Traffic violations can range from minor to serious, but there are negative consequences for all of them. If you’re convicted of a traffic violation, you can face penalties ranging from a few points on your license and a small fee to thousands of dollars in fees and jail time.

The best way to avoid traffic violations and the woes that can come with them is by understanding and obeying traffic laws. Check out some of the most common moving violations in Illinois below to learn how to avoid some of the most expensive traffic violations.

Things do happen on the road, though, and drivers and law enforcement officers alike can make mistakes. If you’re facing a traffic violation, consulting with an Illinois driver defense lawyer can help you understand your options for protecting your interests and future.

What Is Considered a Moving Violation in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, traffic violations are divided into two broad categories: moving violations and non-moving violations. For the most part, the difference between the two is that a moving violation occurs and is relevant to the vehicle being in motion. A non-moving violation occurs when the car is not in motion or has nothing to do with the motion of the car.

Examples of non-moving violations include having a registration or driver’s license that is expired, driving with a broken taillight, getting parking tickets of various types, or stopping in a no-stopping zone. Examples of moving violations include speeding, failure to stop, following too closely, failure to yield, and DUI.

In general, moving violations are more serious offenses than non-moving violations overall, though there may be exceptions. Moving violations may come with higher fines and a greater potential for loss of your license.

3 of the Most Common Moving Violations in Illinois

Everquote, an online insurance aggregator, asks people about past traffic violations during the quote process for auto insurance. Everquote published some Illinois driver ticket information based on millions of answers on quote forms, providing insight into the most common moving violations in the state.

1. Speeding-Related Tickets

Tickets related to speeding are the most common non-accident offense reported by drivers to Everquote. Speeding can be a serious traffic violation that even results in jail time depending on the factors of the case.

While the fines and penalties you can face for speeding depend on where you were speeding, how fast you were going, and whether other factors — such as an accident — were involved, if you’re convicted of speeding, you could face up to thousands of dollars in fines and up to one year in jail. You’ll also take a hit with points on your license, which can drive up your insurance costs and potentially result in a license suspension if you have too many points already.

Typically, speeding tickets get most serious when you drive more than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit. Driving 26 to 34 mph above the speed limit is considered a Class B misdemeanor, and driving 35 mph or more above the speed limit is considered a Class A misdemeanor. The first can lead to jail time of up to six months and fines up to $1,500. The second can lead to jail time of up to a year and fines up to $2,500.

2. Failure to Stop Tickets

Aside from accident-related violations reported to Everquote, the next most-common traffic violation reported was failure to stop.

Drivers in Illinois are required to stop at intersections and other locations when signs, lights, or traffic laws demand it. Some times when you must stop include:

  •  On red at a traffic light
  • At a stop sign
  • At railroad tracks when lights or gates indicate an oncoming train
  • For pedestrians in areas where there is a pedestrian right-of-way

A ticket for failure to stop can result in a fine of around $100, though it can be more depending on the circumstances. You can also have up to 20 points added to your driving record, potentially leading to an increase in your auto insurance.

However, some failure to stop actions could result in reckless driving charges. That can lead to more serious penalties, including thousands of dollars in fines, potential suspension of your driver’s license depending on your driving record, and even jail time.

3. Driving on a Suspended License

A third common offense reported to Everquote is driving on a suspended license. This is a serious offense that can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and up to a year in jail. That’s true even if it’s your first offense.

Other Common Traffic Violations in Illinois

Some other traffic violations that are common in the state include:

  • DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Illegal U-turn
  • Failure to yield
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Failing to wear a seatbelt
  • Texting or using a cell phone while driving

How Driver Defense Team Can Help

As you can see, the details matter when you’re facing a traffic violation charge. Something like the difference between driving 50 mph when the speed limit is 35 versus driving 51 mph when the speed limit is 35 can make a huge difference to the penalties you’re facing and the potential outcome of your case.

Working with an experienced driver defense team can help you protect your access to a driver’s license. Reach out to the Driver Defense Team’s DUI and traffic lawyers if you are facing a traffic charge to find out what options you have moving forward.

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