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Our society relies on cars to get around more than just about any other place on earth. So, it’s not exactly news that millions of people get pulled over each year for moving violations. These offenses are so prevalent that, in Illinois, traffic court sees more cases than any other court in the state. Even longtime drivers need reminders to avoid breaking the law and getting a ticket.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making it a good time to refresh your understanding of common moving violations – as well as the behaviors that will help you avoid them.

Not Following Illinois & Wisconsin Rules of the Road

A frequent cause of moving violations is simply disobeying traffic signs and red lights. However, these kinds of infractions can lead to serious accidents that may result in property damage or even fatalities, not to mention fines.

Chapter 4 in this Illinois Rules of the Road guide outlines the various traffic laws every driver should know, explaining how to follow each one. Anyone who is unclear on speed limits, highway protocol, and other vital driving guidelines should refer to the guide for a refresher. Meanwhile, keep in mind basic but important ways to avoid a moving violation:

• Stay alert at all times
• Arrange for other means of transportation if you haven’t slept
• Be extra cautious when approaching intersections
• Don’t cut corners – follow all posted signs
• Remain calm and patient – traffic is unpredictable

Don’t Speed: Be Patient Behind the Wheel

One of the most common reasons people get moving violations is by speeding. Yet exceeding the speed limit is known to increase the risk of accidents and injuries, not only to the driver and passengers but also to others on the road. As a rule, remain calm and don’t let your impatience get the better of you.

To avoid speeding violations, drivers should stay mindful of speed limits. In Wisconsin, the speed limit on rural interstate highways is typically 70 mph, at least 5 mph higher than on most Illinois highways. If you drive between the states, keep an eye out for those changes. You should also adjust your speed to road conditions and go slower if necessary.

Even Small Traffic Violations Can Cost You

One deterrence might be to remember that even the smaller, “petty” offenses can cost you. Running a stop sign can result in a ticket of up to $1,000 in Illinois. And being stopped by a traffic officer will only delay you further, making you wish you had paid attention and followed the speed limit.

If you hit another car or injure someone due to a petty offense, you could be charged with a crime on top of being ticketed. No one wants to be involved in an accident. But in the rush to get to work on time, people make mistakes. That’s why it is wise to take a breath before driving, even if you are running late.

The Different Types of Distracted Driving

We’ve all seen the ads about the risks of texting while driving. However, there are many ways to be distracted, not all of them involving a phone. Simply removing a hand from the wheel compromises the attention of a driver. If you reach to get something from your bag, that is considered both a manual and cognitive distraction. Glancing at your bag while doing it is yet a third type of distraction, the visual kind.

Consider the many sources of distractions in a vehicle that most drivers experience:

• Pets and small children
• Smart phones
• Music and programs from devices or the radio
• Passengers conversing
• Interacting with your dashboard and features such as window controls
• Actions like drinking coffee or eating while driving

Penalties to Discourage Distracted Driving

Using a mobile device while driving has become a major contributor to moving violations, too. All states have penalties to discourage drivers from these types of behaviors. In Illinois, if you are in an accident while looking at your phone, you can face steep fines and have your license suspended, not to mention facing higher insurance premiums when you start driving again.

A lot of easy adjustments can help you avoid penalties for distracted driving:

• Organize your belongings before you turn the car on
• Adjust your seat and mirrors while still parked
• Stay off the phone while driving
• Use hands-free devices
• Keep your windshield clean
• Stay focused on the road at all times
• Make sure passengers know not to distract you

Avoid Parking Violations: Go to CFSC Auto Services in Illinois & Wisconsin

Only you have control over your driving behavior. However, CFSC Auto Services in Illinois and Wisconsin can help you avoid other fines associated with parking tickets. Our license services help you update your:

1. Auto title and transfers
2. Vehicle plates and registration
3. City stickers and other routine auto tasks

Don’t get a pricey parking violation because you missed a deadline. Visit your local CFSC Auto Services today to keep your plates and stickers up to date!

A large portion of Midwesterners aspire to own electric vehicles someday, despite the fact that car prices have been off the charts lately. The logic makes sense. Having to purchase half or none of the gas you used to need should save you money in the long run, at least on refueling costs – especially if you just got rid of a pricey gas guzzler.

However, before you hit the road to test your theory, be sure your plates, registration and other routine auto tasks are taken care of so you don’t get ticketed.

Next, review some notable refueling differences so you’ll know what to expect.

How Much Money You Save Overall

Generally, EV owners pay a fraction of what others spend per mile to drive their cars. If you want a more accurate figure, you’ll need to do a little math. How much those savings will offset the higher price you paid for your new car or truck depends on a few things.

1. How much more did you spend than you would have on another gas vehicle?
2. Can you access any government incentives to sweeten the deal for an EV?
3. What is the lasting power of your battery?
4. How much will you have to pay to maintain the vehicle? Hybrids tend to have more complex inner workings than EVs.
5. What is the price of a gallon of gasoline – and what if it changes going forward?

