Disobeying a Traffic Control Device in Illinois

Disobeying a traffic control device is one of many moving violations found in the Illinois Vehicle Code. Specifically, the statute for this traffic offense can be found under 625 ILCS 5/11-305. It covers a variety of possible scenarios. This citation may be issued during a standard traffic stop or when a traffic accident has occurred. A conviction for disobeying a traffic control device will appear on your public driving record and can therefore lead to an increase in your insurance premium. A conviction for this moving violation will also count towards a suspension of your driver’s license.

Of course, we all know that when you are driving a car, you must obey the rules of the road in Illinois. The types of ‘traffic control devices’ that are covered under Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-305 include the following:

• Yield signs
• Traffic Lights
• Traffic Signals
• No left turn
• No right turn on red
• Wrong way signs
• All other official traffic control devices enumerated by the Illinois Department of Transportation

These devices are meant to provide for the orderly flow of traffic. If you fail to obey a traffic control device, you are in violation of Illinois law and can be issued a ticket. Illinois law requires that the traffic control device be in the proper position and ‘sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person’. If it is not, contesting the alleged violation at trial may be the best option.

People are often issued a ticket for trying to avoid a traffic control device by taking a ‘shortcut’. The law specifically says that drivers may not leave the roadway and travel across private property in order to avoid a traffic control device. For example, if you are approaching a red light at an intersection, you cannot use the gas station at the corner to bypass the traffic light.

Also, the law states that if a traffic light or signal is not illuminated properly, the driver is required to stop before entering the intersection and treat the signal as if it is a stop sign.

Disobeying a traffic control device is often also referred to as “Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device”, “Avoiding a Traffic Control Device”, and “Obedience to a Traffic Control Device”.

Disobeying a traffic control device is a moving violation in Illinois. A conviction will count against your driving privileges, your public record, and insurance rates. Of course, fines, court costs and traffic school can also be imposed. Simply paying the ticket will result in a conviction on your record.

If you have been issued a ticket for disobeying a traffic control device, contact the traffic ticket defense attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. Our priority is to keep your record clean and ensure the best possible result. Our attorneys will listen to the specific details of your case, explain your available options, and discuss how we can help. Contact our traffic attorneys today if you have been charged with a traffic violation in Illinois, including Cook County, Lake County and DuPage County.