What Are The Consequences of Traffic Violations in Illinois?

 Posted on January 11, 2024 in Traffic Violation

Getting a traffic ticket in Illinois can result in more than just an annoying fine. Traffic violations can lead to increased insurance rates, license suspensions, and even jail time. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can help you determine the potential you may have with your traffic violation.

Fines and Court Costs

Most minor moving violations like speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield will result in fines. You will also have to pay various court costs and fees, which can add substantially to the total cost. The exact fine amount depends on factors like how much over the speed limit you were going. More serious infractions mean steeper fines.

Insurance Rate Increases

Violations like speeding, accidents, DUIs, and other infractions will likely cause your car insurance rates to spike at your next renewal. Insurance providers see those who break traffic laws as higher-risk drivers. State law allows insurance companies to raise rates substantially after moving violations. Some drivers have seen car insurance rate increases of 30% or more after getting a ticket. This financial consequence can last for three to five years after the violation.

License Suspension

Certain traffic convictions in Illinois result in automatic driver’s license suspension. For example, Illinois state law requires a 12-month suspension after a reckless driving conviction. A license can also get suspended if you accumulate three moving violations within a 12-month span. Suspension lengths range from 30 days to a full year depending on the reason. Driving without a valid license brings additional troubles like impound fees, jail time, and reinstatement requirements.

Jail Time

While spending time in jail may seem rare for traffic issues, there are violations that open up this possibility. Reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, driving without insurance, or driving on a suspended license can potentially lead to jail sentences. DUIs also frequently involve jail time, license suspension, substantial fines, and other major consequences. Certain kinds of distracted driving may also fall under reckless endangerment laws. Jail time acts as a severe deterrent to prevent unsafe driving behaviors.

Losing Your Vehicle

In some situations, Illinois officials can seize or impound vehicles involved in traffic violations. Common scenarios include driving uninsured or on a suspended license, auto theft, DUIs, and vehicles used in the commission of felonies. You will need to go through a legal process to contest the seizure or negotiate getting the vehicle back. This may involve paying steep impound fees first. Passengers in vehicles driven by someone without a valid license may even have their car seized for allowing an unauthorized person to drive.

Impact on Record and Future Goals

Traffic violations make their way onto your driving record and can stay there for up to four years. Too many tickets on your motor vehicle record, even for minor issues, create red flags for employers and impact job applications. Traffic issues can also jeopardize or delay plans related to immigration, joining the military, or getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Thinking twice before breaking traffic laws is always wise to avoid hurdles down the road.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

Going through this type of case may not give you the most potential that you would likely have with legal representation. Working with a DuPage County, IL personal attorney can help you understand the legal jargon and the next steps you should take. Call Stephen A. Brundage at 630-260-9647 for a free consultation.