New Illinois Anti-Speeding Bill Awaits Governor Pritzker’s Signature

Illinois could soon take a major step toward cracking down on dangerous speeding and reckless driving across the state.

A new bill heading to JB Pritzker's office would require certain high-risk drivers to install speed-limiting technology in their vehicles instead of facing a tradition license suspension.

Illinois Drivers Could Face New Rules Under Proposed Safety Bill

House Bill 4948 would create the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program in Illinois.  Under the proposal, drivers convicted of serious speeding or reckless driving offenses could be required to install a device that automatically prevents their vehicle from going above the posted speed limit.  The device could use integrated location-based technology, digital mapping data, or camera-based sign recognition to determine the speed limit in real time.

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The Illinois Secretary of State would oversee the program, including device installation, monitoring, and compliance.  Drivers eligible for the program could choose to enroll for anywhere from six months to one year instead of losing their license completely.  Participants would also be responsible for paying a $30 monthly fee, which would go into the Intelligent Speed Assistance Permit Fee Fund.

Supporters of the bill believe it could make Illinois roads safer while also addressing a major issue with license suspensions: many drivers continue driving anyway, even after losing their license.  Advocates say this system would allow people to keep driving legally while preventing dangerous speeding behaviors that can lead to crashes and fatalities.

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State Senator said the goal is to improve public safety while offering an alternative to suspensions that may not always work.

Th legislation passed the House on April 14th and cleared the Senate on May 20th.

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