How Much Does a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket Cost in Illinois in 2026?
Speeding is the single most common traffic violation in the state of Illinois. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Illinois drivers receive speeding citations on highways, local roads, school zones, and construction zones. The cost of a speeding ticket in Illinois depends on several factors: how far over the speed limit you were driving, the location of the violation, the county where the ticket was issued, and whether any aggravating circumstances apply.
Illinois speeding law is codified under 625 ILCS 5/11-601 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. For speeds up to 25 mph over the posted limit, a speeding ticket is classified as a petty offense — a non-criminal charge that carries a fine but no possibility of jail time. However, Illinois draws a hard legal line at 26 mph over the limit. Once you cross that threshold, your speeding ticket becomes aggravated speeding under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5, which is a criminal misdemeanor that can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and thousands of dollars in total costs.
This guide breaks down every aspect of Illinois speeding ticket fines in 2026, including base fines, court costs, surcharges, enhanced zone penalties, court supervision eligibility, and the long-term financial impact on your car insurance.
📑 Table of Contents
- 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket Fine Amounts by Speed
- Understanding the True Cost of a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Ticket
- 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 Aggravated Speeding
- 625 ILCS 5/11-601(b) School Zone Speeding Fines
- 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1 Construction Zone Speeding Fines
- Illinois Default Speed Limits Under 625 ILCS 5/11-601
- Court Supervision for a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket
- How a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket Affects Your Driving Record
- How a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket Affects Your Car Insurance
- Do You Need a Lawyer for a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket?
- Common Illinois Speeding Violation Codes
- Real-World Example Scenarios
625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket Fine Amounts by Speed
The base fine for a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 speeding ticket in Illinois varies by county and municipality. There is no single statewide fine schedule for petty offense speeding tickets — each county circuit court sets its own fine amounts within the ranges allowed by law. However, the following table reflects the typical total costs (base fine plus standard court costs and assessments) that Illinois drivers can expect in 2026.
| Speed Over Limit | Violation Code | Classification | Typical Total Cost | Jail Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 mph over | 625 ILCS 5/11-601 | Petty Offense | $75 – $200 | None |
| 11–14 mph over | 625 ILCS 5/11-601 | Petty Offense | $100 – $250 | None |
| 15–20 mph over | 625 ILCS 5/11-601 | Petty Offense | $150 – $400 | None |
| 21–25 mph over | 625 ILCS 5/11-601 | Petty Offense | $150 – $1,000 | None |
| 26–34 mph over | 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(a) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,500 | Up to 6 months |
| 35+ mph over | 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(b) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 364 days |
⚠️ Important: The "Typical Total Cost" column includes base fines plus standard court assessments and fees. Actual amounts vary by county. Some counties in Illinois have higher court assessment schedules than others, which can push the total cost of even a minor 625 ILCS 5/11-601 speeding ticket well above the base fine amount.
Understanding the True Cost of a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Ticket: Base Fines vs. Total Out-of-Pocket Cost
Many Illinois drivers are surprised to learn that the base fine printed on their 625 ILCS 5/11-601 ticket is only part of what they will actually pay. Illinois law authorizes a variety of additional fees, surcharges, and assessments that are added on top of the base fine. These additional costs can sometimes exceed the base fine itself.
| Fee Type | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fine | $75 – $1,000 | Set by the county; varies based on speed over the limit |
| Court Costs | $50 – $150 | Standard fee assessed in all traffic court cases |
| County Assessment Fee | $20 – $100 | Additional county-level surcharge; varies widely |
| State Surcharge | $10 – $50 | State-mandated surcharge added to all traffic fines |
| Trauma Center Fund | $5 – $15 | Mandated contribution to emergency trauma services |
| Defensive Driving Course | $25 – $50 | Required if the judge orders it as a condition of supervision |
| Estimated Total (Petty Offense) | $120 – $500+ | For 625 ILCS 5/11-601 tickets (1–25 mph over), including all fees |
625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 Aggravated Speeding: When a Ticket Becomes a Criminal Charge
Illinois is one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to high-speed violations. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5, driving 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit is classified as aggravated speeding — a criminal offense that carries potential jail time and a permanent criminal record.
This is a critical distinction that many drivers do not understand until it is too late. A standard 625 ILCS 5/11-601 speeding ticket for going 25 mph over the limit is a petty offense with a fine. But going just one mile per hour faster — 26 mph over — transforms the charge from a simple traffic ticket into a criminal misdemeanor under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5.
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(a) 26 to 34 mph over |
Class B Misdemeanor. Maximum fine of $1,500. Up to 6 months in county jail. Conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Court supervision is not available. |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(b) 35+ mph over |
Class A Misdemeanor. Maximum fine of $2,500. Up to 364 days in county jail. Conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Court supervision is not available. An attorney is strongly recommended. |
Because court supervision is not available for 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 aggravated speeding, a conviction will appear on your permanent criminal record. This can affect background checks for employment, housing applications, professional licensing, and other areas of your life far beyond the traffic court.
