summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
03/27/2026
03/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that using an electronic communication device includes recording a video, holding a device in one's hand or lap, composing, sending, or reading any text-based communication, or browsing the Internet. Provides that a person is presumed to be in use of an electronic communication device while driving if the electronic communication device is observed in the person's hand while the vehicle is in motion or stopped in traffic. Changes the penalties for the use of an electronic communication device while driving to: for a first offense, a fine not to exceed $250 (instead of $75); for a second offense, a fine not to exceed $500 (instead of $100) and the person must complete a Distracted Driving Safety Course; and for a third or subsequent offense, a fine not to exceed $750 (instead of $125) and a suspension of the person's driver's license for a period of not less than 3 months and not more than 6 months. Includes exceptions for a public transit or commercial driver using a digital dispatch device within the scope of employment and a driver using the phone for a brief, specific purpose while the vehicle is fully and completely stopped at a red light, as long as the purpose is achieved and the electronic communication device use ceases before the light turns green. Requires that the exception for a driver using an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-operated mode must be 18 or older. Authorizes a municipality to establish an automated distracted driving enforcement program. Provides for the implementation of a distracted driving awareness campaign. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill, effective January 1, 2027, aims to enhance road safety by strengthening regulations on the use of electronic communication devices while driving in Illinois. It broadens the definition of "using an electronic communication device" to include actions like recording video, holding a device, composing or reading text-based messages, and browsing the internet, and establishes a presumption of use if a device is seen in a driver's hand while the vehicle is in motion or stopped in traffic. Penalties for violations are significantly increased, with fines rising from a maximum of $75 for a first offense to $250, and escalating to $500 for a second offense (requiring completion of a Distracted Driving Safety Course) and $750 for a third or subsequent offense, which also mandates a driver's license suspension of 3 to 6 months. The bill includes exceptions for public transit or commercial drivers using dispatch devices for work, and for brief, specific phone use at a red light as long as it concludes before the light turns green, while requiring drivers using hands-free or voice-operated modes to be at least 18 years old. Additionally, it authorizes municipalities to implement automated distracted driving enforcement programs using cameras and mandates a statewide distracted driving awareness campaign.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments (on 03/27/2026)
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