Illinois Traffic Fines
& Penalty Ranges
Typical fine ranges for the most common Illinois traffic violations — speeding, red light, cell phone, and more. Plus how the point system works and what to do if you got a ticket.
Read This First — Ranges Only, Not Exact Amounts
The fines below are typical ranges only. Your actual fine depends on the county, the specific court, your driving history, the officer's discretion, and any local surcharges. Court costs and state assessments are added on top of the base fine and can substantially increase the total.
This page is not legal advice. If you've received a citation — especially for reckless driving, DUI, hit-and-run, or any criminal traffic charge — consult a licensed Illinois attorney before doing anything else.
📋Common Illinois Violations & Typical Fines
Most-searched violations in Illinois. All amounts include the typical base fine; court costs and state surcharges are added on top and vary by county.
| Violation | Typical Fine |
|---|---|
Speeding 1–20 MPH over 5–15 points | $120–$140 |
Speeding 21–25 MPH over 15–20 points | $140–$150 |
Speeding 26–34 MPH over Class B misdemeanor — possible jail time. 20–25 points | $140–$1,500 |
Speeding 35+ MPH over Class A misdemeanor — consult an attorney. | $500–$2,500+ |
Running a red light Camera-issued red-light tickets are typically $100 (no points). 20 points | $120–$200 |
Running a stop sign 20 points | $120–$200 |
Seat belt violation | $25–$60 |
Hand-held cell phone (1st offense) $100–$250 for subsequent offenses; primary offense statewide. | $75–$150 |
Driving without insurance Plus 3-month license-plate suspension; $100 reinstatement fee. | $500–$1,000 |
🎯How Illinois's Point System Works
Illinois assigns 5–55 points per moving violation depending on severity. Points are reflected on your driving record but Illinois primarily uses the number of moving-violation convictions (rather than total points) to trigger suspension actions.
3 moving-violation convictions within 12 months for adults 21+ triggers license suspension. For drivers under 21: 2 convictions in 24 months triggers suspension.
🎓Traffic School & Defensive Driving
Illinois "court supervision" — if granted by the judge, you complete an approved Defensive Driving Course (~$25–$45) and the violation is not added to your driving record. Eligible once every 12 months for most moving violations.
🛡️The Hidden Cost: Auto Insurance
The fine on the ticket is often the smaller half of what a moving violation costs you. In most cases, a single ticket can raise your auto-insurance premium by 20%–40% for the next 3 years — frequently adding $300–$1,500+ in extra premiums, depending on your insurer, your prior record, and your state's rating rules.
Talk to your insurance agent before deciding whether to pay or contest a ticket — they can usually tell you the actual rate impact, which often makes traffic school (where eligible) the obvious choice even if the fine itself is small.
📝If You Got a Illinois Ticket — Three Steps
- 1
Read the citation carefully — don't miss the deadline
Every Illinois citation has a court date or response deadline (often 20–30 days). Missing it usually means an automatic guilty finding, additional fees, and a possible bench warrant. Note the court name, the violation code, and the deadline — they're all printed on the ticket.
- 2
Decide: pay, contest, or take traffic school
For minor non-moving violations (parking, expired tags), paying is often the cheapest path. For moving violations that add points or insurance impact, traffic school (where eligible) is often the better total-cost choice. Contesting makes sense when you have evidence the citation is wrong, when the consequences are severe, or when an attorney advises it.
- 3
For serious charges, talk to a Illinois attorney
Reckless driving, DUI, hit-and-run, driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene — these are criminal charges in Illinois, not traffic infractions. They carry possible jail time, license revocation, and long-term consequences. Many traffic-defense attorneys offer free initial consultations; the cost of representation is almost always less than the cost of mishandling a serious charge alone.
🔗Official Illinois Sources
For exact, current penalties for your specific situation, check the official sources below — these are the same sources Illinois courts and law enforcement use:
💰Also Worth Knowing: Illinois License Cost
See the complete cost breakdown for getting a Illinois driver's license — permit fees, license fees, REAL ID, driver education, and the hidden costs no one tells you about.
View Illinois License Cost BreakdownNeed Your Illinois Driver's License?
Get the complete step-by-step Illinois driver's license guide — requirements, documents, road test tips, fees, and FAQs.
Full Illinois Driver's License GuideThis page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Traffic-fine amounts vary by county, court, prior record, and the specific circumstances of each case. Court costs, state surcharges, and assessments are routinely added on top of the base fines listed here and can substantially increase the total amount owed.
Information is sourced from publicly available Illinois statutes and DMV publications and may not reflect the most recent amendments. Always verify current penalties at the official Illinois source before relying on any number on this page. For any criminal traffic charge — including DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving on a suspended license — consult a licensed Illinois attorney.
DriveGuideUSA.com is not affiliated with the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS), any Illinois court, or any law enforcement agency.