On July 1st, the Illinois General Assembly passed two new laws that can impact drivers. Keep reading to learn more about the new laws and how you may be affected by them.
12-610.2 – Texting and Driving
Section 12-610.2 of the Illinois General Assembly states that “A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message.”
The law goes on to define the following terms:
- Electronic communication device:
- “An electronic device, including but not limited to a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer while being used for the purpose of composing, reading, or sending an electronic message, but does not include a global positioning system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.”
- Electronic message:
- “A self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices. ‘Electronic message’ includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site.”
If you cause another person significant bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement as a result of using your mobile phone while driving, you may face a 12-month license suspension and a minimum fine of $1,000.
House Bill 2383 – Right of Way in Crosswalks
House Bill 2383, also known as Mason’s Law, is not technically new in 2020, but may still impact Illinois drivers. The law was officially enacted on August 23rd, 2019, but did not become active until July 1st, 2020.
In a nutshell, this law provides harsher punishments for drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks or in school zones and injure someone. People who violate this newly implemented law may have their driving privileges suspended for 12 months.
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team is highly skilled in the area of car accident personal injury cases and has helped many other people just like you obtain justice. Let us see if we can help you, too. Don’t delay—contact us with your case right away.
Call the Naperville lawyers at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, LLC today at (773) 906-4063 to speak with an attorney about your case.