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Illinois speeding: petty offense or crime?

In Illinois, speeding 26 to 34 mph over the limit is a Class B misdemeanor and 35 mph or more over is a Class A misdemeanor, with up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Lower speeds are petty offenses often eligible for court supervision.

DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer

Most Illinois speeding tickets are petty offenses paid with a fine, and many qualify for court supervision. Going 26 to 34 mph over the limit is a Class B misdemeanor, with up to 6 months in jail and a $1,500 fine. Going 35 mph or more over is a Class A misdemeanor, with up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Up to 25 over
Petty offense
26 to 34 over
Class B misdemeanor
35+ over
Class A misdemeanor
Class A maximum
364 days, $2,500
A blue SUV with headlights on drives along a wet road beside a guardrail in the rain.

A misdemeanor speeding conviction is a criminal record, not just a driving record entry. It can show up on background checks, which is why Illinois drivers take high-speed tickets seriously.

Three levels of speeding

A petty offense.

Your steps

  1. Pay the fine or go to court
  2. Many drivers can ask for court supervision
  3. Speeding 10 or less over is 5 points if convicted

What to bring

  • Your ticket
  • Proof of insurance

Where speeding costs more

School zones

  • No supervision when speeding puts children at risk

Work zones

  • No supervision when speeding puts workers at risk

Repeat tickets

  • Three convictions in 12 months can bring a suspension
Good to know

Paying a ticket by mail without asking about supervision usually means a conviction. Read the options on the ticket or the circuit clerk's website first.

Check yourself3 questions
  1. In Illinois, 30 mph over the limit is what kind of offense?

    Answer: B. 26 to 34 mph over is a Class B misdemeanor.

  2. What is the maximum fine for a Class A speeding misdemeanor?

    Answer: C. Up to $2,500 and 364 days in jail.

  3. How many points for speeding 10 mph or less over in Illinois?

    Answer: B. It carries 5 points if you are convicted.

Speeding questions

Can I get supervision for 30 over?

Supervision is limited for speeding 26 mph or more over. The judge decides, so ask at your court date.

Does one speeding ticket suspend my license?

Usually not for adults. Three convictions in 12 months can, and two in 24 months for drivers under 21.

Is a misdemeanor speeding ticket a criminal record?

Yes. A Class A or B conviction is a criminal conviction.

Sources

Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.

Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Illinois DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.