What Are The Consequences Of Speeding In A School Zone?

 Posted on August 10,2021 in Traffic Violations

With the new school year just around the corner, police will be on the lookout for speeders and other dangerous behavior on the roadway. It is not only a way to keep school zones safe, but also a way to raise awareness of traffic laws in general. Perhaps, one of the most common traffic violations you may encounter is speeding. The consequences of speeding in a school zone can be particularly harsh.

Speeding In A School Zone

Under Illinois law, you could be ticketed for driving faster than 20 miles per hour through a school zone during a school day. The law is fairly straightforward, but like most things, the devil is in the details. 

According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, a school is defined as a public or private building meant for primary, secondary, or nursery school. However, there must also be signage posted to designate the area around the school as a school zone. 

Unlike the broad description of what qualifies as a school, a “school day” has strict boundaries. For the law regarding speeding in a school zone, a school day is between the hours of 6:30 am and 4 pm. 

Obviously, school staff and teachers might operate outside of those roughly 10 hours, that time frame gives students plenty of time to arrive, attend, and leave school. That also means you can drive the posted speed limit after 4 pm, before 6:30 am, on the weekends, and when school is not in session. 

Anyone caught speeding through a school zone during a school day could face a $150 fine on the first violation and a $300 fine on the second or subsequent violations. 

Aggravated Speeding Through A School Zone

Aggravated speeding through a school zone mirrors normal speeding laws. If you are caught driving between 26 and 35 miles per hour, you could face a Class B misdemeanor. Not only could you be arrested and have your car towed, but you could face up to 180 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. 

If you are caught driving more than 35 miles per hour, you could face a Class A misdemeanor. You could, again, be arrested, have your car towed, and face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. 

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Traffic Lawyer

If you have been ticketed for speeding through a school zone, contact an experienced Illinois traffic and criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Scott F. Anderson has more than 20 years experience defending criminal and traffic defendants in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Contact Scott F. Anderson at 847-253-3400 for a free consultation today.

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+11+Art%2E+X&ActID=1815&ChapterID=49&SeqStart=122400000&SeqEnd=124000000