Articles Posted in Traffic Tickets

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If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket in Illinois, your first instinct might be to just pay the fine and move on with your life. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it avoids the hassle of going to court. But before you pull out your credit card, consider this: paying your traffic ticket is the same as pleading guilty and that decision can have long-term consequences.

At The Davis Law Group, P.C., we’ve helped thousands of clients across Illinois understand their rights and make smart legal choices. Here’s what you need to know before you pay that ticket.

What Happens When You Pay a Traffic Ticket?

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The Direct Cost: Premium Spikes After a Ticket

In Illinois, a single speeding ticket can increase your annual insurance premium by roughly 20–27%, adding about $497–$582 per year to a full coverage policy.

  • NerdWallet found that drivers in Illinois pay, on average, $2,244 with a speeding ticket – about $497 more per year than those with a clean record.
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When you’ve just been in an accident, the stress doesn’t stop when the vehicles are towed away. For many drivers in Illinois, the next challenge is dealing with a traffic citation—most commonly, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.

At The Davis Law Group, P.C., we understand how overwhelming this process can be. Our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights, help you understand your legal options, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Why Was I Cited After a Crash?

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Being arrested for DUI or charged with a traffic offense in Lake County, Illinois, can be a daunting experience. However, knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you find yourself in this situation:

Stay Calm and Compliant During the Traffic Stop:

1. Pull Over Safely: When you see the police lights, pull over safely to the side of the road.

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The Illinois laws governing teen driver’s licenses and traffic tickets can be confusing for teens and parents alike. The Illinois Secretary of State operates a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program for teen drivers. Different laws apply depending on the age of the driver, which can be found under 625 ILCS 5/6-107. Below is a breakdown of the current laws that apply to teenage drivers in Illinois and the consequences of traffic tickets.

Age 15 Driver Rules (Instruction Permit Stage)

During the Instruction Permit Stage the teen driver:

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When you receive a traffic ticket in Chicago, simply paying it and moving on may seem like the easiest option. However, it’s important to remember that when you pay a traffic ticket you are pleading guilty and likely receiving a conviction against your record. In many cases, you are actually better off hiring an experienced attorney to explore other options such as fighting your ticket. Some consequences of paying your citation include:

  • Multiple moving violations can lead to a suspended or revoked license.
  • Traffic tickets can cause increases in your insurance premiums.
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The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your driver’s license for a variety of reasons. A license suspension lasts for a set period of time. After it ends, you can automatically regain your driving privileges after paying a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. Depending on the reason(s) for the suspension, there may be additional conditions before full license reinstatement such as completion of a remedial driving course.

In contrast, a license revocation lasts for a minimum of 1 year or longer depending on the violation that caused the revocation and your overall record of previous violations. On or after the termination date of your revocation, which is called your “projected eligibility date”, you will need to appear for a hearing before the Secretary of State in order to regain any driving privileges. These hearings can be complex and often result in a denial.

It should also be noted that you may be eligible to apply for a restricted driving permit during the period of suspension or revocation. In certain cases, regardless of your projected eligibility date for full reinstatement, you may be required to drive on a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (“BAIID”) for a period of 1-5 years before being eligible to be considered for unrestricted driving.   

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In Illinois, the law does not specifically require that a police officer show the radar to the driver in order to prove the speed alleged, even if the driver requests to see it. Many drivers believe that this requirement exists and that the failure to do so is a reason to have the speeding ticket dismissed. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Officer’s Choice to Show the Radar Gun

Occasionally, an officer will agree to show the driver the radar device in order to build trust with the driver, but the failure to do so is not a defense against a charge of speeding. Many police officers argue that allowing a driver to walk back to their squad vehicle to view the radar is a safety risk for both officers and drivers.

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