Chapter 7 - Traffic Violations/Crashes

Question 1

If involved in or come upon a traffic crash

• Stop your vehicle
• Help any injured person - protest the person from traffic (Do not move an injured person unless ablsolutely necessary - don’t attempt to give first aid unless trained - call 911 immediately)
• Warn other drivers (use emergency flashers etc)
• Ask for names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license number and license plate numbers of all involved
• Except for calling 911, Illinois prohibits wireless/cellphone use (unless using a hands-free device)

Question 2

Appearing in Court

If you fail to pay the ticket or to appear in court on the date indicated, a second courrt date may be set a minimum of 30 days late.

Failure to appear on the 2nd date will result in the suspension of your driver’s license until you satisfy the court.

If you are under age 18 and are required to appear in court, you must have a parent/legal guardian present at the court appearance.

Question 3

The Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC) is a United States interstate compact used by 44 states and Washington, D.C. to process traffic citations across state borders.

Question 4

An Illinois driver ticketed in another state (Non-Resident Violator Compact)

• Stay in the ticketing state and argue the case
• Pay the fine
• Sign a promise to comply with the traffic ticket, which allows the driver to continue the journey ad handle the ticket by mail from home.

Question 5

Crash Reports

Regardless of fault, a crash report must be filed by the driver of a vehicle

(1) if the crash involves death, bodily injury or property damage of more than $1500.

(2) if any vehicle involved in the crash in uninsured, a report must be filed for $500 or more)

• Notify the police immediately or report at the nearest police station
• If the driver is unable to make the report, the passenger must make the report.
• Must make the report to the Illinois Department of Transportation - must be sent no later than 10 days after the crash. (The form may be obtained from a police officer or an automonile insurance agency)

Question 6

Unattended Vehicles

A Crash with an unattended vehicle (no driver or passengers present)

• Stop your vehicle
• Leave your name, address, phone number, license plante number on the vehicle, if the owner not found
• Notify police
• Complete all required crash reports - Failure to report the crash will result in a fine up to $2500 and a jail sentence up to 1 yr.

Question 7

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

A driver has 30 mins to report a crash after it occurred.

A driver convicted of leaving the scene of a crash (if someone is killed or injured) is subject to criminal charges.

In cases of death or personal injury, the Secretary of State’s office is required to revoke your driver’s license (Revocation)

In cases of more tha $1000 in damage, suspension of driving privileges

Question 8

Safety Responsibility Law

Safety Responsibility Law - This law requires you to post security (a guarantee of payment) to cover damages suffered by the injured party.

The Illinois Department of Transprtation determines the amount of the security — If you do not post the required security, your driver’s license may be suspended until the lawsuit is settled ———–>The owner of the vehicle involved in the crash may have his/her license plates/vehicle registration suspended.

Driver’s license or registratio privileges will remain suspended until the person provides proof of financial responsibility and *maintains the insurance for a period of 3 years from the date the proof is first filed.*

Question 9

If you are at fault in a crash that resulted in death, injury or property damage and did not have liability insurance, you must also meet the requirements of the Safety Responsibility Law.

Question 10

Individuals convicted of mandatory insurance violations will lose their driving privileges for a minimum of 3 months and be required to pay a $100 reinstatement fee with no driving permit available.

Question 11

Financial Responsibility Law

Proof of financial reposibility

1. certificate of insurance (SR-22)
2. a bond or a deposit of securities (stock cerificates)

You are required to file proof of financial resposibility if ___

• you receive an unsatisfied court judgement related to a crash
• you are *suspended under the Safety Responsibility Law due to an uninsured crash*.
• you receive court supervision for a mandatory insurance violation.
• You hav ebeen convicted of 3 or more mandatory insurance violations.

The SR-22 is filed directly with the Secretary of State by the insurance company.

Failure to renew insurance coverage or cancellation of insurance will result in a driver’s license suspension.