Motorcyclists define “lane splitting” as passing other vehicles -- whether moving or stationary -- on the left and the right simultaneously. This action puts the motorcycle between two lanes, hence the term. This can be dangerous to the motorcyclist as well as other drivers. Currently, California is the only state that allows motorcyclists to lane split. In Illinois, the action is classified as a traffic violation, and it could lead to misdemeanor or even felony charges if the action causes a serious collision.

Why Is Lane Splitting Illegal in Illinois?

Motorcycles are often more difficult to see on the road because they are smaller vehicles. If motorcyclists are lane splitting, they run the risk of causing an accident with injuries, because the drivers around them may not notice them and could possibly:

• Change lanes suddenly

• If stationary, open a car door to exit the car

• Reach a hand or arm out of a car’s open window

• Throw something out of a car’s open window

• Merge from a closed lane into an open lane without knowing there is not enough room

If a motorcyclist is injured during an act of lane splitting, he or she will not only be unable to petition for compensation for any injuries, but he or she may also be held responsible for the collision. A motorcyclist can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for any accident that does not result in bodily harm to another person. The charges are elevated to a Class 3 felony if the act of lane splitting causes an accident that leaves another person with a bodily injury.

How a Motorcyclist Can Avoid Injury on the Road

Lane splitting may be illegal in Illinois, but motorcyclists have certain rights on the road that protect them from blame if a collision occurs. To maintain their own safety while traveling, motorcyclists should keep to a safe lane position. Just like a car, a motorcycle needs plenty of room to travel, and riders should stay in the center of the lane to avoid cars trying to squeeze past in the same lane. Staying in the proper position within a lane can help the motorcyclist:

• Have a better line-of-sight to be aware of frontward obstacles

• Have confidence in his or her space knowing that cars do not have enough room to illegally pass

• Not be hidden within drivers' blind spots

• Avoid wind blasts from other vehicles

Unfortunately, people become angry in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and it is then that a vehicle driver may attempt to illegally pass a motorcyclist. If a collision occurs when a motorcyclist is in the correct position within a lane, the driver of the car can be considered the at-fault party and therefore responsible for paying compensation for any damages suffered by the motorcyclist or anyone else involved in the collision.

Contact a Joliet, IL Criminal Defense Attorney 

Motorcyclists who are charged with a lane-splitting traffic violation can face stiff punishments in Illinois. The knowledgeable lawyers from the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. have extensive experience in building strong defenses to avoid costly fines and jail time. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges related to any type of traffic violation, it is important to speak with our skilled Will County traffic violations lawyers. Call our office today at 815-666-1285 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-703.htm

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x140.pdf

Ringing in the new year meant saying “hello” to a brand-new decade, as well as several new laws and amendments to current laws. In total, Illinois welcomed over 250 new laws and tax adjustments starting January 1, 2020. Roadway safety was not immune to the new legislation, and some changes have been made in an effort to reduce the number of accidents and injuries in the state. Illinois increased the penalties for several traffic violations and made a few existing laws more specific to cover different types of traffic-related crimes.

Higher Fines for Breaking Traffic Laws

According to Illinois State Police, a total of 27 squad cars were hit by other vehicles during traffic stops in 2019. In two of these 27 collisions, two troopers were killed. This is why Illinois has increased the penalty for violators of Scott’s Law. This rule states that drivers must move over and give enough room to police vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road with their blue and red emergency lights flashing. The law also applies to other emergency vehicles, and if drivers cannot give at least one lane of room to a vehicle on the side of the road, they should slow down, provide as much space as possible, and proceed with caution.

The penalties for violating Scott’s Law have doubled:

• First offenders are fined $250 (up from $100).

• Subsequent offenders are fined a minimum of $750.

Another law that saw its penalties doubled as of January 1 involves a driver passing a school bus when it is picking up students from a bus stop. If the bus has its stop sign extended and its red lights flashing, drivers are required to stop. Not doing so can put the young students in danger of getting hit by a car and suffering serious injuries or being killed.

School buses are equipped with cameras to capture moments when drivers illegally pass a stopped bus. That way, the offenders can pay for their mistakes:

• First offenders are fined $300 (up from $150).

• Subsequent offenders are fined $1,000 (up from $500).

Illinois is also cracking down on construction zone violations. Drivers will see increased penalties for not slowing to the posted construction zone speed limit as well as for not obeying traffic-control devices in these areas:

• Speeding violation fines have increased from $10,000 to $25,000.

• Not obeying traffic-control devices comes with fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.

