On January 1, 2009, Illinois became one of only six states in the nation to require installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on the vehicle of a first-time DUI offender. This device could be standard equipment for someone convicted of DUI for the first time, a driver who refuses to submit to a breath-alcohol test by law enforcement, or someone who receives court supervision for an alcohol-related offense. This new law is just one more way that Illinois is working to make our roadways safer for all motorists.

In January 2008, my office oversaw enactment of new teen driving laws, with the goal of helping Illinois’ young, novice drivers be better prepared to handle the responsibilities of operating a motor vehicle. I am pleased to report that these new laws have helped drastically reduce the number of teen driver fatalities in Illinois.

My goal for 2009 is to introduce and enact legislation to curb the hazards of distracted driving. It is my hope that we will soon have laws prohibiting text messaging while driving as well as laws detering distracted driving in construction and school zones.

For more information about these laws, including the new GDL law, please visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Jesse White
Secretary of State

This edition of the Illinois Rules of the Road is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. The manual gives drivers information on obtaining a driver’s license, driver’s license laws, traffic safety issues and general information regarding Illinois traffic laws and ordinances. The language of the Illinois Compiled Statutes is condensed and paraphrased and does not cover every law or explain every possible situation that motorists may face while operating a motor vehicle. The manual also provides highway safety information not in the law. It is intended as a tool for drivers and should not be cited as a legal authority in court.