Beginning January 1 Illinois State Police (ISP) will begin enforcing new motor vehicle laws that passed in 2011, as the push to decrease traffic fatalities remains a top priority for law enforcement officials across Illinois.
The ISP’s Fatal Four most common traffic violations – Speeding, DUI, seat belts, and distracted driving, remain a top priority for ISP Troopers to enforce, and will be further enhanced with new laws that take effect on January 1, 2012.
The Illinois State Police continues to support safety education programs and initiatives which have had a direct impact on public safety and have reduced the number of traffic crash fatalities on Illinois roadways. As of December 29, preliminary data indicates Illinois has experienced 821 traffic crash fatalities in 2011, which are 26 fatalities less than the same time period in 2010.
Seat Belts for All Occupants. Illinois State Police will enforce a new seat belt law that requires all passengers of a motor vehicle to be properly restrained when the vehicle is operated on a street or highway.
Enforcement of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulation.
This new regulation prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile device by anyone driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). The regulation also prohibits Motor Carriers from requiring drivers to use a hand-held device while operating a CMV on a highway
Truck Speed Limits. In July 2011, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law Public Act 97-0202 which amended the Illinois Vehicle Code’s Speed Restrictions. The new law will take effect on January 3, 2012, and increases the speed limit for second division vehicles traveling on four-lane highways where the speed limit is 65 miles per hour.
ISP Districts will be coordinating enforcement efforts statewide and have identified problem areas and roads to target for the New Year holiday weekend. Roadside safety check patrols are already underway, and law enforcement officials will be enforcing the laws to ensure that motorists arrive at their final destinations safely.
