8/19/04-Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill into law Aug. 19 increasing fines on highway work zone speeders to as much as $750.
Minimum fines for first offenders increase to $375, and to $750 for second or subsequent offenses. Some offenders could face a 90-day suspension of their driver’s licenses if they have several violations in two years.
The new law, previously HB7015, originally called for adding cameras or other recording devices to construction zones and using that automated equipment to record violations of the lower work zone speed limits. Those provisions were removed by the Senate.
HB7015, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Rock Island, passed the House April 1 by a vote of 113-2, and was approved by the Senate May 17 by a vote of 53-2.
The new law is effective immediately.

4/9/04-A bill before the Senate Rules Committee would add radar-activated cameras to work zones along the Illinois Tollway to catch speeders.
Under HB7015, introduced by Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Rock Island, speeders could face fines as high as $1,000. Minimum fines for first offenders could increase to $375, and to $750 for a second offense. Some offenders could face a 90-day suspension of their driver’s license.
Drivers whose speeding leads to a death face even more serious penalties. Under the proposal, which previously passed the House April 1 by a 113-2 vote, those speeders could face a prison term from three to 14 years and a $10,000 fine. If two people are killed, the driver’s sentence could be doubled.
In addition to radar cameras, a number of Illinois Department of Transportation trucks would be manned by out-of-uniform state troopers with radar equipment, who will use the technology to monitor speeds in the work zone.
Drivers would receive a warning of the increased enforcement. Additional signs would be placed in the work zones, some of which would list the possible penalties for violating the work zone speed limit.
For bill status, call (217) 782-5799.