The Illinois State Police and north suburban police departments are teaming up this summer in a traffic enforcement initiative called “Operation Rogue Rider.” The effort will target motorcyclists who are speeding or riding recklessly on the Edens Expressway (I-94) in Skokie and Lincolnwood.
I-94 in that area is narrow, with only four lanes traveling in each direction.
While interstate highways are typically the domain of troopers, Skokie and Lincolnwood police officers will be on hand to assist them in catching motorcycle riders who are riding dangerously.
Most of the enforcement efforts will take place at night. Operation Rogue Rider was developed after these agencies received numerous complaints from motorists about motorcycle riders on the Edens.
Anyone who is stopped can be arrested, taken into custody, and have his motorcycle towed. Law enforcement officers may choose from a number of charges to file against him in court:
- Speeding 31 mph or more over the limit. 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(a). Class B misdemeanor with maximum 180 days in jail.
- Speeding 40 mph or more over the limit. 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5(b). Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail.
- Reckless driving. 625 ILCS 5/11-503. Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail.
- Street racing. 625 ILCS 5/11-506 . Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail.
Attorneys used to assume that speeding tickets ‘in the triple digits’ (eg, 100 mph or faster) would result in a conviction, traffic safety school and perhaps community service. But those assumptions have changed. People are going to jail in Cook County for speeding now.
If charged under this operation, consult with an experienced lawyer who handles cases in the First and Second Municipal Districts (Chicago and Skokie).
