A new Illinois law tightens restrictions on young drivers and allows parents to view their minor children’s driving records. Other new laws address reckless homicide and the use of ignition interlock devices.

• Driving Records (HB 518). Parents of a person under 18 who has an instruction permit or graduated driver’s license may view the teen’s driving record and police reports on any blood alcohol testing.
• Young Drivers (SB172). A new law has increased the amount of time a driver with a permit needs to qualify for a graduated driver's license from three months to nine months. Teen drivers who have committed moving violations must wait for a longer violation-free period to get full licenses. There are stricter penalties for teens who engage in “street racing.”
• Driving Offenses (SB 1005, HB 508). Failure to report an accident causing injury or death is re-classified as a more serious felony. In addition, not yielding the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk in a school zone on a school day when children are nearby becomes a petty offense with a fine of at least $150 for the first offense and at least $300 for a repeat offense.
• Reckless Homicide Sanctions (SB533, SB 363). If reckless driving causes bodily harm to a child or a school crossing guard, the penalties will be increased. If the harm is permanent, the penalties are even more severe. For example, if two or more people are killed, it will be considered a Class 2 felony punishable by 6-28 years of prison time.
• DUI Ignition Interlock Device (SB 585). Those who are required to operate a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device and drives one not so equipped will commit a Class A demeanor, and if convicted, can face an additional year of license suspension.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.