A new law (Bill SB624) toughens the already existing Illinois Vehicle Code and the Unified Code of Corrections, which penalizes motorists without insurance with a fine of $500 to $1000. Drivers convicted while on suspension for a similar violation will have their licenses suspended for an additional 6 months. Senate Bill 624 goes into effect July 1, 2007.

Here is a summary of other new traffic safety laws in our State:

A new law bans teen drivers from carrying more than one passenger under the age of 20 for the first six months after receiving his or her license unless the additional passengers are siblings, step-siblings, a children, or step-children of the driver.

A new law that bans cell phone use by drivers under 18.

A new law requires drivers under 18 to make sure that their teen passengers are buckled properly in the front and back seats.

A new law raises the age at which children must be in booster seats from
4 to 8.

The primary seat belt enforcement law that allows officers to stop and ticket drivers for not wearing a seat belt is saving lives. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports that 88% of front seat occupants observed were wearing their seat belts, up two percent from last year and 12% from when Governor Blagojevich signed the primary safety belt enforcement law in 2003.