Defending Against Construction Zone Traffic Tickets and Fines in Chicago

 Posted on June 19, 2019 in Traffic Tickets

Illinois has plenty of rules for motorists to remain safe when driving through construction zones. According to the Illinois Highway Safety Plan, motorists are more likely to be injured in a construction zone accident than workers, but the rules are put into place to avoid any accident or injury. Those who do not adhere to the construction zone rules are putting their lives and the lives of the workers at risk. Motorists who are caught will be charged with a commercial driver’s license violation which leads to traffic tickets and fines.

What Are the Punishments for Construction Zone Violations?

Distracted driving is one common violation that can result in a motorist being pulled over and ticketed. If someone is talking or texting on a cell phone, the fine is $75 for first offenses and increases to $150 for subsequent offenses.

Speeding in a construction zone is a ticketed offense whether or not there are workers present. This is because 90 percent of work zone fatalities are motorists and not workers, according to the Illinois Highway Safety Plan. First offenses for speeding in a construction zone are punishable by a minimum fine of $375 and subsequent offenses result in a minimum fine of $1,000. If the subsequent offense happens within two years of the first offense, a motorist will have their CDL suspended for 90 days. 

The maximum penalty for hitting a construction worker is now $25,000 in Illinois. Motorists can be charged with reckless homicide if a worker or another motorist is killed inside a construction zone. The charge can also result in a Class 2 felony punishable by three to 14 years in prison. 

The state of Illinois also enforces Scott’s Law, the Move Over law. This law says that motorists are required to reduce their speed and move over for any emergency vehicle parked on the shoulder within a construction zone. This includes construction vehicles. If a motorist is charged with violating Scott’s Law after Jan. 1, 2020, they will face a minimum fine of $250 for a first offense, $750 for a second offense, and up to $10,000 and suspension of their CDL for two years depending on the circumstances. If death occurs, the motorist will face reckless homicide charges resulting in a prison term of three to 14 years.

Tips for Avoiding Construction Zone Violations

Illinois construction workers put out plenty of signs so that motorists know they are about to enter a worksite. These signs are placed so that motorists have time to reduce their speed and become alert for workers.

Workers will also place cones and/or barricades to keep drivers away from danger on the road. The barriers will also keep cars away from the dangerous construction equipment that can do damage if a vehicle is driving too close.

Illinois law says that drivers should respect the rules of driving through a construction site at all times. It does not matter if there is no one working at the time, motorists must still be vigilant and drive at a slower rate of speed to avoid accidents.

Contact a Chicago Traffic Violations Lawyer

If you or someone you know is facing charges that could suspend their commercial driver’s license or worse, hire a lawyer from the Luisi Legal Group. A Chicago CDL violations lawyer can help build a defense and avoid conviction. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 773-276-5541.

Sources:

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/assets/uploads/files/travel-information/pamphlets-&-brochures/workzone%20il%20fact%20sheet.pdf

http://illinoiscarlaws.com/construction-zone-driving/