New Rules for the Road

In response to recent high-profile hit-and-run cases and the ever-disturbing number of drunk drivers on the road, Illinois put in place one of its strictest traffic safety laws. This new law creates a class of serious traffic violations that include: failing to stop and exchange information after a motor vehicle accident involving only property damage, or personal injury, or death; illegally transporting alcohol; operating a motor vehicle without a valid license or permit; excessive speeding; reckless driving; passing in a no-passing zone; backing up on a controlled access highway; driving on the left side of the road; failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian; and failure to stop for an approaching railroad train or signals.

The penalties for these violations are severe. Multiple violations can include imprisonment or mandatory driver's license suspension or revocation. Because the category of serious traffic violations varies from hit and run to failure to yield, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney before you appear in traffic court.

The ultimate goal of this new law is to make our roads safer by preventing accidents and injuries. To that end, Illinois also created what is called the "Graduated Licensing Program." This program is designed to develop safe and mature driving habits in young, inexperienced drivers. It requires a longer time for young drivers to practice before obtaining permission to get a driver's license. It has also strengthened the licensing and testing standards for persons under age 21. It prevents graduated license holders from operating a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the front seat, and all passengers in the vehicle must be properly buckled in.

This website is not intended to constitute legal advice or the provision of legal services. By posting and/or maintaining the website and its contents, Lucas Law does not intend to solicit business from clients located in states or jurisdictions outside of Illinois wherein Lucas Law or its individual attorney(s) are not licensed or authorized to practice law.