Speeding in Illinois Road Construction Zones

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Traffic Violations

Along with the warm weather comes road construction. Whether it is a road requiring repair from the ravages of winter weather, or the expansion of an existing roadway, Illinois drivers can count on seeing the orange cones all over the state during the spring, summer, and fall months. They can also count on severe penalties for ignoring the state’s rules for driving in road construction zones.

Under Illinois law, a road construction zone requiring decreasing the posted speed limit is one in which either the Department of Transportation, Toll Highway Authority, or other local agency has posted signs which alert drivers that they are approaching a maintenance or construction speed zone. Such a zone also includes areas in which one of the aforementioned agencies has posted signs stating that the established posted speed limit is not safe or reasonable due to current or expected conditions in the area.

However, in order to be in compliance with the law, the signage which posting agencies use must fall within the guideline of the statute. The sign must be of an approved design and must clearly state that the driver is approaching a road construction area. The signage must also indicate what the maximum speed limit allowed in the road construction area is, as well as what the minimum fine could be for failing to comply.

Drivers who violate road construction zone speed limits could face serious penalties. A first time violator can be fined up to $275.00. A second or subsequent offense carries a fine of $750.00. However, if that second or subsequent offense occurs within two years of the prior offense, and workers were present in the area when the offense occurred, the Illinois Secretary of State can suspend the violator’s driver’s license for 90 days.

Because of the strict penalties, it is important to contact an experienced Oak Brook traffic offense attorney if you have received a violation for speeding in a construction zone. We can help increase your chances of defending against that ticket and having the violation dismissed. Call the offices of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. today at 630-472-9700.