Not So Fast: Fines for Speeding to Increase Wednesday

Naperville resident Randy Mierson is going to slow down.

"You don't realize how much speeding tickets can add up," the 36-year-old said Friday, while leaving the local llinois Secretary of State Driver's License Facility on 75th Street.

Mierson was reacting to news that in Illinois, speeding is about to get even more costly.

Fines for speeding tickets will increase beginning Wednesday, generating additional revenue for Illinois State Police and local governments.

The standard fine for speeding up to 20 mph over the limit will increase by $45, bringing it to $120, according to the Illinois Supreme Court. A driver going 20 to 29 mph over the speed limit will see a fine increase from $95 to $140. Those cruising at more than 30 mph over the posted speed limit will pay $160, which is a $55 increase.

Locally, police have noticed an increase in the number of excessive speeders, said Naperville Police Sgt. Gregg Bell, noting that many have been caught going more than 40 mph over the limit. He's not so sure boosting the fines will deter them.

"I think those people are going to drive like that regardless," he said. "They obviously have very low regard for public safety."

Those "minor speeders," who drive around 10 to 15 mph over the limit "might tend to slow down," Bell said, adding that motorists are sometimes more inclined to speed in warm weather.

The Illinois Supreme Court also signed off on raising fines for unlawful use of a license, seat belt violations, driving on a suspended or revoked license and driving under the influence. All increases apply to situations in which motorists don't have to appear in traffic court.

Bell said he supports the increases. Most traffic violation fines in Illinois haven't changed since the 1990s.

"Maybe if it costs more, some people will think about it," he said. "It just seems like lately we've had a rash of those people who want to drive like idiots."

But local drivers weren't so supportive Friday.

"It's just too much," said Lisa Ferinn, 56. "I know the state is broke, but so is everyone else. I don't advocate speeding, but sometimes mistakes happen. … I guess I'm just going to have to be really careful."