Pritzker signs new Illinois law to install speed-limiters in speeders’ vehicles

A new Illinois law will target so-called “super-speeders,” requiring them to install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles if they commit multiple road violations.

Under provisions of HB 4948, which Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law on Friday, the state will introduce the “Intelligent Speed Assistance Program,” designed to replace license suspension with a different alternative for drivers.

According to the text of the law, the program will require drivers who have committed two qualifying speeding or reckless driving offenses within a 12-month period to install a speed-limiting device on their vehicles, which will prevent them from exceeding the speed limit.

Drivers would have up to 14 days after their second violation to obtain a permit for the device and to have it installed, and would be issued a restricted driver’s license that only permits them to operate vehicles with the device installed.

The measure officially goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2028, and passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly by large majorities.

Virginia and Washington have already passed similar laws according to the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and Illinois officials are touting the legislation as a more effective alternative to license suspension.

The devices are similar to ignition interlock devices that require drivers to prove they aren’t under the influence of alcohol before they operate a vehicle, according to experts.

Persons enrolled in the program will pay all costs associated with enrollment and participation, with exceptions for low-income residents, according to the text of the legislation.

The policy proposal comes due to a rise in vehicle accidents and speed-related fatalities, according to researchers. According to the text of the legislation, approximately 75% of drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive, citing the National Cooperative Highway Research Program.

Speeding is a contributing factor in an estimated 29% of all traffic fatalities, resulting in 12,000 deaths annually according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Illinois lawmakers call fines, licenses points and suspensions “insufficient” in addressing the problem of chronic speeding, and the devices would be aimed at improving driver safety while also allowing drivers to continue operating their vehicles even after multiple traffic offenses, rather than suspending their licenses outright.

Washington lawmakers cited data showing year-over-year increases in speeding-related fatalities since 2019 when they passed their version of the bill last year.