Electricity Costs Vary More Than Gas Costs

Remember: electricity isn’t free, either. While gas prices remain fairly steady, there are more variances when it comes to EV power, and the cost is one of them. Even though a battery usually lasts much longer than a full tank of fuel, it’s still worth figuring out what kind of charging costs to expect. Factors that can impact your rates:

• Whether you are charging at home, which is generally cheaper
• The cost of electricity in your state. Apparently, Iowa is one of the cheapest states.
• How much the station charges – there are many options
• Time of day – lower nighttime demand often results in lower electricity charging rates

Hybrid Cars Offer More Refueling Flexibility

If you drive a hybrid, you can still save substantially at the pump. A hybrid driver can get away with spending a third on gas of what they did before. Again, you will want to examine your driving habits. If you drive mostly in cities and suburbs, you may end up using more battery power, spending less on gas, since these vehicles are designed to run on battery power at lower speeds. However, hours of highway and remote driving at a time might mean your car will switch over to gas whether you want it to or not.

Find Out Where to Refuel Based on Your Travel Habits

Until recently, new EV drivers were sometimes surprised to discover there weren’t many EV charging stations where they were headed. The federal government as well as private companies have invested in installing enough stations so that EV drivers can more easily move around the country without getting stranded when their battery runs out.

But here’s the catch: some states have way fewer electric vehicles, or stations, or both. Illinois has more ports than Wisconsin, for instance, but it also has more than twice the population and many more EV drivers. If you’re in a rural area, you will likely have to travel farther to find a place to refuel. Generally, cities have the most charging options.

You May Have to Wait … a While

Did we mention the wait time? Don’t let your battery run out if you can help it. It can take up to several hours to recharge the whole battery, which is why more homeowners are investing in their own chargers. Another option – charge while you shop! Costco, Target and Walmart are among the big box stores known for their free EV charging (up to a point).

Expect a Different Looking Refueling/Charging Station

Finally, refueling a hybrid or EV versus a regular car is not always as straightforward as those new to the game might think. Relatively new EV owners can get tripped up even after weeks or months of driving. There are power levels to select. Plugs may look weird. If any of this confuses you, don’t be shy about asking for help.

CFSC Auto Services in Illinois & Wisconsin

If you’re in Illinois or Wisconsin, neighborhood CFSC Auto Services want to help you stay on track no matter what you drive. Stop by to get your stickers, plates and other auto needs taken care of in a jiff.

Find your nearest CFSC Auto Services location so you know where to go!

Car ownership is a beautiful thing – unless you are struggling with the expenses of having one. Whether you’re not sure you can continue to afford your car, or you’re simply looking to save a few dollars on car ownership, there is probably a way to make that happen.

Avoid Fines Due to Expired Illinois Licence and Tags

The first way to avoid overpaying is to stay legal, as in make sure your plates and license do not expire to avoid fees due to expired tags or an expired city sticker. It may seem like a no brainer, but Illinois drivers unnecessarily spend thousands of dollars on fines each year due to expired tags. It’s been more and more common since the state stopped sending out those reminders to save money.

Driving with an expired driver’s license can be even more costly. If your car gets towed, you may be on the hook for hundreds of dollars in tickets and tow fees on top of that pricey ticket you’re going to find on the windshield. Better to simply stay on top of your auto insurance and everything else you need to drive legally and safely.

Drive a Smaller Car

Drivers of Kias and Honda Fits spend hundreds of dollars less a year on gas than those with SUVs. If you’re thinking of trading in your car for a new (or used) one, make the miles per gallon of your new car the highest priority.

Consider a Hybrid Vehicle

Many Americans have ditched their gas guzzlers for hybrid vehicles. Some do it for environmental reasons, but you can expect to get twenty to thirty-five percent better gas mileage than driving your regular car, according to GreenAmerica.org. Those dollars not spent on gas will add up fast!

Lower Your Car Insurance

Perhaps you could be spending less on car insurance. You don’t want to cut out any essentials, but a call to your insurer might reveal an unexpected shortcut to lower bills. Raising your deductible and bundling with home insurance are two ways that drivers make this happen.

Refinance Your Auto Loan

Are your loan terms as favorable as they could be? If your car is in good condition, you should be able to refinance your loan. Call banks and other lending institutions to get a few quotes and compare them with your existing one. If you can get one with a lower interest rate, you might have less trouble making those monthly loan payments.

Drive Fewer Miles – or at Different Times of the Day

Have you ever discovered a new shortcut by accident? We all get into our driving routines, so much so that there might be a better route right under your nose. Look up alternate routes to work, including how long they take at different times of the day. Taking a different road a half hour earlier or later could translate to less time sitting in rush hour traffic.