If you are charged with aggravated speeding in Illinois, your attorney may pursue several defense strategies, including challenging the accuracy of the speed measurement device, negotiating a plea agreement to reduce the charge to a non-criminal 625 ILCS 5/11-601 petty offense, or arguing for an amended charge when circumstances support it.
625 ILCS 5/11-601(b) School Zone Speeding Fines in Illinois
Speeding in a designated school zone carries enhanced penalties under Illinois law. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1, fines for speeding in a school zone are increased significantly, and the penalties escalate with repeat offenses.
| Offense | Minimum Fine | Maximum Fine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st offense in a school zone | $150 | $500 | When school zone speed limit signs are posted and active |
| 2nd offense in a school zone | $300 | $1,000 | Penalties increase significantly for repeat offenders |
| 3rd or subsequent offense | $500 | $1,500 | May also result in license suspension |
Additionally, many Illinois municipalities — including Chicago — operate automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones. These cameras issue tickets automatically when a vehicle is detected exceeding the speed limit during active school hours. Chicago's automated school zone speeding fines are:
| 📷 6–10 mph over the school zone limit | $35 fine |
| 📷 11+ mph over the school zone limit | $100 fine |
Automated school zone camera tickets are administrative violations — they are mailed to the registered vehicle owner, do not appear on your driving record as moving violations, and do not count toward the license suspension threshold. However, unpaid camera tickets can still result in late fees and other penalties.
625 ILCS 5/11-605.1 Construction Zone Speeding Fines in Illinois
Illinois law imposes doubled fines for speeding violations committed in active construction or maintenance zones where workers are present. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1, the minimum fine for speeding in a construction zone is $250 for a first offense and $750 for a second or subsequent offense.
| Construction Zone Offense | Minimum Fine | Additional Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| 1st offense — workers present | $250 | 14-day license suspension possible |
| 2nd offense — workers present | $750 | Mandatory 90-day license suspension |
| Causing injury/death to a worker | $10,000+ | Felony charges; mandatory license revocation |
The "workers present" condition is key. If construction zone signs are posted but no workers are physically present, the enhanced fines may not apply — though the reduced speed limit itself is still enforceable.
Illinois Default Speed Limits Under 625 ILCS 5/11-601
Understanding the default speed limits in Illinois helps you know what limit applies even when speed limit signs are not posted. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-601, the following default speed limits apply statewide:
| Road Type | Default Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Interstate highways (rural) | 70 mph |
| Interstate highways (urban) | 55 mph |
| Other highways and rural roads | 55 mph |
| Urban district roads | 30 mph |
| Alley | 15 mph |
| School zone (when active) | 20 mph |
Local municipalities may set lower speed limits on specific roads. Always follow posted speed limit signs, as they override the default limits shown above.
Court Supervision for a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket in Illinois
Court supervision is the most valuable tool available to Illinois drivers who receive a standard 625 ILCS 5/11-601 speeding ticket. When a judge grants supervision, the violation does not count as a conviction on your driving record — meaning it does not count toward the license suspension threshold and may not trigger an insurance rate increase.
| ✅ | Supervision Available | 625 ILCS 5/11-601 — Speeding 1–25 mph over the limit (petty offense). Judge has discretion to grant supervision based on your driving record. |
| ❌ | Supervision NOT Available | 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(a) — 26–34 mph over and 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(b) — 35+ mph over. Criminal misdemeanors — supervision is prohibited by law. |
To maximize your chances of receiving court supervision for a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 speeding ticket in Illinois:
- Appear in court on your scheduled court date — do not simply pay the ticket online, as that counts as a guilty plea and conviction
- Bring evidence of a clean driving record — the judge will check your record, but having your own copy demonstrates preparation
- Consider completing a defensive driving course before your court date — some judges view proactive completion favorably
- Dress professionally and be respectful — courtroom demeanor matters
- If you have prior violations, consider hiring a traffic attorney to present your case
📖 Related guide: How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Illinois
How a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket Affects Your Driving Record
If your 625 ILCS 5/11-601 speeding ticket results in a conviction (either because you paid the fine, pleaded guilty, or were found guilty at trial), the violation is recorded on your Illinois driving record maintained by the Secretary of State (SOS). The consequences depend on your age and how many other moving violation convictions you have.
| Outcome | Goes on Record? | Counts Toward Suspension? | Affects Insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay the fine (guilty plea) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Found guilty at trial | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Court supervision (completed) | No | No | Typically No |
| Found not guilty at trial | No | No | No |
📖 Related guide: Illinois Traffic Ticket Points & Driving Record Guide
How a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket Affects Your Car Insurance
A 625 ILCS 5/11-601 speeding ticket conviction can increase your car insurance premiums for 3 to 5 years in Illinois. The amount of the increase depends on the severity of the violation and your insurance company's policies.
