IL Speeding, Red-Light Penalties Among Costliest In America: Ranking

ILLINOIS — Speeding and red-light violations in Illinois are among the costliest in the country, according to a recent ranking.

The Prairie State came in fourth in a study by personal injury law firm John Fitch, which sourced data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to find the states with the most expensive combined maximum fines and penalties for speeding and red-light violations.

California topped the list, with fines of up to $500 for speeding over 100 mph and as much as $500 plus points for red-light infractions, according to the ranking. Arizona was second and Oregon was third.

Illinois came in fourth, with minimum construction zone speeding fines of $375 and red-light violation fines maxing out at $100, the law firm said, noting drivers in Illinois also may face license suspension for failing to pay either fee.

"This study offers insight on the states with the strictest penalties for negligent driving,” a John Fitch spokesperson said in a news release.

“Speeding and red-light violations pose significant risks to other road users, and fines help to deter these kinds of dangerous behaviors and to hold individuals accountable for their actions. Additionally, these penalties help offset the expenses related to enforcing traffic laws and responding to accidents caused by speeding or running red lights.”

Rounding out the top 10, in order from fifth to 10th, were Ohio, New Mexico, Iowa, Missouri, Delaware and Florida.