How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Illinois
If you got a speeding ticket in Illinois, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Illinois speeding fines are set by local courts but follow statutory minimums.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Illinois, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the speeding charge in Illinois and review the evidence against you.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Illinois speeding fines are set by local courts but follow statutory minimums.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Illinois court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Illinois Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What are Illinois speeding fines?
Illinois speeding fines are set by local courts but follow statutory minimums. Petty offense speeding (1–25 mph over): typically $120–$160 base plus court costs. Aggravated speeding 26–34 mph (Class B misdemeanor): up to $1,500. Aggravated speeding 35+ mph (Class A misdemeanor): up to $2,500. School zone: mandatory minimum $150 base fine plus a mandatory $50 additional assessment — supervision is not available. Construction zone (1st offense): mandatory $250 minimum; 2nd offense: mandatory $750 plus 90-day suspension — supervision is not available for 26+ mph over. Verify current amounts with your circuit clerk.
How many points does a speeding ticket add in Illinois?
Points are: 1–10 mph over = 5 points; 11–14 mph over = 15 points; 15–25 mph over = 20 points; 26+ mph over (misdemeanor) = 50 points. Court Supervision adds zero points since it is not a conviction. Points accumulate over approximately 2 years.
What is aggravated speeding in Illinois?
Speeding 26–34 mph over the limit is a Class B misdemeanor; 35+ mph over is a Class A misdemeanor. Both carry criminal penalties (possible jail time) and 50 points. They are not petty offenses. Court Supervision may still be available outside school zones and construction zones, but a criminal defense attorney is advisable.
Can I get Court Supervision for speeding in Illinois?
Yes, for most standard speeding violations (1–25 mph over, and sometimes 26+ mph outside restricted zones). Court Supervision is NOT available for: school zone speeding at any speed over the limit, construction zone speeding 26+ mph over the limit, or aggravated speeding 26+ mph in an urban district. CDL holders receive no point benefit from supervision.
Is speeding in a school zone or construction zone different?
Yes — significantly. School zone speeding: mandatory $150 fine + $50 mandatory assessment; Court Supervision is categorically prohibited. Construction zone speeding 26+ mph: mandatory $250 (1st offense), $750 + 90-day suspension (2nd offense); Court Supervision is prohibited. These are among the most restrictive speeding provisions in Illinois law.
Can I take a driving course to reduce points in Illinois?
Illinois does not offer a standard 'traffic school' point-reduction program for adults. Court Supervision effectively serves the same role by preventing conviction entirely. Verify current options at ilsos.gov.
What happens if I speed in a construction zone?
1–25 mph over in an active construction zone: mandatory $250 fine (1st offense); $750 + 90-day suspension (2nd offense within 2 years). 26+ mph over: Court Supervision is NOT available — a conviction is mandatory. Fines and points are doubled in active construction zones per 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1. Verify exact current fines with your circuit clerk.
Does radar calibration matter in my case?
Yes. Illinois law requires radar equipment to be tested and calibrated according to manufacturer specifications. You may request through the circuit clerk's office (via discovery) the calibration records for the device used. If records are missing or show the device was out of calibration, this can be raised as a defense at trial.
What is the speed limit in Illinois if no sign is posted?
Illinois default limits (625 ILCS 5/11-601): 30 mph in urban areas; 55 mph on rural highways; 65 mph on rural interstates. Verify the posted limits for your specific roadway at the Illinois DOT.
Can the officer's estimate of my speed be challenged?
Officers may testify to a speed estimate based on pacing or visual observation. Without radar/laser evidence, pacing requires the officer to maintain a consistent following distance over a measured distance. You may challenge the officer's training, the distance paced, traffic conditions, or the accuracy of the method. Radar and LIDAR readings can be challenged through calibration records.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.