Illinois Traffic Tickets

Speeding (1–25 MPH / 26–34 MPH / 35+ MPH)

How Illinois treats petty vs. aggravated speeding, what influences outcomes, and how cases are handled across Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, and Lake.

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Understanding Speeding (1–25 MPH / 26–34 MPH / 35+ MPH) in Illinois

Illinois separates speeding into tiers with different expectations and exposure. Petty speeding (1–25 mph over) often resembles other moving violations, while aggravated speeding (26–34 mph and 35+ mph) is treated more seriously and can carry misdemeanor charges depending on the tier and local practice.

Courts focus on how speed was measured, what was visible, traffic density, and whether any special zones applied. Case posture is also influenced by courthouse procedures and overall driving record.

Commercial drivers and out-of-state license holders should consider how reported outcomes may appear in employer checks and reviews. Managing record impact can help limit downstream insurance or employment effects.

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What’s at Stake

Petty (1–25 MPH Over)

Commonly handled as a petty offense. Dispositions may include fines and, where permitted, supervision to avoid a conviction outcome.

Aggravated 26–34 MPH (Often Class B)

Treated more seriously than petty speeding. Appearance expectations vary by courthouse and facts.

Aggravated 35+ MPH (Often Class A)

Highest non-felony speeding tier with increased exposure. Local practice may require in-person appearances.

Record & Insurance

Convictions may affect driving records and insurance. Where available, supervision can help avoid a conviction.

Court & Scheduling

The ticket or e-notice controls date and location. Requirements differ by county and courtroom.

CDL / Employment

Reported outcomes may surface in employer checks and safety reviews. CMV vs. non-CMV context and total record matter.

Why It Matters

A single speeding outcome can influence insurance costs and, for commercial drivers, employment opportunities. Reducing record impact today helps preserve flexibility tomorrow.

How We Help

Our network of Illinois traffic defense attorneys focuses on outcomes that minimize impact—pursuing dismissals, amendments, or court supervision where available to help keep matters off your record and limit insurance or employment exposure.

Approach varies by facts, location, and goals. Legal services are delivered by licensed attorneys; strategies are tailored case-by-case.

Negotiating reductions or alternative dispositions aimed at avoiding a conviction outcome where possible
Assessing citation details and available documentation, as appropriate to the case
Coordinating strategy across counties and courthouses with attention to local practice
Preparing clients on what to expect at court and handling appearances when permitted

Key Factors That Affect Outcome

Speed Measurement Context

Device type and documentation (e.g., RADAR/LIDAR/pacing), operator practices, and scene conditions.

Zone & Controls

Whether a work or school zone applied, and how signs or beacons were presented relative to the location.

Visibility & Traffic

Sightlines, lane availability, and traffic density that may inform how the event is viewed.

Record & Eligibility

Driving history and eligibility for alternatives such as supervision where available.

Courthouse Practice

County and courtroom procedures that influence appearance expectations and resolution pathways.

Courts We Serve

Cook • DuPage • Will • Kane • Lake

Cook County

Chicago (Daley Center)
Skokie
Rolling Meadows
Maywood
Bridgeview
Markham

DuPage County

Wheaton
Glendale Heights

Will County

Joliet
Bolingbrook
Plainfield
Frankfort

Kane County

Geneva
St. Charles
Aurora
Elgin

Lake County

Waukegan
Park City
Round Lake
Mundelein

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FAQs

Do I have to go to court for speeding?

Petty speeding may not always require an appearance, but aggravated speeding (26–34 or 35+) often does. Your ticket or e-notice controls; local practice varies.

How are the Illinois tiers different?

Illinois treats 1–25 mph over as petty speeding, 26–34 mph as an aggravated tier often charged Class B, and 35+ mph as an aggravated tier often charged Class A.

Can supervision keep this off my record?

Supervision may be available depending on history, courthouse, and facts. Successful completion can help avoid a conviction outcome.

How are RADAR and LIDAR evaluated?

Requests may include device documentation and operator qualifications, along with scene context such as distance and traffic.

I hold a CDL—does a non-CMV ticket matter?

Reported outcomes can appear in employer checks and safety reviews. Managing the disposition can help limit downstream effects.

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