Even if you are driving under the posted speed limit, you may be given a ticket or citation for driving too fast for the conditions. Driving too fast for conditions is defined as traveling at a speed that is greater than a reasonable standard for safe driving.
Examples of conditions where drivers may find themselves driving too fast include wet roadways (rain, snow, or ice); reduced visibility (fog); uneven roads; construction zones; curves; intersections; gravel roads; and heavy traffic.
In Illinois, even if you are driving below the posted speed limit, you can still receive a ticket for driving too fast for conditions under 625 ILCS 5/11-601(a) of the Illinois Vehicle Code. This statute requires drivers to control the speed of their vehicle to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care. Conditions that may warrant a reduced speed include adverse weather (rain, snow, or ice), reduced visibility (fog), construction zones, uneven or gravel roads, curves, intersections, and heavy traffic. Law enforcement officers have the discretion to determine what constitutes a reasonable standard for safe driving under the current conditions, and drivers are expected to adjust their speed accordingly to ensure safety.