Are you seeking help in the case of a moving violation in Illinois? In the terminology of traffic rules, a moving violation is an infringement of traffic laws while your vehicle is in motion. In addition to the financial burden, a ticket given for such an infraction can cause mental trauma. A large number of repeated tickets can even lead to a hike in your insurance premiums!
If you’re facing a difficult situation due to any such traffic violation cases or Class C misdemeanor cases, you’ve come to the right place. We at Ktenas Law, excel in providing legal advice to obtain appropriate relief in these type of situations.
With thousands of satisfied clients in Illinois, we’ve got tremendous experience in getting the fines reduced. In several cases, we’ve even got the entire tickets dismissed. If you feel that you’ve been hit with an unjust fine, don’t pay it because that’ll validate your citation making you guilty. Contact our specialists and get a fair judgment.
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How to Approach a Moving Violations Case?
As explained earlier, moving violations are the breach of traffic regulations while your vehicle is moving. Common instances are when you’re caught messaging while driving, jumping a red light, or driving through a no-entry area. Contrary to the common belief, all moving violation cases can have serious implications, even if you’re not summoned before a judge.
Are There Any Differences in the Meaning of Moving Violations in Different States?
Yes, a moving violation’s definition is in fact subject to the State legislature because these are normally covered under the legal ambit of the State. Although most of the moving violations are treated only as minor infractions with fines, some of these are considered as misdemeanors with more serious implications.
Repeated citations for DUI (Driving Under Influence) are among the more grave violations and considered as felonies. Reckless driving and leaving an accident scene are the other serious ones. Few common examples of moving violations are:
- Over-speeding
- Drag racing
- Reckless driving
- Not maintaining safe inter vehicular distances
- DUI
- Turning without indicating
- Messaging while driving
- Jumping a red light
What Could be the Repercussions of a Moving Violation Charge?
While moving violations amounting to misdemeanor and felony can lead to imprisonment and/or huge fines, inaction in any case of moving violation can result in any one or more of the following:
- Cancellation of your driving license
- Enhanced fines
- Banning from accessing traffic schools
- Apprehension
What’s the Basic Difference Between a Moving and a Non-Moving Violation?
The basic difference is evident from the meanings of the terms. Whether the violation takes place while the vehicle is moving or stationary has a big impact on the gravity of the offense. A moving vehicle can endanger the safety of others such as cyclists, pedestrians, etc. Whereas, a non-moving violation doesn’t pose that much amount of danger to others because of being stationary.
What are Other Points of Distinctions Between Moving and Non-Moving Violations?
A few additional dissimilarities between moving and non-moving violations are given in subsequent paragraphs.
- Amount of Fine. Generally, fining is the minimal punishment for disobedience of traffic rules. Most of the cases of traffic violations are minor in nature and the offender is only fined. Fines for moving violations are normally higher than those for the non-moving ones.
- Reporting of Infraction to Your Auto Insurance Company. Typically, only the moving violations are reported to the Auto insurer because the possible outcomes can be more serious. These reports are taken as the basis for raising your insurance premiums by the insurance provider.
Each moving violation adds points to the offender’s driving license. The Illinois DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) keeps a record of these points. If you happen to be cited too often and too frequently in a short time period, your driving license can get suspended through the Secretary of State, Illinois.
How Much Can an Over-Speeding Ticket Cost in Illinois?
The fines on speeding tickets in Illinois were raised by hefty amounts in 2010.
You can be fined to pay an amount of around $120 for speeding anywhere between 1 to 20 mph over the prescribed speed limits.
The fine is increased to $140 for over-speeding by 21-30 mph beyond the specified limits. If you’re found speeding more than 30 mph over the limit, the fine goes up to $160.
You’ll even end up paying a surcharge over and above the fine amount when you plead guilty in the court. The exact percentage of the surcharge depends on your locality and you’ll have to find out the total payable amount from the court before making the payment.
The fines are also dependent upon the area as well as circumstances under which the moving violation was cited. If you’re found speeding for the first time in a work zone, you’ll be charged a minimum of $375 as the fine.
The penalty includes an appearance in the court. Similarly, fines for crossing speed limits on school zones are also much higher than in other locations.
A second citing invites a fine of at least $1,000. Your license can be suspended for a period of 90 days by the Secretary of State, Illinois if the second offense occurs within two years from the first one. You must also remember that work zones and school localities can even have time based speed restrictions.
As a final remark, you must keep in mind Scott’s Law, which is named after a Chicago fireman, Scott Gillen. He got struck by a moving car while he was trying to respond to a roadside accident.
Remember that, if you find a fire truck, a police car, a construction truck or an ambulance parked on the roadside, you must always slow down. Try to even change your lane, if possible.
It’s also called the Moreover Law and the legislation is extremely stringent on such cases. You’re liable to be fined with $10,000 with a two-year suspension of driving license.
Contact Our Team for Help With Your Moving Violation Charge
Traffic violations, especially moving violations can not only be financially penalized but even mentally traumatizing. If you’re facing any such case, an experienced traffic defense attorney in Illinois can prove to be of great help. At Ktenas Law, we have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to deal with all types of traffic violation cases. Call us now for a free consulting session.