As we move into 2025, Illinois drivers should be aware of new laws that will impact how they navigate the Land of Lincoln. These legislative updates focus on enhancing safety, ensuring accountability, and laying the groundwork for mobile identification cards. Below, we break down the key provisions of these laws and how they affect drivers.
Expanding the "Move Over" Law
Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen was killed when a driver didn’t move over to give Lieutenant Gillen enough space to respond to an emergency on the Dan Ryan Expressway. This tragedy spurred the passage of “Scott’s Law,” also known as the “Move Over” law in Illinois. Starting next year, updates to the law precipitated by House Bill 5370 mandate:
Yield the Right of Way at Emergency Scenes: Drivers must change lanes to create a safe buffer when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, construction zone, or active emergency scene. This must be done when it is safe to change lanes. An "emergency scene" is any location where a stationary emergency vehicle is present and has activated its oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.
Slow Down: If changing lanes isn’t safe or possible, drivers are required to reduce their speed and maintain a safe distance until they have passed the scene.
Why It Matters
This law is designed to protect first responders, construction workers, and others who may be vulnerable while working near traffic. Failing to comply can result in steep fines and other penalties, so it’s crucial to stay alert and plan your movements carefully when approaching these areas.
Tips for Compliance
Stay vigilant for flashing lights, cones, or other indicators of an emergency or construction zone.
Check your mirrors and blind spots before attempting to change lanes.
If you cannot change lanes safely, begin slowing down well in advance.
Report Crashes
Senate Bill 3775 (Public Act 103-1047) amends the Illinois Vehicle Code, effective January 1, 2025, focusing on crash reporting requirements and related procedures.
When to Report
Drivers must report a crash to law enforcement as quickly as possible if it involves:
Injuries or fatalities
Property damage exceeding $1,500 (or $500 if any driver is uninsured)
A school bus, regardless of damage or injuries
Consequences for Not Complying
Failing to report such incidents may result in the suspension of your driver’s license, along with additional penalties.
Why It Matters
This law aims to ensure that accidents are documented accurately and promptly, facilitating fair resolutions for all parties involved, improving data collection by authorities, and enhancing public safety.
Tips for Compliance
Call the police when it is safe to do so after an accident and when you are in a mental and physical state that will help the police know what happened.
In the event of an accident, prioritize safety by moving to a secure location if possible before contacting law enforcement.
Document the scene with photos or videos to provide accurate information when reporting.
Call an attorney to seek legal advice about compliance before you speak with insurance companies that might not have your best interests at heart.
Electronic driver's licenses
As of January 1, 2025, Illinois residents will have the option to obtain digital versions of their driver's licenses and state identification cards, thanks to House Bill 4592. This legislation, signed into law as Public Act 103-0824, introduces "mobile" IDs that can be accessed via smartphones or other digital devices, providing a modern complement to traditional physical credentials. Unfortunately, mobile IDs do not and cannot replace the old-fashioned hard copy of the ID. So, you still need to carry your normal ID as well.
Key Provisions of HB 4592
Issuance of Mobile IDs: The Illinois Secretary of State is authorized to issue mobile driver's licenses and identification cards to individuals eligible for physical credentials. These digital IDs are intended to supplement, not replace, physical cards.
Compliance Standards: All mobile IDs will adhere to the latest standards set by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, ensuring consistency and security across digital identification platforms.
Privacy Protections: Displaying a mobile ID should not grant consent for law enforcement or any other individual to access additional data or applications on the device. Furthermore, upon request by law enforcement, individuals must still present their physical driver's license or ID card.
Implications for Illinois Residents
Not a replacement: Mobile IDs offer an alternative for identity verification when someone wants to see the mobile ID. However, the electronic ID is not a replacement for the non-mobile alternative. A police officer, for example, can still compel you to produce a hard copy of your driver’s license even if you have your mobile ID on you.
Selective Acceptance: While mobile IDs provide flexibility, not all entities accept them. Residents should be prepared to present physical IDs when required, especially during interactions with law enforcement or organizations that have not yet adopted digital ID verification systems.
Security Considerations: The implementation of mobile IDs includes measures to protect personal information. However, users should remain vigilant about device security to prevent unauthorized access.
The introduction of mobile driver's licenses and identification cards in Illinois represents a small step toward modernizing personal identification methods. People still should carry around the physical copy of their ID, even if they have a mobile ID as well. This law does lay the groundwork for the Illinois Secretary of State embracing new ID technologies in the future.
The year ahead.
By understanding and following these new rules, Illinois drivers can contribute to safer roads for everyone and take advantage of the new technologies offered by the Illinois Secretary of State. For more detailed information about any of these laws, you can refer to the official Illinois General Assembly website. You can also call our office anytime. Happy 2025!
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