Illinois Enacts New Laws, Doubles Fines to Make Construction Zones Safer

The Illinois legislature recently passed House Bill 3246, which amended the Illinois Vehicle Code by raising the minimum fine for a second or subsequent violation of a work zone or school-zone speed limit. The bill was just one step state officials have taken in recent years to protect construction workers and emergency personnel responding to accidents in construction zones. Under a state law, known as Scott’s Law, drivers face a minimum fine of $150 the first time they are caught speeding in a construction zone, twice the amount of a regular speeding ticket. Several state legislators are working on a third piece of work-zone legislation. House Bill 3652 would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code by stationing an Illinois State Police officer and vehicle at a construction on a state highway.