It is 2020 and several new traffic laws took effect at the beginning of this year. Most significantly, Scott’s Law, a traffic measure to protect police and safety workers, was provided some new tweaks. The original law, also known as the “move over law,” requires drivers to reduce speed and switch lanes to give first-responders on the side of the road more space when their hazard lights are flashing. Due to the tragic deaths of 2 Illinois State Troopers in 2019, the Illinois general assembly made the following changes to Scott’s Law:
-The minimum fine for violating Scott’s Law will increase from $100 to $250 for the first violation, and $750 for the second violation.
-Those who violate Scott’s Law and cause an injury or death will be charged with a Class 4 felony.
-The Scott’s Law Fund will be created to educate motorists on the importance of Scott’s Law. This will be funded by a $250 assessment fee for any violation of Scott’s Law.
-The Illinois Secretary of State will be required to include at least one question about Scott’s Law on the written driving test.
Below are some of the other new traffic laws:
Construction Zone (SB 1496) – Increase the maximum penalty for hitting a construction worker to $25,000 (Currently $10,000).
Vehicle Code-Use of Video Devices (SB 86) – Clarifies that people cannot stream videos on a cell phone while they are driving.
Vehicle Code-Tinted Lights (SB 87) – Bans tinted headlights from being installed on cars.
Non-Highway Vehicle-55 MPH (HB 2068) – Provides that a person may operate an all-terrain vehicle or recreational off-highway vehicle on a roadway with a speed limit of 55 MPH or less (rather than 35 miles per hour or less).
Illinois Vehicle Code-School Buses (HB 1873) – Raises the mandatory fines for illegally passing a school bus from $150 to $300 for an initial violation and $500 to $1,000 for a future violation.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an Illinois traffic accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury lawyer, Aaron J. Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076.