Do Automated License Plate Readers Reduce Traffic Violations?

 Posted on January 21, 2025 in Traffic Violations

Not only have Interstate shootings in Illinois fallen for the third year in a row - down 31 percent in 2024 over 2023 – but almost a quarter of all stolen vehicles were recovered in 2024. Add to this a 3 percent increase in the number of firearms seized in 2024 over 2023, and you can see that the state is decreasing crimes committed by drivers.

Illinois State Police have credited their air operations and automated license plate readers for improving the safety of the roadways and reducing traffic violations. The most impressive statistic is the drop in Interstate shootings, especially when comparing the 89 Interstate shootings in 2024 to the 310 in 2021. Fatal crashes also decreased in 2024, perhaps related to the fact that Air Ops teams now help track those who flee from police by limiting the number of high-speed chases.   

While many people do not believe it is necessary to obtain legal help for traffic violations, if you are nearing your limit in points accumulation or if the violation is a more serious one, it is important that you do not simply pay the ticket. You could end up with increased insurance premiums for a very long time and could even spend time in jail.

You could also lose your license if you have enough points (more than 75). This number of points can be reached more easily than you might imagine. For example, speeding 26-34 mph over the posted speed limit adds 50 points. If you are facing serious traffic violations, a Joliet, IL traffic violation attorney can help.

What Are the Most Serious Traffic Violations in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, a driver’s license will be suspended for three moving violation convictions (625 ILCS 5/11-601) within 12 months. The length of the suspension will be based on the total number of points for those three moving violations. Some of the traffic violations with higher points include:

• Speeding 11-14 mph above the posted speed limit – 15 points
• Speeding 15-25 mph above the posted speed limit – 20 points
• Speeding 26-34 mph above the posted speed limit – 50 points
• Speeding 35 plus mph above the posted speed limit – 50 points
• Aggravated Speeding in a Construction Zone – 55 points
• Aggravated Speeding in a School Zone – 55 points
• Passing a School Bus While Loading or Unloading – 25 points
• Failure to Obey a Yield Sign, Stop Light, or Stop Sign – 20 points
• Reckless Driving – 55 points
• Following too Closely (tailgating) – 25 points
• Improper Left Turn with Oncoming Traffic – 25 points
• Using an Electronic Communications Device – 20 points
• Failure to Report an Accident Involving Property Damage – 25 points

 As you can see, points can add up more quickly than expected. When you have accumulated 15-44 points, your license can be suspended for two months. When you have accumulated 45 to 74 points, your license can be suspended for three months. An accumulation of 75 to 89 points can result in a license suspension for six months, and 90 to 99 points can result in a nine-month license suspension. A license suspension for a year can result when points total 100-109 points. More than 110 points result in a license revocation.

What Are Some of the Penalties for Serious Traffic Violations?

There are additional penalties for many of these traffic violations, in addition to a driver's license suspension or revocation. For example, if reckless driving causes serious bodily injuries to another person, the charge can be Class 4 aggravated reckless driving, which is a felony offense. A conviction for this offense can carry up to three years in prison, maximum fines of $25,000, and up to 30 months of probation. Speeding 35 mph or more over the posted speed limit is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine as large as $2,500.

Contact a Will County, IL Traffic Violation Lawyer

If you have accumulated enough points that another traffic violation conviction will result in the loss of your license or are facing one extremely serious traffic violation, having a Joliet, IL traffic violation attorney from Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C. as your advocate can make a difference in the outcome.  Attorney Blatti is local to the Joliet area, has previously worked as a public defender, and has a good relationship with judges and prosecutors. Call 815-744-2500 to schedule your free consultation.