Like the speed of cars has increased over the years, so have the price and consequences of speeding tickets. Chances are that you will receive a traffic violation at some point in your life. Traffic violations like speeding tickets can be not only annoying, but they can also be costly. It is essential to keep in mind that when dealing with a speeding ticket, you need to remember that you have options. 

Depending on how fast you were going, speed tickets can have a genuine impact on one’s life, ranging from fines of $75 escalating up to having your license suspended. If you have received a speeding ticket and have chosen to fight the ticket in traffic court, do not go about it alone. Consulting with a trained attorney can make the difference between paying the fine and possibly facing other consequences or having the ticket thrown out by the judge. 

Considerations for Beating a Speeding Ticket

As soon as you find yourself pulled over, be kind to the police officer who pulled you over. Regardless of your opinion of law enforcement, remember that just like you, they are humans and wish to be treated kindly. Always treat officers with respect. It would be best if you kept in mind that the officer’s memory of you can make a huge difference in your case. You do not want to give the officer a reason to remember you in traffic court. Be cordial and then take your ticket.

If you live in the Chicago area, you know that road construction is a constant concern. Because the chances of accidents are so much higher in construction zones, these areas are often subject to reduced speed limits. Illinois penalizes speeding in construction zones especially harshly. If you or a loved one were cited for speeding in a construction zone, a traffic law attorney may be able to help.

Driving Above the Speed Limit When There is a Construction Project

Construction projects may force drivers to drive in narrow lanes and dodge cones, construction workers, and machinery. Consequently, the maximum speed at which drivers can drive is often reduced in these areas. The penalties for speeding are also enhanced. In Illinois, speeding in a construction zone is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. However, if you are caught speeding in a construction zone a second time within a two-year period and construction workers are present, you face a 90-day driver’s license suspension in addition to fines.

Driving 26-35 mph over the speed limit in a construction zone is considered aggravated speeding. This is a Class B misdemeanor criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail and heavy fines. If the driver is driving more than 35 mph above the speed limit in a construction zone, this can lead to Class A misdemeanor charges and up to a year in jail.

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.