What is the statute of limitations for a traffic ticket?

In the state of Illinois, the statute of limitations for a traffic ticket is generally three years from the date of the alleged offense. This means that if a ticket is issued for an alleged violation of the law, a driver has three years to either pay the ticket or contest it in court. After that time, the ticket will be considered time-barred and no legal action can be taken. However, there are a few exceptions to this standard three-year limit. If a ticket was issued in lieu of a criminal or criminal misdemeanor charge, the statute of limitations may be extended. The Illinois Vehicle Code and the Illinois Supreme Court have both held that the statute of limitations is five years for such cases. Additionally, if the ticket was issued for a violation of federal motor vehicle laws, the statute of limitations can be extended up to five years. In addition to the statute of limitations, a driver should also consider the Statute of Repose, which states that after ten years, no legal action can be taken to enforce a penalty against the driver or his or her car. This means that if a driver has a ticket that is more than ten years old, no legal action can be taken against him or her to enforce the penalty. Ultimately, understanding the rules around the statute of limitations and the Statute of Repose is important for any driver who has received a traffic ticket in the state of Illinois. Failure to comply with either of these laws could result in the driver facing serious penalties, including fines, points on their license, and even jail time.

What is the statute of limitations for a traffic ticket?

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