Illinois Work Zone Laws

How Illinois handles work zones

Illinois means it: minimum $250 first offense, $750 second, about $375 with costs, and the posted limit applies whether or not workers are present (625 ILCS 5/11-605.1). Speed cameras mail the ticket to the registered owner. In a construction or maintenance speed zone the phone rule tightens, no handheld use and no hands-free talking either, voice-activated only (625 ILCS 5/12-610.1). A crash while on your phone becomes a Class A misdemeanor, a Class 4 felony on a death.

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: Obey the posted reduced limit the whole time the signs stand. Illinois enforces it whether or not workers are present (625 ILCS 5/11-605.1 covers both cases). Speed cameras and state troopers run the zone with no crew in sight, so 'I saw no one working' is no defense.
• Fine multiplier: Minimum $250 first offense, minimum $750 second (625 ILCS 5/11-605.1), so a ticket runs about $375 with costs. Applies workers present or not. A second within two years suspends your license 90 days.
• Phone in a work zone: Restricted — put it down
• Flagger authority: Obey the flagger. Disregarding a work-zone traffic-control device or the person directing traffic is a violation, and inside a construction or maintenance zone the fine runs $100 to $1,000 (625 ILCS 5/11-305).
• Base fine: About $375 for a first offense (statutory minimum $250), roughly $1,000 on a second (minimum $750, plus a 90-day license suspension). A camera ticket is mailed to the registered owner. Cause a crash while on your phone and it is a Class A misdemeanor, a Class 4 felony on a death.

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