Avoid Heavy Fines Resulting from Speeding in a Construction Zone Charge
Road construction and resurfacing is a necessity to maintain the quality of Illinois roadways, but the safety of workers can be in jeopardy while on the job. And that’s why Illinois has driving laws to protect these individuals.
Illinois Statute 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1 states:
A person may not operate a motor vehicle in a construction or maintenance speed zone at a speed in excess of the posted speed limit.
Nothing in this Chapter prohibits the use of electronic speed-detecting devices within 500 feet of signs within a construction or maintenance speed zone indicating the zone, as defined in this Section, nor shall evidence obtained by use of those devices be inadmissible in any prosecution for speeding, provided the use of the device shall apply only to the enforcement of the speed limit in the construction or maintenance speed zone.
As used in this section, a “construction or maintenance speed zone” is an area in which the Department, Toll Highway Authority, or local agency has determined that the preexisting established speed limit through a highway construction or maintenance project is greater than is reasonable or safe with respect to the conditions expected to exist in the construction or maintenance speed zone and has posted a lower speed limit with a highway construction or maintenance speed zone special speed limit sign.
Highway construction or maintenance speed zone special speed limit signs shall be of a design approved by the Department. The signs must give proper due warning that a construction or maintenance speed zone is being approached and must indicate the maximum speed limit in effect. The signs also must state the amount of the minimum fine for a violation.
The penalty for speeding in a construction zone in Illinois, the minimum fine is $375, two or more violations committed in fewer than 24 months can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a suspension of your driver’s license by the Illinois Secretary of State for up to three months.
But signage warning of upcoming construction zones and the fines for speeding might not be clear and may not properly identify the area of concern. That’s why in all cases involving speeding in a construction zone, it is important to contact a skilled lawyer to discuss your case.
To obtain legal representation for cases in Rockford, Machesney Park, Loves Park, Winnebago County and surrounding Illinois communities, contact the Law Office of Paul M. Marriett for a free consultation. To see what options are available to you, call us at (815) 391-0089, contact us securely through the form on this page, or email our office.