Authoritative Illinois statutory reference for speeding ticket brackets, DUI penalties, driving while suspended, uninsured motor vehicle fines, retail theft thresholds, and cannabis limits.
01 / COMMON CITATIONS
02 / LEGAL FAQ
Practical legal information regarding Illinois citations, court procedures, and statutory rights.
For standard speeding violations between 1 and 25 mph over the posted limit (petty offense), court appearance is generally not mandatory under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551. Drivers may satisfy the ticket by paying the standard preset bail ($164) or applying for court supervision if eligible. However, speeding 26 mph or more over the speed limit is classified as a Class B or Class A criminal misdemeanor, requiring mandatory in-person appearance before a judge.
Under 625 ILCS 5/3-707, operating an uninsured motor vehicle carries a mandatory statutory fine of $500 to $1,000 and an automatic 3-month driver's license suspension by the Illinois Secretary of State. Reinstatement requires paying a $100 fee and submitting proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) for 3 years. If the violation involves an accident with personal injury or property damage exceeding $1,000, court appearance is mandatory.
Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLS/DWLR) is typically a Class A misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to 364 days in county jail and fines up to $2,500. Court appearance is strictly mandatory under Rule 551. If the license suspension or revocation originated from a DUI, statutory summary suspension, or reckless homicide, mandatory minimum jail or community service sentences apply, and repeat convictions are elevated to a Class 4 felony.
Under the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705/10-10), Illinois residents aged 21 and older may legally possess up to 30 grams of raw cannabis flower, 5 grams of concentrated cannabis, and 500 milligrams of THC in cannabis-infused products. Non-residents are permitted half those amounts. Unlawful possession of 10 grams or less is a civil violation ($100–$200 fine), whereas possession over 30 grams up to 100 grams is a Class A misdemeanor.
Under 720 ILCS 5/16-25, retail theft of property valued at $300 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the value of the stolen merchandise exceeds $300, or if theft occurs using an emergency exit, or if the defendant has a prior theft conviction, the offense is charged as a Class 3 or Class 4 felony.