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Most drivers in Edwardsville have received a speeding ticket at some point and assumed the worst. The answer to “Is a speeding ticket a misdemeanor?” depends entirely on how far the driver exceeded the posted limit, and that difference can separate a simple fine from a criminal record.
In Illinois, speeding can cross into a criminal offense at certain thresholds, bringing jail time, fines, and consequences with staying power. Lower violations typically remain minor traffic infractions, but the line moves faster than most people expect. The car crash attorneys at Walton Telken, handle serious injury cases involving speeding drivers and understand how these violations connect to car accident claims throughout the Edwardsville area.
Illinois sets clear speed limits on its roads, and every driver holds the responsibility to know them. As outlined by the Illinois State Police, the maximum speed limit reaches 70 mph on interstate highways outside urban areas, 65 mph on rural interstates, and 55 mph on highways near or within major cities. In towns and cities, the default limit drops to 30 mph unless a posted sign says otherwise. Heavier commercial vehicles and those towing another vehicle face a separate 60 mph cap outside city limits. Exceeding any of these limits opens the door to a citation, and depending on the margin, a criminal charge.
When a driver exceeds the posted speed by a smaller margin, the violation typically results in a fine with no mandatory court appearance. Once the speed climbs significantly above the posted limit, Illinois law classifies the offense differently, and the consequences grow far more serious.
In Illinois, two specific thresholds elevate a speeding ticket to a criminal misdemeanor charge. Under Illinois law, driving 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit triggers a Class B misdemeanor. Driving 35 mph or more over the limit triggers a Class A misdemeanor. Both classifications require a mandatory court appearance.
When excessive speed contributes to a collision, the criminal charge and the civil liability for injuries run parallel, creating significant legal exposure for the at-fault driver.
Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 sets the penalties directly: a Class B misdemeanor carries up to 180 days in jail and fines reaching $1,500. A Class A misdemeanor carries up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500. Both offenses go on a permanent criminal record.
The Illinois Secretary of State assigns points to your driving record after a speeding conviction, and enough points trigger a license suspension. Insurance companies routinely raise monthly premiums once a misdemeanor violation appears on your record.
A misdemeanor speeding charge demands a different response than simply paying off a ticket and moving on. When excessive speed causes a crash, the at-fault driver faces both criminal exposure and civil liability.
For injured victims, we build the strongest car accident claim by gathering the appropriate evidence. A misdemeanor charge against the at-fault driver provides significant leverage in settlement negotiations and at trial.
Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers in Edwardsville, IL.
Pursuing Justice Throughout Southwestern and Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri
Yes, Illinois law allows injured victims to seek compensation from at-fault drivers, including those with misdemeanor speeding citations. Recoverable damages include medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
Absolutely, a speeding ticket, particularly a misdemeanor, demonstrates that the driver violated Illinois traffic law.
Police crash report, citations issued at the scene, photos and video from nearby cameras or dashcams, eyewitness statements, and medical records.
No, not without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance adjusters seek recorded statements right after a crash. What you say can jeopardize your recovery.
An Illinois car accident attorney can help you answer the question “Is a speeding ticket a misdemeanor?” Whether you suffered injuries in a crash caused by a reckless driver, our team at Walton Telken wants to hear your story. Call us today at 844-307-7349 for a free case evaluation.
In his two decades of practice, Troy E. Walton has successfully resolved several plaintiffs’ personal injury cases resulting in significant recoveries to his clients. Troy’s compassionate client advocacy has also resulted in major successes against powerful entities such as the U.S. Army and the Illinois State Police. In recognition of these results and others, Troy was inducted into the Million Dollar Advocate’s Forum – an organization whose members include many of the top trial lawyers in the United States.
Years of experience: Over 25 years
Bar Admissions: Illinois, 2001 and Missouri, 2000
Location: Edwardsville, IL.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Troy E. Walton, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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