Minor Adjustments

The Illinois law against using cell phones while driving has been made more specific to include streaming YouTube videos while behind the wheel. This includes both watching and making videos. In addition, drivers are no longer permitted to operate a car with “smoked” or “tinted” headlights. The only legal headlight colors are now white or yellow.

Contact a Joliet, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

It is important to know about all of the changes to existing Illinois laws in order to stay out of trouble. Although these amendments may seem minor, violations can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines or even criminal charges in some cases. If you believe you have not violated the law but are still fighting traffic violation charges, the lawyers of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help clear your record and keep your driving privileges intact. To schedule a free consultation with one of our tenacious Will County traffic violations attorneys, call our office today at 815-666-1285.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?GA=101&DocTypeID=SB&DocNum=1496&GAID=15&SessionID=108&LegID=118398

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1873&GAID=15&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=117317&SessionID=108&GA=101

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/illinois-doubling-scotts-law-fines-in-2020/63-d9f1e458-8707-4a81-b54b-44ee8cc7a5c1

https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-liststory-illinois-new-laws-2020-20191218-k3sjxat7mvgonbbbvyr7anlbja-list.html

It is an exciting right of passage for minors who are 15 years old to begin their journey to earn a driver’s license. All states require drivers to legally obtain a driver’s license or learner's permit before getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. A license is proof that a motorist completed the necessary coursework and tests for driving. It is also a useful tool for identification purposes. In case a driver is stopped by the police, he or she must show his or her license to the officer. However, if a license becomes invalid, or if a person decides to drive without the required identification, he or she can face misdemeanor punishments for a traffic violation. 

Why Is a License So Important?

It is an automatic penalty if anyone is pulled over and cannot produce a driver’s license. Even if a driver has a license, but it is not physically on him or her at the time of the traffic stop, he or she can be fined $500. This charge can be taken to court, and the fine can be dropped if the driver provides the license. In addition, drivers who refuse to produce a license at the time of a traffic stop will also be fined $500 and charged with a petty offense.

In the cases where a driver does not possess a valid license, he or she will be arrested and issued a Class A misdemeanor charge, which can possibly lead to:

• Up to one year in jail

• A fine of $25 to $2,500

• License suspension of two months for the first offense

• License suspension of four months for the second offense

• License suspension of six months for the third offense

• License suspension of 12 months for the fourth offense

Motorists can also be barred for life from reinstating their license if they have five or more violations of driving without a license. Illinois also allows out-of-state drivers to drive in the state with their home state licenses. However, those people who move into Illinois must obtain a valid Illinois license within 90 days of their relocation.

How to Obtain a License

Typically, a teenager receives a driver’s permit at the age of 15, which allows him or her to practice driving with a licensed driver in the passenger seat. During this time, the teen will be required to pass vision and written tests as well as enroll in a driver’s education program. He or she will receive hands-on lessons behind the wheel with a government-hired or school instructor. Teens can also practice with their parents or other adults to complete at least 50 hours of drive time.

Once the requirements are completed and a teenager turns 16 years old, he or she can take a driving test and earn a valid Illinois driver’s license. Adults who miss this milestone as a teen can still apply for a license after turning 18 years old. Their process for earning a license includes the following requirements:

• Completing a six-hour driving course (in person or online)

• Visiting a Secretary of State Driver Services Facility

• Providing a state ID card and having a photo taken

• Paying a required fee

• Passing a written, vision, and behind-the-wheel exam

Contact a Joliet, IL Traffic Violations Attorney

It is not difficult to obtain a valid Illinois driver’s license if the proper procedures are followed. A license can then protect motorists from various traffic offenses. If you or someone you know is fighting a traffic ticket for driving without a license or for any other traffic violation, a skilled lawyer from the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help. We will build a solid defense based on the circumstances of your case to make sure your rights were not violated during your traffic stop. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Will County criminal defense lawyers, call our office today at 815-666-1285.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K6-101

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/teen_driver_safety/gdl.html

https://www.firsttimedriver.com/illinois-adult/illinois-driver-license.aspx

Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage. However, there is an additional requirement before a motorist can get behind the wheel. The state of Illinois requires all vehicles to be insured before they are driven on public roadways. Insurance is an important tool that helps protect drivers from having to pay a lot of money for damages if they are involved in a car accident. Some people are turned off by the idea of paying for car insurance, because it can be expensive. However, not having mandatory coverage in Illinois can result in a traffic violation and more costly penalties.

What Is Mandatory Insurance in Illinois?

