might be curious about what you can expect along the way. Whether your license was revoked or suspended, reinstating a driver’s license usually comes with a fee attached. 

The Fourteen Types of Driver's License Reinstatement Fees in Illinois 

The amount of money you will owe in order to reinstate your license will depend on the reason it was suspended or revoked. That is because the reason behind your revocation or suspension is penalized with a fee that the state of Illinois deems reasonable as a consequence for the behavior. 

Here are the fourteen most common reasons for getting a driver's license either suspended or revoked in Illinois, followed by the cost of reinstating a license under each circumstance. 

With the new school year just around the corner, police will be on the lookout for speeders and other dangerous behavior on the roadway. It is not only a way to keep school zones safe, but also a way to raise awareness of traffic laws in general. Perhaps, one of the most common traffic violations you may encounter is speeding. The consequences of speeding in a school zone can be particularly harsh.

Speeding In A School Zone

Under Illinois law, you could be ticketed for driving faster than 20 miles per hour through a school zone during a school day. The law is fairly straightforward, but like most things, the devil is in the details. 

According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, a school is defined as a public or private building meant for primary, secondary, or nursery school. However, there must also be signage posted to designate the area around the school as a school zone. 

Getting pulled over by a police officer while you are driving can be a stressful ordeal. However, even if you believe the police officer made a mistake by making a traffic stop, it is important to remain calm and not lose your temper. If you do not keep your composure, the situation could end up escalating and instead of a potential traffic violation, you could be facing criminal charges.

Things to Avoid Saying to an Officer During a Traffic Stop

During the traffic stop, the officer will ask you for your license and registration in order to confirm your identity and conduct a background check to make sure there are no outstanding warrants or other issues. Some stops may resolve quickly, while in other situations, it may feel as if the officer is extending the stop unreasonably. No matter what the situation is, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Rude comments - Once the officer has conducted the background check, he or she may also ask you questions, such as where you are driving to or from. You are under no obligation to answer those questions, however, how you choose to answer can make a difference. Although it is not against the law to make a rude comment to a police officer, doing so could cause the officer to become more inclined to find some reason to place you under arrest. Police cannot arrest you simply for making an insulting comment, but they can claim your behavior was uncooperative or created probable cause to search your vehicle.
• Confessions - Under no circumstances should you confess to a crime when a police officer pulls you over. For example, if a cop stops your vehicle because he or she is suspicious that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, you should not admit to anything. Even if you are guilty of the crime the officer is accusing you of, you should not give any kind of statement to the police until you have spoken with a criminal defense attorney.
• Breathalyzer tests - If a police officer pulls you over because he or she believes you were driving drunk, you will be asked to take a breathalyzer test to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). There are a few factors to keep in mind before deciding to submit to that test. Illinois has an implied consent law. When you were issued a driver’s license, your acceptance meant you were consenting to submit to a breathalyzer test if requested to do so by law enforcement. While there is no law that says you must take the test, refusing to do so means an automatic summary suspension of your license, even if you are ultimately found not guilty of DUI in criminal court. A first offense is a loss of license for one year. Second and subsequent refusals are for five years. There is no right or wrong answer on whether a driver should submit to a breathalyzer test and ultimately depends on the circumstances of the traffic stop, whether the driver has been drinking, and whether the driver has any prior DUI convictions.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Criminal Lawyer

If you were recently pulled over and arrested by a police officer, you should speak to a Rolling Meadows, IL criminal attorney. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law will assess your case and inform you of your legal options. Call 847-253-3400 today to schedule a free consultation.