Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

speeding- school zone

school zone is 35, when chidren are present 20. I always slow to 20 when I have caught sight of a child close to street. I was ticketed for 35 even though I slowed down immediatly when I saw children at intersection. It seems theres a catch 22 here, the only way you know if children are present is to see them and then slow down. My officer says that when you see children are present the 20 speed limit starts way back at the sign. as it is immposible to start at the 20 speed sign when you dont see chidren for 2-blocks and wonce you see them its to late to go back and start again, can someone make since out of this issue, thank you


Asked on 3/26/08, 12:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: speeding- school zone

I hope this will make sense to you, but the school speed zone applies when school is in session. For that purpose, children are present. That is the point of slowing traffic. As you say, when you see the children, it is too late to slow down. So during the week, during typical school hours, school speed zones apply. The point is to protect children that may be in the area of the school, slowing down after you see them is not an effective protection.

That being said, you should probably have an attorney for this ticket, as it can result in a license suspension if not handled properly. For more information about license suspensions, please vist our website at http://www.shestokas.com/Suspended_License.html to learn about the problems that can arise from having a suspended license. Good luck.

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Answered on 3/29/08, 9:19 pm


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