Under what circumstance can a driver legally exceed the speed limit in Illinois?

A driver can legally exceed the speed limit in Illinois when avoiding an accident. This situation is recognized as an emergency response where the driver needs to take quick action to prevent a collision or a potentially dangerous situation. The legal framework allows for this exception, as safety can necessitate temporarily exceeding speed limits in response to an immediate hazard.

In contrast, exceeding the speed limit in a construction zone is not allowed and could result in fines or penalties. Racing another vehicle is prohibited under traffic laws and carries its own set of legal consequences. Simply being late for an appointment does not justify exceeding the speed limit, as it does not pertain to an emergency situation and does not promote road safety.