Every beep, buzz, and notification steals attention from what matters most: the road. Texting and driving laws in Illinois were created to stop this growing problem before another life is lost to distraction. With tougher penalties and stricter enforcement, the state aims to make every driver think twice before picking up their phone.
Understanding Texting and Driving Laws in Illinois
Illinois treats distracted driving as a serious offense. A few years ago, drivers might have gotten away with just a warning for using a handheld device while driving. That’s no longer the case. Today, being caught texting or scrolling while driving is considered a moving violation, which directly impacts your driving record.
Lawmakers made this change to reinforce the fact that distracted driving is a dangerous activity. The law encourages drivers to prioritize safety and refrain from using phones while operating a vehicle.
Texting and Driving Data
Far too many Americans use their phones while the car is in “drive.” A study by Volvo found that the actual number is 71%. The same study found that younger drivers are less likely than their parents to use their phones while driving. That puts it at one in five people who admit to texting while driving.
According to the National Safety Council, cell phone use while driving is responsible for approximately 1.6 million crashes annually. 25% of police-reported collisions involve drivers using their cellphones, and texting while driving is more dangerous than impaired driving. Mindy Carroll, an Illinois State Police spokeswoman, said that “State police issued 15,150 citations for distracted driving in 2019.”
House Bill 4846
According to Ben Szalinski, “House Bill 4846, which took effect July 1, will count first-time incidences of driving while operating a handheld mobile device as a ‘“moving violation.” Under state law, moving violations appear on motorists’ driving record, and drivers who receive three moving violations in a year see their driver’s license suspended.”
The first-time ticket will also include a $75 fine. After that, the fine increases to $100, $125, and $150 up to the 4th offense. Illinois law states that if a driver receives three moving violations in 365 days, their license will be suspended.
The new law does not apply to (Anderson, 2019):
- A law enforcement officer or operator of an emergency vehicle performing official duties
- A driver using an electronic device to report an emergency
- A driver using a phone in hands-free mode, which can include the use of a headset or headphones
- A driver using an electronic device while parked on the shoulder of a roadway
How to Break the Habit and Drive Safer
Breaking the habit starts with small steps:
- Activate Do Not Disturb mode before starting your trip.
- Use hands-free technology if you must make a call.
- Place your phone out of reach, such as in the glove box.
- Install driving safety apps that block notifications.
- Pull over safely if a message or call can’t wait.
No text is worth your safety. Staying focused protects not just your life but everyone else’s on the road, too.
Protecting Your Future Under Illinois Texting and Driving Laws
At Costa Ivone, we’ve helped many clients whose lives were changed because someone decided to text while driving. Our experienced personal injury lawyers and workers’ compensation lawyers fight for those injured by careless drivers.
Reach out to our team today to schedule a consultation. Learn how the texting and driving laws in Illinois can support your case and help you pursue fair compensation.