Category Archives: Traffic Violations

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St. Charles traffic violations defense attorney

If a law enforcement officer suspects that a motorist is breaking the law, he or she will use lights and sirens to indicate that the driver must pull over for a traffic stop. If the police officer suspects the driver of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, he or she may ask the driver to participate in a field sobriety test or take a breathalyzer test. If the officer suspects that weapons, illegal drugs, or other contraband are in the vehicle, he or she may conduct a search of the vehicle. There are certain things that a driver should never do during a traffic stop as well as steps that drivers should always take. It is important to remember that you have certain rights during traffic stops, and doing the following may help you avoid criminal charges:

Pull Over Immediately

Being pulled over by a police officer is often the last thing you want to deal with. However, traffic stops are not optional. The Illinois Vehicle Code states that if a driver receives a “visual or audible signal” by a police officer to stop his or her vehicle and fails to do so, he or she may be charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.

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Illinois school zone traffic violation attorney

With the school term in full swing, it is important for drivers to be aware of certain school zones located along their routes. Illinois has a law against speeding in school zones, and offenders may be penalized for traffic violations, including facing fines and possible jail time. It is imperative for drivers to be aware of the specific speed limits when driving near schools in order to avoid a traffic ticket or an accident.

Illinois Law Against Speeding in a School Zone

The state of Illinois mandates that school districts clearly mark where their school zones start and stop with the use of street signs and markings on the road. Often, schools also utilize a crossing guard to stop traffic for students who are crossing the road.

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St. Charles Scott's Law violation defense lawyer

So far this year, 16 Illinois State Police (ISP) troopers have been struck by moving vehicles while performing their duties. Three of them were killed, according to a report from FOX News. This is a result of motorists failing to move over for emergency vehicles. Illinois observes “Scott’s Law,” which was created after Trooper Scott Gillam was killed by a motorist who did not allow enough room while passing the illuminated police cruiser on the side of the highway. Violating this law is a traffic offense that is being taken more seriously now. Illinois State Police announced earlier this year that they would be utilizing hidden police vehicles to better apprehend Scott’s Law offenders and make the roads safer for emergency vehicles.

Who Does Scott’s Law Protect?

Originally, the law protected only police vehicles with their flashing lights illuminated, but in 2017 the law was updated to include all of the following vehicles:

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St. Charles speeding traffic violation attorney

In today’s society, everyone is busy, often juggling work, school, family, and social obligations. Being overcommitted can lead someone to drive from place to place in a hurry. However, speeding endangers everyone on the road and can lead to tickets for traffic violations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, speeding killed 9,717 people, accounting for 26 percent of all traffic fatalities that year. Throughout the country, signs are posted along the roadway alerting drivers as to how fast they can drive. The speed limit has been set for a reason, and the only time drivers can exceed that limit is in emergency situations. Speed limits are put in place to protect the safety of everyone on the road. If they are not followed, a motorist can face serious penalties. 

Speed Limits Are Posted for Safety Reasons

All Illinois drivers are expected to know the speed limits for each type of road and obey the rules of the road while traveling. Speed limits vary depending on the location as shown below:

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St. Charles traffic violation defense lawyer

The number of cars that travel on roadways has been increasing for many years. Everyone has their own destination, and most people like to get there as quickly as possible. However, there should always be enough room between each car in case one driver needs to brake suddenly. Young drivers are taught the three-second rule in driver’s education classes. This rule states that there should be enough space between two cars in the same lane of the road that three seconds will pass before the following car reaches the position held by the car in front. Any motorist who follows closer than that is “tailgating” and thus committing a traffic violation.

Is Tailgating Considered Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving occurs when a person drives his or her vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of other drivers or pedestrians around him or her. One section of the Illinois law regarding reckless driving touches on the subject of following too closely. It says that a driver sharing the road must provide enough room for the cars around him or her to maneuver safely.

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