Jeffrey Wade
Texting while driving is illegal in nearly every state, and in most states, it's illegal to use a cell phone at all when behind the wheel. In Illinois, if the court finds that you are guilty of using a cell phone while driving, you will likely have to pay a fine and penalty points will be placed on your driving record. This will impact your insurance rates. However, if this is a first-time offense, the cell phone violation is not a moving violation and should not affect your insurance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does a cell phone ticket affect insurance in Illinois | In Illinois, a cell phone ticket is considered a moving violation and will result in penalty points on your driving record. However, if it is a first-time offence, it is not a moving violation and will not affect insurance rates. |
| Average insurance increase after a cell phone ticket | On average, insurance rates increase by 28% after a cell phone ticket, but this varies by state. In Illinois, the increase is between 23-26%. |
| Impact on driver's license | A cell phone ticket can result in points on your driver's license, and too many points can lead to a license suspension. The number of points varies by state, ranging from one to five, and some states do not use a points system. |
| Other consequences | Other consequences of a cell phone ticket include fines, court-ordered safe driving courses, and increased insurance costs for three to five years. If an accident occurs due to distracted driving, there may be more severe penalties and criminal charges. |
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What You'll Learn
- Does a cell phone ticket count as a moving violation in Illinois?
- How much does auto insurance increase after a cell phone ticket in Illinois?
- What are the penalties for a cell phone ticket?
- How long does a cell phone ticket stay on your record in Illinois?
- What are the best insurance companies for drivers with cell phone tickets in Illinois?
Does a cell phone ticket count as a moving violation in Illinois?
In Illinois, if the court finds you guilty of using a cell phone while driving, you will likely have to pay a fine and penalty points will be placed on your driving record. This is considered a moving violation and will increase your auto insurance rates. The exact rate increase depends on your insurance company and state laws, among other factors. In some cases, you could also face a criminal charge. If you cause an accident that results in serious injury or death while using a cell phone, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanour or a Class 4 felony, respectively.
Illinois law bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, allowing only hands-free devices with speakerphones or headsets and voice-activated systems. This law took effect in July 2019 and is enforced through ticketing and fines. The fine for a first offence is a maximum of $75, increasing to $100 for a second offence, $125 for a third, and $150 for four or more offences. Drivers with three or more moving violations within a 12-month period risk suspension of their driver's license.
If you are ticketed for a moving violation in Illinois, it is recommended to contact a Chicago traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible. Paying the ticket by mail is considered pleading guilty and accepting a conviction, which can have negative consequences for your insurance rates, employment, and driver's license. An attorney can advise you on how to challenge the ticket and potentially get it dismissed or win a not-guilty verdict.
It's important to note that the laws and their applications can change frequently and vary across jurisdictions. Therefore, consulting with a licensed professional attorney in your state is essential to receive accurate and up-to-date legal advice.
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How much does auto insurance increase after a cell phone ticket in Illinois?
In Illinois, a cell phone ticket is considered a moving violation and will result in penalty points being placed on your driving record. This will impact your auto insurance rates, with the average increase across the US being 28%, but ranging from 9% to 51%. In Illinois, the increase is between 23-26%.
The exact increase will depend on your insurance company and the state's laws. For example, State Farm offers a 15% increase, while Travelers increases rates by 49%. The number of points added to your license will also vary depending on the state, ranging from one to five, and some states do not use a points system at all. In California, for instance, no points are added to your license unless you are a repeat offender.
It is important to note that a cell phone ticket is not considered a moving violation in Illinois if it is a first-time offense. In this case, your insurance rates will not be affected. However, if you are found guilty of using a cell phone while driving, you will likely face a costly fine, and the conviction will remain on your record for five years.
To mitigate the impact of a cell phone ticket on your insurance rates, you can shop around for new coverage, raise your deductible, ask about discounts, or bundle your coverage. Consulting a traffic ticket attorney is also advisable, as they may be able to get the ticket dismissed or reduced.
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What are the penalties for a cell phone ticket?
In Illinois, if the court finds that you are guilty of using a cell phone while driving, you will face penalties. Even a first offense for texting or talking on a cell phone while driving is a moving violation in Illinois. A moving violation is a traffic offense that is assigned penalty points that count toward a driver's license suspension. In most cases, you will pay a costly fine and penalty points will be placed on your driving record. The standard first or second cell phone ticket is a petty offense and carries a fine of $75 to $1,000. However, the standard fine amount for motorists who opt to pay the ticket without going to court is $164. A third or subsequent cell phone violation is a class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $1,500. Again, for motorists who pay their tickets without appearing in court, the fine is $164.
