With the new year just around the corner, the Illinois State Police is alerting motorists of how some of the new laws will impact travel in the state.
Motorists should be aware that Scott’s Law, the “Move Over” Law, that mandates that drives move over or slow down when approaching a parked emergency vehicle will now apply to any vehicle with hazard lights activated. See flashing lights? Move over or slow down.
Penalties have also increased for speeding in school or work zones. Speeding 26 miles per hour or more, but less than 35 miles per hour, is now a class B misdemeanor. 35 miles per hour and above in marked school or work zone is now a class A misdemeanor. Disobeying posted speed limits could get you jail time after the first of the year. This law has been in Effect since 2016, but will be more heavily enforced in 2017.
Additional, people who have been convicted of driving without insurance could also be facing steeper punishments on the next offense. The law now requires that police impound a vehicle if the diver has been convicted of driving without insurance for the second time in twelve months.
“The new year usually brings new resolutions and goals,” said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. “In 2017 the ISP resolves to continue to work towards strengthening safe driving habits for motorists on Illinois roadways. Our goal is to reduce serious traffic crashes through education and enforcement,” he suggested.
You can read a complete list of new Illinois Laws here!