Driving laws are consistently being updated and revised. These updates are intended to enhance road safety, improve driving efficiency, and address emerging challenges. From tomorrow, Illinois drivers will see new laws go into effect to kick off the start of the new year. These changes are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that driving regulations keep pace with the evolving landscape of transportation, including advancements in vehicle technology, environmental concerns, and efforts to reduce traffic accidents.
300 new laws to go into effect for Illinois drivers starting tomorrow
Nearly 300 new laws are set to take effect for Illinois drivers for 2025, including changes to drivers’ education programs. Senate Bill 3406 introduces updates that focus on hazardous material signage, providing critical information for safer roadways. House Bill 4711 mandates that if a driver’s license applicant fails the move-over law question, the Secretary of State must provide them with additional information on the subject.
Additionally, 2025 marks the beginning of the phased implementation of an eight-year driver’s license for eligible individuals, as outlined in Senate Bill 275. House Bill 4592 will also allow individuals to request a mobile driver’s license, streamlining access to essential identification.
“Expanding law enforcement access to mobile devices in a way that might have some privacy concerns,” says State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. “There may be issues around requiring an internet connection to access the mobile ID which disadvantages people who don’t have WiFi. Perhaps, could permit commercial entities to discriminate or charge higher fees. We’ve seen this in places that are refusing to take cash.”
Other new laws affecting drivers include a prohibition on stopping vehicles on the shoulder of highways near O’Hare Airport under House Bill 5408. Additionally, House Bill 4848 mandates that commercial garbage trucks must ensure their tailgates are in proper working condition and securely closed.
New insurance laws to go into effect
In addition to the updated measures set to be implemented next year, auto-insurers are also affected by new legislation. House Bill 5559 will require insurance companies to provide policyholders with a clear and detailed explanation of how repair estimates and other associated costs are calculated when determining if a vehicle is considered a total loss. This added transparency aims to reduce confusion and ensure that drivers understand the full breakdown of costs in the claims process.
Car insurance remains a major concern for drivers across the country, particularly as premiums continue to rise. While there are key precautions you can take to lower the expense, hidden costs within car insurance often go unnoticed. For instance, factors like coverage limits, state regulations, and even the type of vehicle you drive can all impact your premiums. As insurance companies face increasing scrutiny over pricing practices, it’s more important than ever for consumers to stay informed and carefully review their policies to avoid unnecessary costs.
New O’Hare Driver Safety Act to be implemented
One of the more obscure policy changes in Illinois starting from next year is the has to do with drivers dropping and picking up passengers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. According to the O’Hare Driver Safety Act, cars will no longer be allowed to stop or stand their vehicles in the shoulder of the highway within a one-half mile radius of the eastern entrance. Should you be caught doing this, you will be subjected to a $100 dollar fine.
As Illinois drivers prepare for new laws taking effect in 2025, the impact of these changes extends beyond just road safety. With the implementation of House Bill 5559 requiring insurers to provide detailed explanations of total loss determinations, drivers may find themselves more informed about their car insurance policies. However, it’s important to note that some vehicles remain significantly more expensive to insure than others, regardless of new legislation.
