At the state level, violations are classified as either petty offenses, business offenses, misdemeanors, or felony offenses and may carry more serious penalties. Certain offenses also may result in the suspension or revocation of your driver's license, such as a conviction for not stopping for a school bus that is loading or unloading children or a conviction for speeding through a construction zone.Īt the municipal or county level, traffic violations are indicated in ordinances and are usually punishable only by a fine.
Traffic violations carry penalties that can range from a maximum fine of $100 for a parking violation to a prison sentence of ten years or more for serious offenses that result in death.
A police officer has the discretion to arrest you for a traffic offense even if it is petty, but arrests usually only occur in cases of more serious offenses such as DUI. Your signature is not an admission of guilt it simply indicates your willingness to appear in court or otherwise pay the required fine. If you fail to sign the ticket, you could face an additional penalty. You will be asked to sign the ticket, agreeing to appear in court on a set date and time or comply with the terms of the ticket if no court appearance is required. If you are stopped by a police officer for violating a traffic law and are issued a ticket, it must include the nature of the charge the date, time and location of the alleged violation and the statute or ordinance you are accused of violating. Illinois also recently passed a law prohibiting texting or using a cell phone in any way while driving.
#Chicago traffic drivers#
Other violations drivers may commit include disobeying the Child Passenger Safety Act DUI drag racing reckless driving leaving the scene of an accident where property damage, injury or death is involved fleeing to elude police and failing to wear a seatbelt while driving. Furthermore, court appearances are mandatory for certain traffic offenses, including driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license.Īmong the most common traffic violations are speeding, running a red light, and failure to provide proof of insurance. Some drivers may desire a court hearing in order to work out a more acceptable negotiated plea.
#Chicago traffic driver#
Choosing to proceed in this manner, however, will usually result in a conviction on the driver's record for the citation.įrequently, however, the driver will appear in traffic court. Some traffic violations are settled before they reach the court, if the driver pays the fine and simultaneously admits his or her guilt. Hundreds of thousands of traffic cases are heard each year in courts throughout Illinois. Traffic courts hear more cases than any other court.