625 ILCS 5/ Illinois Vehicle Code.

(625 ILCS 5/12-602) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-602)

Sec. 12-602. Mufflers, prevention of noise.

Every motor vehicle driven or operated upon the highways of this State shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler or exhaust system in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise. No such muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device. No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and such original muffler shall comply with all the requirements of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 77-37.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-602.1)

Sec. 12-602.1. Excessive engine braking noise signs.

(a) A county or municipality may post signs that prohibit the driver of a commercial vehicle, as defined in Section 1-111.8 of this Code, from operating or actuating any engine braking system that emits excessive noise. The Department of Transportation may erect and maintain the signs on interstate highways near weigh stations that are adjacent to residential areas or communities.

(b) The sign shall state, "EXCESSIVE ENGINE BRAKING NOISE PROHIBITED". The Department of Transportation shall adopt rules providing for the erection and placement of these signs.

(c) This Section does not apply to the use of an engine braking system that has an adequate sound muffling system in proper working order that prevents excessive noise.

(d) It is a defense to this Section that the driver used an engine braking system that emits excessive noise in an emergency to avoid a collision with a person or another vehicle on the highway.

(e) A violation of this Section is an equipment violation punishable by a fine of $75.

(Source: P.A. 96-523, eff. 1-1-10.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-603) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-603)

Sec. 12-603. Seat safety belts.

(a) No person shall sell any 1965 or later model motor vehicle of the first division unless the front seat of such motor vehicle is equipped with 2 sets of seat safety belts. Motorcycles are exempted from the provisions of this Section.

(b) No person shall operate any 1965 or later model motor vehicle of the first division that is titled or licensed by the Secretary of State unless the front seat of such motor vehicle is equipped with 2 sets of seat safety belts.

(b-5) No person under the age of 18 years shall operate any motor vehicle, except a motor driven cycle or motorcycle, with more than one passenger in the front seat of the motor vehicle and no more passengers in the back seats than the number of available seat safety belts, except that each driver under the age of 18 years operating a second division vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,000 pounds or less that contains only a front seat may operate the vehicle with more than one passenger in the front seat, provided that each passenger is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt.

(c) (Blank).

(d) The Department shall establish performance specifications for seat safety belts and for the attachment and installation thereof.

(Source: P.A. 89-120, eff. 7-7-95; 90-89, eff. 1-1-98; 90-369, eff. 1-1-98; 90-655, eff. 7-30-98.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-603.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-603.1)

Sec. 12-603.1. Driver and passenger required to use safety belts, exceptions and penalty.

(a) Each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this State shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt. A child less than 8 years of age shall be protected as required pursuant to the Child Passenger Protection Act. Each driver of a motor vehicle transporting a child 8 years of age or more, but less than 16 years of age, shall secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt as required under the Child Passenger Protection Act. Each driver of a motor vehicle transporting a passenger who is unable, due to infirmity, illness, or age, to properly adjust and fasten a seat safety belt and is not exempted from wearing a seat safety belt under subsection (b) shall secure the passenger in a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt as required under this Section.

(b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply to any of the following:

1. A driver or passenger frequently stopping and leaving the vehicle or delivering property from the vehicle, if the speed of the vehicle between stops does not exceed 15 miles per hour.

2. A driver or passenger possessing a written statement from a physician that such person is unable, for medical or physical reasons, to wear a seat safety belt.

3. A driver or passenger possessing an official certificate or license endorsement issued by the appropriate agency in another state or country indicating that the driver is unable for medical, physical, or other valid reasons to wear a seat safety belt.

4. A driver operating a motor vehicle in reverse.

5. A motor vehicle with a model year prior to 1965.

6. A motorcycle or motor driven cycle.

7. A moped.

8. A motor vehicle which is not required to be equipped with seat safety belts under federal law.

9. A motor vehicle operated by a rural letter carrier of the United States postal service while performing duties as a rural letter carrier.

