I somehow doubt the 1mph ticket. A. Almost all cars are not 100% right, my car is actually one mph over if my GPS is correct. B. I think a 1mph over ticket would be the easiest thing to fight. The radar would have to be shown to be 100% correct, your car would have to be 100% correct. Tires can change how fast you are going, worn, bigger, smaller. etc. Also, say you are into a construction zone and the car in front of you is going 55 (say speed limit is 50) and the semi behind you is doing 55. Chances are, since they are manned, if you are doing the speed of traffic, it will get by. I know the person behind me is traveling faster, I usually slowly speed down so they know see I am slowing down.

The local paper quoted IDOT today as saying the law with the $375 (maybe I don't have that exact, but withing a few bucks) has been on the books there since 2004. They claim they run 5 camera vans and that they are all clearly marked with a speed board on top (those light up signs that tell you how fast you are going). Further they claim they put up clear photo speed zone signs up far enough away when they run them that you have plenty of time to slow down. Says a big chunk of the fine money goes to the state patrol to fund overtime officers. Also claims that 90% of construction zone accidents involve drivers and not workers and that is why they enforce regardless if workers are out there.
Just the messenger here--don't shoot!

Good point Tim, my problem with these are the amount and the fact that they put them wherever the speed changes usually from 65 to 55, also lets admit it, this is a revenue source.

Grady

As a traffic officer in California, I have an issue with Ill. State Troopers. I agree with the safety issues for constructions workers. We kill several workers a year out here. Enforcement for safety is needed.

My issue is with the speed margin. There is no way in Heck ALL speedometers are accurrate. In California if you do not give at least a 10 mph cusion most traffic judges will dismiss the cite out right. Citing at one MPH over is WRONG and a bad practice. Bad practice makes bad case law!! Ill. will be challanged by some attorney who's ole lady gets pinned for a couple of MPH over the limit. Experts will testify and case law will come down demanding a standard and fair cusion be given to account for speedo variations.

Then all states will eventually have to follow the NEW case law. If Ill. Troppers practice is true then they are just screwn' the deal for us Copers that believe in education first and enforcement second. The stick and carrot deal. If you don't take the carrot then I'll hit you with the stick till you do.....You would not believe how much bone headed stuff is done in the South and Midwest that results in Federal case law for all.....Arizona Vs Miranda sound familiar....

Ok I'm off my soap box now!!!

So, I can only assume you're really angry about the fine ($10K I believe) you get for hitting a highway construction worker in a work zone.

You know, it seems to me that, if you obey the laws you don't have much to worry about. If you push the envelope you get your just dues.

Just my (and, I believe, every other law-abiding citizen"s) opinion.

Tim Simmons

---------- Post added at 07:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:48 AM ----------

Of course it's a revenue source. But this source of revenue is only as lucrative as the people who travel the roads make it. If folks obeyed the law this source would dry up and go away. Then money could be saved on traffic enforcement and law enforcement could spend effort and resources on other issues.

Tim Simmons

kool-aid any one??????

This is nothing new. It has been in effect for two years now. and this July starts the third year. They do not issue tickets for 1 mile over either. There is a tolerance but I will not disclose how much. Why would you worry about it if you obey the speed limit in the work zones. It does a great deal to protect the workers in those zones.

If folks want to avoid this situation, just get on the Illinois Department of Transportaion website ahead of time to find out where any Interstate construction zones might be along your route. Then detour accordingly. For example, US 40 pretty much parallels I-70 thru most of Illinois, US-36 runs along I-72, US 45 along I-57, etc. Then you won't have to worry about the speed cameras.

But, as John3g will testify, it has NOTHING to do with saf(e)ty.

Tim Simmons

You win ...You have convinced me I was wrong with all that great info that you have put into this debate..I thank you for "edgabacating" me sir..and I am sorry for ever stating my thoughts on the subject...how dare me...Its people like you that will roll rover and except everything that is thrown your way by the government or by any other governing body at its face value without even a question of its lagitimacy or the benefits to all involved. That is untill it directly effects you.Then in only then is it the matter taken into question but by that time it's to late. I think that this is the problem today with the people in this country we aren't questioning our political leaders enough about some of the decision they are making in the name of public good.I do have a problem with these type of laws because I look between the lines and look for the real motives and maybe thats wrong but it's just the way I am. So when I hear this kind of off the wall fines I question it and so should you but you won"t because you'll take it at face value and go on. Oh, I do believe all road workes (as I have stated) need to be protected but if you think for a minute that fines are set that high and the speed margins are set that tight for their safty and their safty alone your sir are fooling yourself but hey my guy (not that he was the complete answere either) wasn't voted into the big house in D.C and I don't go into Illinios that much so I guess we I'll have to suck up for the next 4 years..Enough said...you win..John Gurley