In Illinois, it can be pretty nasty, = moving violation, possible felony charge. Some jurisdictions, it can be camera enforced, so double whammy if you run a camera red light.
Cell Phone Ticket Penalties
This ticket has a maximum fine of $75 ($120 when you add fees and costs) for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense. However, this does not include fees and
costs. In Cook County, for example, when you go to court, court costs of $179 to $214 will be added on to the fine. This makes the minimum actually about $300 for a first offense. In DuPage and Lake counties, the total cost can be $400 or more.
While a violation of the Illinois cell phone law is usually a
petty offense, the use of a cell phone that results in an accident resulting in personal injury or death may be upgraded to a misdemeanor or felony offense.
Is a Cell Phone Ticket a Moving Violation?
Prior to July 1, 2019, the first offense for driving while using an electronic communication device was not a moving violation. Subsequent offenses were considered a moving violation.
However, a
new law goes into effect on July 1, 2019, that makes illegally using a handheld device a moving violation on the first offense.
If you are a driver with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or you want to make every effort to keep this off your driving record, it is advised that you hire an
experienced traffic lawyer to represent you. If you are cited while driving a commercial vehicle, it will count as a moving violation even prior to the new law taking effect.
Our lawyers have had great success fighting these tickets. It is possible that we may be able to get the ticket dismissed, get a “not guilty” verdict at trial, or otherwise keep this off your record. Please
contact us to discuss your specific situation.