4 Things to Know About Traffic Violations in Illinois

 Posted on October 02, 2018 in Traffic Violations

When you are driving, the last thing you want to see is red and blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror. Being stopped for a traffic violation is no fun for anyone, and depending on why you were stopped, you could be facing serious consequences. Your quick trip to the grocery store could end up being a long process of fighting a traffic ticket. You can get cited for multiple traffic-related offenses in Illinois, and if you do end up getting a traffic ticket, here are four things you should know:

1. There Are Different Types of Violations

In Illinois, traffic tickets can be one of two types: a moving violation or a non-moving violation. A moving violation occurs when a law is broken while you are driving your vehicle. Examples of moving violations include:

• Speeding.
• Running a red light or stop sign.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Not using turn signals.
• Failing to yield.

Non-moving violations typically involve parking or something wrong with your vehicle. Examples of non-moving violations include:

• Parking in a fire lane.
• Parking in a spot with an expired meter.
• Not having a license plate on both the front and back of your car.
• Failing to have an up-to-date registration.

2. You Might Have to Go to Court for Your Ticket

Depending on the nature of your ticket, you may be required to appear in court to settle the ticket. The police officer who has issued you the ticket should tell you if you are required to appear or not, but you can also find this information on the ticket itself. Types of violations that will require you to appear in court can include:

• Any Class A or Class B misdemeanors.
• Any violation that caused death or personal injury to someone other than yourself.
• DUI.
• A violation of the Child Passenger Safety Act.
• Going more than 30 miles per hour over the speed limit.
• Driving a vehicle that is uninsured.

3. You Have Options When Dealing With Your Ticket

If you are not required to go to court for your ticket, you still have a choice of how you would like to handle the ticket. You can: 

1. Plead guilty, pay the fine, and be convicted for the violation.
2. Plead guilty and pay the fine, but attend Traffic Safety School to avoid a conviction.
3. Plead not guilty and request a court date to fight the ticket.

Not going to Traffic Safety School means you will receive a conviction and points on your driving record, which can cause your license to be suspended once you accumulate enough points. If you choose the second option, you will not receive a conviction. If you believe you were unfairly issued a ticket, you can contest the ticket in court.

4. You Should Hire an Arlington Heights Traffic Violation Lawyer if You Are Contesting a Ticket

If you have received a traffic ticket, you may not know what to do, especially if you are required to appear in court or believe you have unfairly received the ticket. An experienced Rolling Meadows traffic violation attorney can help you fight your ticket. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law represents clients for all kinds of traffic violations and can help you avoid a conviction. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office by calling 847-253-3400. 

Sources:

https://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/traffic-tickets.php

https://www.isba.org/sites/default/files/publications/pamphlets/Traffic%20Courts.pdf

http://www.cookcountycourt.org/ABOUTTHECOURT/MunicipalDepartment/FirstMunicipalDistrictChicago/TrafficSection/TrafficTickets.aspx