Aggravated Speeding Defense attorney

Will County law prohibits motorists from driving beyond a posted maximum speed limit or exceeding other speed restrictions in the state. Violating a speed restriction may also involve driving too fast for the conditions. The statute specifically states that “no vehicle may be driven upon any highway of this State at a speed which is greater than is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway, or endangers the safety of any person or property.” Under this law, the fact that the speed of the vehicle does not exceed the applicable maximum speed limit posted does not relieve the driver from the duty to decrease speed when:

• Approaching and crossing an intersection;
• Approaching and going around a curve;
• Approaching a hill crest;
• Traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; or
• A special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.

Illinois sets specific maximum speed limits in various places and circumstances. Driving in excess of these speed limits can result in a speeding ticket or charge. For example, Joliet and the Will County area enforce the following restrictions absent a specifically posted speed limit:

• Urban districts have maximum speed limits of 30 miles per hour, and 15 miles per hour in an alley;
• Maximum speed limit of 70 miles per hour on interstate highways;
• Maximum speed limit outside an urban district, unless otherwise posted, is 65 miles per hours for highways with at least four lanes of traffic and other qualifications;
• Maximum speed limit is 55 miles per hour on other highways, roads, and streets that do not fit into the above category; and
• Vehicles weighing 8,001 pounds or more must abide by a maximum speed limit of 60 miles per hour on interstate highways, and 55 miles per hour on all other highways, roads, and streets unless otherwise posted.

On top or Will County Court costs, the following are examples of penalties for speeding under Illinois law:

• Speeding from 1 to 10 miles per hour beyond the speed limit: $120 fine and five points;
• Speeding from 11 to 14 miles per hour beyond the speed limit: $120 fine and 15 points;
• Speeding from 15 to 20 miles per hour beyond the speed limit: $120 fine and 20 points;
• Speeding from 21 to 25 miles per hour beyond the speed limit: $140 fine and 20 points;
• Speeding from 26 to 34 miles per hour beyond the speed limit: Class B misdemeanor offense that can result in up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,500, and 50 points; and
• Speeding at 35 miles per hour or more beyond the speed limit: Class A misdemeanor offense that can result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and 50 points.