| Speeding Violation | Estimated Premium Increase | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601 (1–15 mph over) | 10% – 25% | 3 – 5 years |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601 (16–25 mph over) | 20% – 40% | 3 – 5 years |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 (26+ mph over) | 40% – 80%+ | 5+ years |
| Court supervision (completed) | Typically No Increase | N/A |
For a driver paying $1,500 per year in car insurance, even a 20% increase means an additional $300 per year — or $900 to $1,500 in extra premiums over 3 to 5 years. This long-term cost often far exceeds the fine itself, making court supervision or hiring a lawyer a financially smart decision in many cases.
📖 Related guides:
Do You Need a Lawyer for a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket?
Whether you need a lawyer depends on the severity of your speeding charge and your current driving record.
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601 + clean record | You can likely handle this yourself. Appear in court, request supervision, and the judge will likely grant it if your record is clean. Lawyer cost: $50–$300 if you choose to hire one. |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601 + prior violations | A lawyer can help present your case for supervision more persuasively, especially if you are close to the suspension threshold. Lawyer cost: $150–$500. |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 aggravated speeding | An attorney is strongly recommended. This is a criminal charge with potential jail time. A lawyer may negotiate a reduced charge or argue for the best possible outcome. Lawyer cost: $1,000–$3,000+. |
📖 Related guides:
Common Illinois Speeding Violation Codes
When you receive a speeding ticket in Illinois, the officer will note a specific violation code on the citation. Here are the most common speeding-related codes you may see on your ticket:
| Code | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601(a) | General speeding — exceeding the posted limit or driving too fast for conditions | Petty Offense |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601(b) | Speeding in a school zone while the school zone speed limit is active | Petty (Enhanced) |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(a) | Aggravated speeding — 26 to 34 mph over the posted limit | Class B Misdemeanor |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(b) | Aggravated speeding — 35 or more mph over the posted limit | Class A Misdemeanor |
| 625 ILCS 5/11-602 | Special speed limit violations (bridges, elevated structures, certain marked areas) | Petty Offense |
Real-World Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Minor 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket on I-57 — First Offense
James, a 35-year-old driver from Springfield with no prior moving violations, is pulled over on I-57 for driving 72 mph in a 55 mph zone — 17 mph over the posted limit. The trooper issues him a citation under 625 ILCS 5/11-601. James appears at his court date in Champaign County and requests court supervision. The judge checks his clean driving record and grants supervision with conditions: pay a $120 fine plus $95 in court costs ($215 total) and complete a 4-hour online defensive driving course ($25). James completes all conditions, and the ticket does not appear as a conviction on his record. His insurance is not affected.
Scenario 2: 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(a) Aggravated Speeding on the Eisenhower Expressway
Lisa, a 24-year-old from Oak Park, is clocked doing 83 mph in a 55 mph zone on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) — 28 mph over the limit. Because she exceeded the limit by 26+ mph, this is charged as aggravated speeding under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(a), a Class B misdemeanor. Court supervision is not available. Lisa hires a traffic defense attorney for $1,500. Her attorney negotiates with the prosecutor and, given Lisa's clean record, secures an amended charge to a non-criminal 625 ILCS 5/11-601 petty offense. Lisa avoids a criminal record but still pays approximately $800 in fines and legal fees combined.
Scenario 3: 625 ILCS 5/11-601(b) School Zone Speeding in Naperville
Tom, a 42-year-old from Naperville, is ticketed for driving 32 mph in a 20 mph school zone near a Naperville elementary school during active school hours — 12 mph over the school zone limit. The citation references 625 ILCS 5/11-601(b). The fine is enhanced under school zone provisions. Tom appears in DuPage County court and receives supervision with a $250 fine plus court costs, totaling approximately $350. Because he received supervision, the violation does not count as a conviction, and his insurance is not impacted.
Scenario 4: Repeat 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Offender — Close to Suspension Threshold
Angela, a 29-year-old from Chicago, receives a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 speeding ticket for going 68 mph in a 45 mph zone — 23 mph over the limit. The problem is that Angela already has two moving violation convictions on her record within the past 10 months. If this ticket results in a third conviction within 12 months, her license will be suspended. Angela hires an attorney who argues persuasively for court supervision based on the circumstances. The judge grants supervision, keeping Angela's license active. Without the attorney, Angela may have received a conviction that triggered an automatic suspension.
⚖️ Need Help With a 625 ILCS 5/11-601 Speeding Ticket?
Many Illinois drivers hire a traffic ticket lawyer to avoid a conviction, protect their driving record, and prevent insurance rate increases. An experienced attorney can negotiate for court supervision, reduced charges, or even a dismissal — and in many cases can appear in court on your behalf so you don't miss work.