Moving Violations Impact Insurance Premiums
Most traffic tickets are punishable by a fine in addition to court costs, administrative fees, and other add-ons. Additionally, drivers who receive tickets will see their insurance premiums increase due to a single moving violation. The severity of the violation and the number of violations can have a more significant impact on insurance premiums.
If you’ve received your first or even more than one ticket in the past 12 months, it’s highly advisable to get a Chicago attorney involved. Lawyers understand the necessary technicalities that can be leveraged to get cases thrown out. At a minimum, an attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to get the fine and/or points reduced so you can continue to drive with confidence.
Illinois Traffic Offenses: The Point System
In Illinois, a traffic ticket generally results in fines and fees. In addition, most moving violations such as speeding, running a red light, and making an illegal turn count as points against a motorist’s driving record. Three convictions in a 12-month period triggers an automatic suspension of a driver’s license. The length depends on the number of points. What are points?
Driver’s License Points in Illinois
- Reckless driving: 55 Points
- Following too closely: 25 Points
- Disregard traffic light or signal: 20 Points
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 20 Points
- Speeding 1 to 10 MPH over the limit: 5 Points
- Speeding 11 to 14 MPH over the limit: 15 Points
- Speeding 15 to 25 MPH over the limit: 20 Points
- Speeding more than 25 MPH over the limit: 50 Points
- Speeding in school or work zone: 20 Points
- Excess speed for conditions: 10 Points
- Speeding on a bridge: 10 Points
- Failure to notify of property damage: 15 Points
- Improper passing: 20 Points
- Open container: 20 Points
- Failure to report collision: 25 Points (50 points if injury)
- Driving too slow: 5 Points
- Driving too slow on a tollway: 20 Points
- Driving the wrong way on a one-way street: 5 Points
- Improper turn: 10 Points
- Improper U-turn: 15 Points
- Improper signal or failure to yield: 15 Points
- Broken headlight, taillight, or other equipment: 5 Points
- Use of video or phone that results in injury: 30 Points
Impact of Points and Suspension of Drivers License
- 15 to 44 points: two-month suspension
- 45 to 74 points: three-month suspension
- 75 to 89 points: six-month suspension
- 90 to 99 points: nine-month suspension
- 100 to 109: 12-month suspension,
- 110 points or above: revocation of driver’s license
A driver may be eligible for traffic court, which may reduce or eliminate some or all of these penalties. But even with a lesser penalty, most moving violations stay on a driver’s record for four or five years. If the driver’s license is suspended, the suspension stays on the record for seven years.
In Illinois, a driver’s license may be suspended due to other violations including, but not limited to, 10+ parking tickets, failure to pay child support, no auto insurance, nonpayment of tolls, photographed while driving through a red traffic signal five times or more and have not paid the fines. In most cases, you have the right to a hearing before the state can take your license.
If you have been arrested, or received a citation for any traffic offense, contact our firm today to learn how we can help. Call 866-699-3339 or complete the case request form.