Filing Your Tires & Other Ways to Maximize Your Gas Efficiency

A lot of little habits contribute to the relative efficiency of our driving. We may not notice it at the pump immediately, or we might notice a difference over time and not know why we’re gradually paying more or less.

Things such as filling your tires to the recommended tire pressure are correlated with better gas mileage. Taking care of that routine maintenance you’ve been putting off is another one. Car repairs will always end up costing more. Even slow-coasting – going a bit slower so you’re not forced to hit the brakes unnecessarily – has been shown to maximize one’s gas efficiency.

Use Your Car to Make More Money

Car ownership may be expensive, but cars also give us the power to make money. If you can’t make your car payments but really want to hold onto your vehicle, it may be time to consider a side hustle or other way to make more dough. A better-paying job is another possibility, now that you have the wheels to get there.

Visit CFSC Auto Services in Illinois & Wisconsin for Helpful Auto Services

Visit your nearest CFSC Auto Services next time you need to update your stickers, replace a stolen plate, or register a new vehicle. We’ve got a lot more in the way of financial and auto-related services, as well. Just ask!

Skip the DMV lines and visit CFSC Auto Services today!

Heading out on the semi-frozen road? When temperatures dip below freezing, there are more risks than simply running out of gas. Definitely fill up the tank and take care of routine maintenance. You don’t want to be stranded roadside in the bitter cold. But first, check your vehicle and replenish it with items that may prove helpful, if not essential, in case of an unexpected event – particularly if you find yourself without heat while you and your passengers wait for assistance.

Your owner’s manual and a warm beverage is a good place to start on chilly days. For longer drivers in less familiar locations, consider what else you might need if everything doesn’t go to plan.

Staying Safe and Warm on the Road in the Midwest

When was the last time you peeked inside your roadside emergency kit? If it’s been a year or more, find out what it contains so you know you are prepared and can add or update anything based on your current circumstances. There are several necessities that won’t fit in a kit but you’ll still want to bring. A cell phone charger to keep your phone juiced up. Pet food if you’re bringing a furry friend. Diapers if needed. And in case cell service is dropped or GPS malfunctions, a paper map is not a bad idea.

What else should you keep in your car?

• Sleeping bags or warm blankets for everyone
• Extra water
• Aspirin or ibuprofen
• Bandages
• Flashlight – check the batteries
• Tire chains, depending on your vehicle (for snowy, hilly regions)
• Towels

The most important items should enable everyone in the vehicle to stay warm and hydrated, as well as allow you to get in touch with help if you need it. But there are other items to consider, depending on where you are headed. For example, sturdy shoes if you are going off-road. Extra gloves for harsh conditions. Snacks and possibly medications for those relying on them. Think about the most vulnerable person in the car and be sure their needs will be met in case of engine trouble on the road.

Are You Prepared for a Flat Tire?

Changing a tire in snowy and icy conditions is even more challenging than in temperate weather. Be sure you have roadside assistance through AAA, your insurance provider or another service. Most folks would probably prefer to await professional assistance, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for just such a scenario. Have you checked the quality of your spare tire lately? Fewer new cars come with spare tires nowadays. Whether a spare or a tire kit is normally secured in back, drivers should be familiar with these items in case of a flat or punctured tire.

Do You Have All the Documents You Need to Drive in Illinois?

Finally, no matter how short the drive, be sure all of the necessary documentation is proper and up to date.

1. Proof of Auto Registration

Drivers typically keep a document showing their proof of registration in their glove compartment. This document has vital information such as your name, the registration number of your vehicle, and the make and model. However, in the digital era, more drivers are keeping a digital copy in their phone, as well. If you are stopped by a law enforcement official, you may need to prove your vehicle is registered to show you are legally allowed to operate it on public roads.

2. Your Driver’s license

A lapsed drivers license may not seem like a big deal, but if you are stopped by a police officer you could be facing a fine or worse. Not to mention, you won’t be allowed back in your vehicle until you update your license, a task that requires making time in your busy schedule. It will be easier, and also cheaper, to go through the steps to update it before it lapses.

3. Insurance Card

Keep your most current auto insurance card either in the glove compartment or in your wallet when you drive. The state of Illinois requires a minimum of coverage of certain types of liability insurance. This covers you financially in case you are involved in an accident that results in someone’s death or in damage to property.

However, it may not ensure you are entirely covered, and you may want to be insured for higher amounts. Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s office online for the most current updates to the law, and contact your insurance provider if you are unsure whether you are adequately covered by your plan.

Visit CFSC Auto Services for Your Auto Needs in Illinois & Wisconsin

At CFSC Auto Services, our team can get your stickers, replace lost or stolen plates, transfer ownership, and assist with vehicle registration when you buy a new car. While you’re here, you can also take advantage of a range of useful financial services we provide.

Visit the CFSC Auto Services near you so you will be ready for winter driving in the new year!