Traffic Offenders Will Pay—More

If you are caught committing a traffic offense in Hinsdale or Clarendon Hills, you should know that the cost to get you back on the road just went up. The Illinois Supreme Court rules took effect on Sept. 15, raising the cost of bail.

Fines Under $1,000

For minor traffic offenses, the fine was raised to $120 from $75.

If you're caught speeding between 21 and 30 miles over the limit, the fine just went up to $140 from $75.

If you're caught speeding more than 31 miles over the limit, the cost is now $160, up from $105.

Not wearing a seatbelt? The fine for that is now $60, as opposed to $55.

For all other ordinance, petty offenses, business offenses and Class C misdemeanors less than $1,000, the fines are generally up to $120 for fines that were $75 previously.

Fines More than $1,000

If you're caught street racing, the cost is up to $2,000 from $1,500.

The fine for unlawful use of a license has doubled—from $750 to $1,500.

The misdemeanor charge of Driving While License Suspended or Driving While License Revoked will cost you $1,500, not $1,000.

Permitting driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is now $1,500 (previously $1,000.)

Driving without a license (except in cases when the license has been expired for less than a year) is $1,500, up from $1,000.

For fines that are more than $1,000, the 10 percent rule continues to apply, which means that you must post at least 10 percent of the amount as bail.

For all other ordinance, petty offenses, business offenses and certain misdemeanor offenses more than $1,000, the fines are generally up to $1,500 for fines that were $1,000 previously.

Jail Time

Other offenses, not related to traffic or conservation, are punishable by a fine and or imprisonment.

Local Take

"I'm not sure that raising fines is ever going to change behavior. The penalties for speeding in a construction zone or going around railroad crossing lights is substantial in nature, yet people choose to misbehave regardless of the cost. That's what's frustrating to us," said Clarendon Hills Police Chief Patrick Anderson. "That's my fear—that the change in the economic cost is not going to be as effective as better education and taking away someone's driving privileges."