Traffic Tickets
Is Speeding a Criminal Offense in Illinois?
Updated November 2025
Speeding is one of the most common traffic offenses in Illinois. But at what point does it become more than just a ticket? Many drivers wonder whether speeding can lead to a criminal charge or even a felony in Illinois.
Below, we explain Illinois speeding laws, the difference between petty and aggravated speeding, and what happens if you’re charged with a Class A or B misdemeanor under Illinois speeding ticket laws.
Illinois Speeding Laws: When Is Speeding a Criminal Offense?
Under Illinois speeding laws, the level of the offense depends on how far over the limit you’re driving:
| Type of Speeding | Speed Over Limit | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Petty speeding | 1-25 mph | Civil offense (ticket only) |
| Aggravated speeding | 26 mph + | Criminal misdemeanor |
| Speeding in a school zone | More than 20 mph when children are present | Civil, with enhanced fines |
| Speeding in a construction zone | Any amount over the posted limit | Civil, with higher penalties |
| Failure to reduce speed | N/A | Civil offense, but can escalate. |
Understanding Aggravated Speeding
Aggravated speeding (625 ILCS 5/11-601.5) is the only type of speeding that qualifies as a criminal offense in Illinois. It occurs when you drive 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit.
Illinois law recognizes that higher speeds significantly increase crash risk, so these offenses are charged at two misdemeanor levels:
| Offense | Speed | Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Class B misdemeanor | 26-34 mph over the limit | Up to six months in jail, $1,500 fine, mandatory court costs, 50 points on license |
| Class A misdemeanor | 35+ mph over the limit | Up to one year in jail, $2,500 fine, mandatory court costs, 50 points on license |
Although aggravated speeding is not a felony speeding offense in Illinois, these misdemeanor charges are serious and can result in a permanent criminal record if you’re convicted.
A conviction for aggravated speeding is also a moving violation and counts toward potential suspension of your driver’s license. One conviction alone usually won’t trigger an automatic suspension by the Illinois Secretary of State, unless you have had another moving violation within the past 12 months.
Why Aggravated Speeding Is Treated Seriously in Illinois
Lawmakers consider aggravated speeding a criminal offense because of its potential danger to others. Driving 26 mph or more above the limit dramatically increases the likelihood of serious or fatal crashes, and prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively.
Even though aggravated speeding is a misdemeanor, not a felony, the consequences can affect background checks, employment opportunities, and professional licensing.
What About Other Speeding Tickets?
If you receive a ticket for petty speeding or speeding in a construction zone, you don’t have to worry about potentially getting a criminal record. However, you should still take it seriously – fines, points, and insurance rate hikes can add up quickly.
Specific offenses carry various fines and other consequences:
| Offense | Penalties | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Petty speeding (1-25 mph) | Up to $1,000 fine | 5-20 points: 5 points for 1-10 mph over the limit; 15 points for 11-14 mph over; 20 points for 15-25 mph over |
| Speeding in a school zone (625 ILCS 5/11-605) | $150 fine (first offense); min $300 for subsequent offenses | 20 points |
| Speeding in a construction zone (625 ILCS 5/11-605.1) | $375 fine (minimum) | 20 points |
| Failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident | Up to $1,000 fine | 10 points. |
Understanding the Illinois Points System
Each moving violation in Illinois adds penalty points to your driving record. The more serious the offense, the more points you receive. As we’ve seen above, points for petty speeding alone can vary from five points for driving just 1 mph above the limit to 20 points for speeding up to 25 mph above the limit.
If you accumulate too many penalty points within 12 months, the Illinois Secretary of State may suspend or revoke your driver’s license.
For Illinois drivers over the age of 21, your license will be suspended for:
| Points in 12 Months | Suspension Length |
|---|---|
| 15-44 | 2 months |
| 45-74 | 3 months |
| 75-89 | 6 months |
| 90-99 | 9 months |
| 100-109 | 12 months |
| 110+ | License revocation. |
How Points Impact Your Record and Insurance
Every speeding ticket affects more than just your wallet. Insurance companies routinely review driving records, and even a single violation can increase your rates by 15%-25%. Multiple violations may double your premium.
Under Illinois speeding ticket laws, moving violations generally stay on your record for four to five years. Accumulating too many points in a short time can lead not only to higher costs but also to a suspended or revoked license.
FAQs: Speeding Offenses in Illinois
Is speeding a felony in Illinois?
No. Speeding is not a felony under Illinois law. However, aggravated speeding (driving 26 mph or more over the limit) is a criminal misdemeanor and can lead to fines, a criminal record, or even jail time.
Can you go to jail for speeding in Illinois?
Yes, but only for aggravated speeding. Driving 26-34 mph over the limit is a Class B misdemeanor (up to six months in jail), while driving 35 mph or more over the limit is a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail).
How much over the speed limit is a misdemeanor?
Under Illinois speeding laws, a misdemeanor begins at 26 mph over the posted limit. Anything below that (1-25 mph) is treated as a petty offense, which carries a fine but no jail time.
Does aggravated speeding affect insurance?
Yes. Because aggravated speeding in Illinois is a criminal conviction, most insurers treat it as a major moving violation. It often causes higher premiums for several years and may affect your eligibility for specific coverage options.
What should I do if I get an aggravated speeding ticket?
Consult an experienced Illinois traffic attorney right away. A lawyer can evaluate the evidence, seek dismissal or reduction of the charge, and help you avoid license suspension and a criminal record.
Hiring an Attorney for Petty or Misdemeanor Speeding in Illinois
Most Illinois drivers simply pay their speeding tickets, but doing so means accepting guilt, which can raise insurance rates, add points to your driving record, and, in misdemeanor cases, create a criminal record.
An experienced Chicago speeding ticket lawyer can:
- Review your ticket for errors that could lead to dismissal
- Negotiate court supervision instead of a conviction
- Help you avoid points and license suspension
- Represent you in court if you face Class A or B misdemeanor charges.
Ignoring a speeding ticket can lead to additional fines, a license suspension, and even a warrant for failure to appear.
At Driver Defense Team, we represent clients throughout Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake Counties in all types of traffic and speeding cases. We work to protect your driving record, minimize penalties, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Call 312-487-4700 or request a free case review today to discuss your case with an experienced Illinois speeding ticket lawyer.
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