Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
A moving violation occurs when an Illinois traffic law is violated by the driver while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding, Chicago drunk driving or running a red light. Non-moving violations are typically related to parking violations, faulty equipment or paperwork violations (insurance, registration, inspection).
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol, other drugs or intoxicating compounds is the act of operating any motorized machinery after consuming alcohol or other drugs. In Illinois, a driver is legally considered to be under the influence if they have a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more, have used any illegal substance, or are impaired by medication. The same DWI and DUI laws apply for Chicago drunk driving incidents. Be sure to speak with an Illinois DUI lawyer immediately if you’ve been charged.
Speeding And Speeding Tickets
Operating a motorized vehicle over the posted Illinois speed limit is speeding. Drivers are prohibited from driving faster than what is reasonable considering the conditions and any potential hazards — meaning Illinois drivers can still receive a ticket if they are driving too fast for conditions. Special speed limits are enforced in certain areas at particular times of the day, such as school zones and construction areas. If you’ve received a speeding ticket, call a competent Chicago lawyer.
Aggravated Speeding
Aggravated speeding in Illinois is an offense in which a person is ticketed for speeding 40 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit. Aggravated speeding can have serious implications, so be sure to speak with a Chicago lawyer about defending the charge.
Drag Racing
Drag racing, a form of street racing, is illegally racing with another vehicle. Typically two or more competitors will drive in straight line for a specific distance, the one reaching the end first being declared the winner. In Illinois, it illegal to race or attempt to race any other car on any public roadway.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is driving that results in great bodily harm, including permanent disability or disfigurement, or the damage of property. Reckless drivers disregard the rules of the road and misjudge common driving procedures, causing accidents and other damages.
Hit and Run Accidents
A hit and run accident is the crime of colliding with a person or a fixture, and failing to stop and identify oneself after the accident occurs.
Failure to Stop for School Bus or Railroad Crossing
Failing to stop for a school bus that is picking up or dropping off children and failing to obey a railroad crossing signal are both traffic violations that can result in a ticket.
Red Light and Stop Light Violations
Illinois drivers must observe and obey all traffic lights and stop signs when operating vehicles. Running a red light, when a driver proceeds through an intersection while a red light is displayed, is a common traffic violation. Running a stop sign, not coming to a complete stop and following the right-of-way requirements, is another common violation.
Traffic Accidents
A traffic accident occurs when a motorized vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other obstacle. Traffic collisions can result in injury, property damage and death. Factors contributing to collisions include speed, road conditions and driver impairment.
Lane Violations
A lane violation is the improper use of traffic lanes, driving on the shoulder, crossing lane dividers and fog lines, and similar offenses.
If you’ve been arrested for Chicago drunk driving or ticketed for an Illinois moving violation, be sure to speak with an Illinois DUI lawyer or Chicago lawyer as soon as possible!