Meaning of the word "ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it" in English

What does "ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it

US /ˈɪɡ.nər.əns əv ðə lɔː ɪz noʊ ɪkˈskjuːs fɔːr ˈbreɪ.kɪŋ ɪt/
UK /ˈɪɡ.nər.əns əv ðə lɔː ɪz nəʊ ɪkˈskjuːs fɔː ˈbreɪ.kɪŋ ɪt/
"ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it" picture

Idiom

a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely because one was unaware of its content

Example:
He tried to claim he didn't know the speed limit had changed, but ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it.
You cannot avoid a fine by saying you didn't see the sign; ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it.