If you cause an accident that results in "great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement," you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. But if you cause an accident that results in a fatality while you are using a cell phone, you could face a Class 4 felony charge. A moving violation conviction may be penalized with a fine, a court order to complete a safe driving course, and more costly auto insurance. If you drive for a living or if your work requires driving, you may have to seek other employment.
In most cases, a texting ticket will raise your auto insurance premiums. Whether or not texting while driving tickets hike your rates a lot, a little, or not at all depends on your insurance company and state laws, among other factors. The average percentage rate increase after a texting ticket is 28%, but ranges between 9% and 51%.
If you get a ticket for using a cell phone while driving, it may seem like paying the ticket by mail is the quickest way to handle the matter. However, you are effectively pleading guilty and accepting a conviction that will go on your driving record. The negative consequences of pleading guilty and accepting a conviction for your employment, your auto insurance, and your driver's license could be substantial. Therefore, it is recommended to contact a traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible.
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How long does a cell phone ticket stay on your record in Illinois?
In Illinois, a cell phone ticket is considered a moving violation. If you are found guilty of using a cell phone while driving, you will usually be fined and have penalty points placed on your driving record. These points will typically stay on your record for five years.
The impact of a cell phone ticket on your insurance depends on your insurance company and state laws. In most cases, a cell phone ticket will increase your insurance rates. However, some sources state that a cell phone ticket is not a moving violation and will not affect your insurance rates, especially if it is a first-time offence.
If you receive a cell phone ticket, it is recommended that you consult a traffic ticket lawyer to review your case and provide legal advice specific to your situation. They may be able to negotiate a lesser offense that will not stay on your record or have the ticket dismissed altogether.
It's worth noting that the consequences of a cell phone ticket can be more severe if you cause an accident while distracted. In Illinois, if you cause an accident that results in serious injury or death while using a cell phone, you could face criminal charges, including a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 4 felony, respectively.
To avoid the negative impacts of a cell phone ticket on your driving record and insurance, it is best to avoid using your cell phone while driving and to prioritize safe driving practices.
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What are the best insurance companies for drivers with cell phone tickets in Illinois?
In Illinois, if the court finds you guilty of using a cell phone while driving, you will likely have to pay a fine and penalty points will be added to your driving record. This will impact your insurance rates, though it is unclear by how much.
In most states, texting while driving is considered a primary offense, meaning police can pull someone over for that reason alone. Texting while driving is illegal in nearly every state, and in most, it is illegal to use a cell phone at all when behind the wheel. Only Montana has no such law, while Missouri outlaws it only for drivers under 21.
In general, insurance companies may view drivers with cell phone tickets as higher-risk, leading to increased premiums. The average rate increase after a texting ticket is 28%, but this ranges between 9% and 51% depending on the state and insurance company.
Some states bar insurance companies from considering texting and driving violations when setting rates. California, for example, has the greatest average increase at 51%, while New York has the smallest at 9%.
When it comes to finding the best insurance companies for drivers with cell phone tickets in Illinois, it is recommended that drivers compare rates from multiple carriers and choose the one that offers comprehensive coverage at the most affordable price.
- Travelers: The highest score out of 34 eligible car insurance companies in Illinois, based on NerdWallet's evaluations of coverage options, discounts, and financial strength. Offers accident forgiveness plans and bonus coverages.
- Farmers: One of the country's largest insurers, Farmers offers a long list of discounts and customization options. Accident forgiveness is available for every 3 years drivers are accident-free.
- Shelter: Offers many discounts, though products are not available in all states. Has the best customer satisfaction scores for car insurance companies in the central United States, according to a 2024 J.D. Power survey.
- Acuity: Nationally, Acuity had the fewest customer complaints relative to insurers of its size, making it a top pick where available.
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Frequently asked questions
Texting while driving is illegal in Illinois and is considered a moving violation. If you are found guilty of using a cell phone while driving, you will likely have to pay a fine and have points added to your driving record. This will increase your insurance rates.
The average increase in insurance rates after a cell phone ticket is 28%. However, in Illinois, the premium increase is 23-26%.
A cell phone ticket will generally stay on your driving record for three to five years.