Insurance policies can be customized for each driver’s needs, but the state of Illinois does require a minimum amount of vehicle liability to be included with each policy:

• $25,000 to cover injury or death to one person after an auto accident

• $50,000 to cover injury or death to more than one person after a car crash

• $20,000 to cover property damage to the victim of a car collision

Policies can also protect a motorist’s vehicle if it has been stolen or damaged in any way. While some auto insurance policies can be expensive, if drivers remain safe on the road, the prices tend to stay low. With every collision or traffic violation, insurance prices can increase.

How Does Illinois Check for Insurance Policies?

Illinois regularly checks drivers for current insurance policies by means of a random questionnaire. All Illinois licensed vehicles are pooled together, and then several are selected at random for review. The owners of the vehicles chosen will be mailed a questionnaire that must be completed with the current insurance information and mailed back to the Secretary of State. The information will be corroborated by the insurance company, and then the driver is in the clear. If the questionnaire is not returned, or if the information is not correct, the driver may have their license plates suspended.

The more common regulation of car insurance happens during traffic stops. After pulling over a vehicle, an officer will ask the driver for his or her license, registration, and proof of insurance. If the driver cannot provide the information, the officer can issue a citation that may include:

• Suspension of license plates

• $500 fine for driving without insurance

• $1,000 fine for driving a vehicle with suspended license plates after a prior insurance violation

First-time offenders are free to reinstate their license plates after paying a mandatory $100 fine and providing proof of current car insurance. Repeat offenders will have their license plates suspended for four months before they can pay their $100 fine and provide proof of insurance. During the suspension period, no one is permitted to drive the uninsured vehicle; however, the driver may operate another vehicle as long as it is insured.

Contact a Joliet, IL Traffic Violations Attorney

Whether you are a new or seasoned driver, you may accidentally drive without proof of insurance on you or in your car. In the event you or a loved one is pulled over for a traffic stop and cannot provide the necessary paperwork, this can lead to fines and loss of driving privileges. The lawyers of the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help make sure you do not face any unnecessary punishments, allowing you to maintain a clean driving record. To schedule a free consultation with a Will County traffic ticket defense lawyer, call our office today at 815-666-1285.

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/mandatory_insurance.html

Roadways can generally be a dangerous place, but they become more unsafe when people decide to participate in “street racing.” This act can be defined as two or more cars racing down portions of a public road at speeds that surpass the legal limit. It is common for drivers to participate in street racing as a sport off of public roads. However, those drivers who take the competition to public streets -- where other drivers are not expecting it -- can face severe traffic violations if caught.

What Is Considered Street Racing?

The state of Illinois has a law against drivers who race their vehicles down public roadways. The law states that drivers on Illinois streets and highways are not permitted to:

• Allow their vehicle to be used in a street race

• Operate two or more vehicles that quickly accelerate in order to outdistance each other

• Use a public road to test and compare the acceleration of two or more vehicles

• Use one or more vehicles to not allow a car to overtake another

• Use a public road to test the stamina of a vehicle’s speed

What Are the Consequences of Street Racing?

Drivers can injure themselves or others during a street race. If violators collide with an innocent vehicle, the victim can suffer many types of damages:

• Personal injury

• Damage to vehicle

• Pain and suffering

• Lost wages

• Wrongful death

The driver who was involved in the street race will be considered at fault and required to pay compensation to the victim or the victim’s family. On top of that, a driver can be affected by street racing because of the charges that come after the accident. A driver’s record will be tainted, and his or her reputation within the community may also suffer. This is why street racing should be kept to competitive arenas and away from unsuspecting bystanders.

Illinois Penalties for Street Racing

The actions described above can be considered reckless driving, because the street racers are putting the lives of other drivers in danger. Therefore, an offender may be charged with reckless driving and face a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in prison and fines of up to $2,500, plus court fees.

Violators of the Illinois street racing law will face charges whether or not the action is considered “reckless driving.” A first offense will be considered a Class A misdemeanor, and drivers will be fined at least $250. Subsequent violations will be considered a Class 4 felony punishable with a fine of at least $500.

Additionally, a driver will have his or her license revoked for a certain amount of time depending on the severity of the crime and the number of previous violations. Aggravated street racing may be charged if a car accident occurs which results in a victim being injured or killed. This is a Class 4 felony punishable by a prison term of 1 to 12 years.

Contact a Joliet, IL Traffic Violations Attorney

Street racing may be a source of entertainment for some drivers and a result of road rage for others. Whatever the reason, the results of speeding and reckless driving can have serious consequences. The experienced lawyers from the Law Office of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help you if you are facing any type of traffic violation charge. We will review the details of your case and build a strong defense on your behalf. To schedule your free consultation with a diligent Will County criminal defense lawyer, call our office today at 815-666-1285.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-506

https://illinoisrecklessdriving.com/law-penalties/