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 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 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 – 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. The length depends on the number of points and may include penalties as follows:
- 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 limit 5 Points
- Speeding 11 to 14 MPH over limit 15 Points
- Speeding 15 to 25 MPH over limit 20 Points
- Speeding more than 25 MPH over limit 50 Points
- Speeding in school or work zone 20 Points
- Excess speed for conditions 10 Points
- Speeding on 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 (20 if on tollway) Points
- Wrong way on 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 is a 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
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, non payment of tolls, photographed while driving through a red traffic signal five times or more and have not paying 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 855-980-0078 or complete the case request form.