10. A driver or passenger of an authorized emergency vehicle, except this exception does not apply to vehicles of the fire department; vehicles of the Office of the State Fire Marshal; or ambulances, unless the delivery of life-saving measures prohibits the use of a seat safety belt.

11. A back seat passenger of a taxicab.

(c) Failure to wear a seat safety belt in violation of this Section shall not be considered evidence of negligence, shall not limit the liability of an insurer, and shall not diminish any recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation of a motor vehicle.

(d) A violation of this Section shall be a petty offense and subject to a fine not to exceed $25.

(e) (Blank).

(f) A law enforcement officer may not search or inspect a motor vehicle, its contents, the driver, or a passenger solely because of a violation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 97-16, eff. 1-1-12; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11; 98-451, eff. 8-16-13.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-604)

Sec. 12-604. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-415. Repealed by P.A. 94-185, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-604.1)

Sec. 12-604.1. Video devices.

(a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or is operating and visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.

(a-5) A person commits aggravated use of a video device when he or she violates subsection (a) and in committing the violation he or she was involved in a motor vehicle crash that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another and the violation was a proximate cause of the injury or death.

(b) This Section does not apply to the following equipment, whether or not permanently installed in a vehicle:

(1) a vehicle information display;

(2) a global positioning display;

(3) a mapping or navigation display;

(4) a visual display used to enhance or supplement the driver's view forward, behind, or to the sides of a motor vehicle for the purpose of maneuvering the vehicle;

(5) television-type receiving equipment used exclusively for safety or traffic engineering studies; or

(6) a television receiver, video monitor, television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal, if that equipment has an interlock device that, when the motor vehicle is driven, disables the equipment for all uses except as a visual display as described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection (b).

(c) This Section does not apply to a mobile, digital terminal installed in an authorized emergency vehicle, a motor vehicle providing emergency road service or roadside assistance, or to motor vehicles utilized for public transportation.

(d) This Section does not apply to a television receiver, video monitor, television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal if: (i) the equipment is permanently installed in the motor vehicle; and (ii) the moving entertainment images that the equipment displays are not visible to the driver while the motor vehicle is in motion.

(d-5) This Section does not apply to a video event recorder, as defined in Section 1-218.10 of this Code, installed in a contract carrier vehicle.

(e) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this Section, a person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined not more than $100 for a first offense, not more than $200 for a second offense within one year of a previous conviction, and not more than $250 for a third or subsequent offense within one year of 2 previous convictions.

(f) A person convicted of violating subsection (a-5) commits a Class A misdemeanor if the violation resulted in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another. A person convicted of violating subsection (a-5) commits a Class 4 felony if the violation resulted in the death of another person.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-604.3)

Sec. 12-604.3. Video event recorder notice. A contract carrier vehicle carrying passengers that is equipped with a video event recorder shall have a notice posted in a visible location stating that a passenger's conversation may be recorded. Any data recorded by a video event recorder shall be the sole property of the registered owner or lessee of the contract carrier vehicle.

(Source: P.A. 99-689, eff. 1-1-17.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-605) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-605)

Sec. 12-605. Taxicabs-Bullet proof shields. In municipalities with 1,000,000 or more population, any taxicab manufactured, owned or operated after September 1, 1970, and regularly operated in such a municipality must have a bullet proof shield completely separating the driver's seat from the back seat.

(Source: P.A. 80-911.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-605.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-605.1)

Sec. 12-605.1. (a) On or after two years from the effective date of this Act, no bus which was first placed in service after July 1, 1969, or which has undergone complete renovation and restoration since July 1, 1969 shall be operated as a part of any local mass transit system in this State unless the vehicle is equipped with radio facilities permitting two-way vocal communications between the bus and a local transit control office. This Section does not apply to buses used for charter service, school buses, intrastate carriers while not providing transportation services pursuant to contracts with any local mass transit system, private non-profit carriers receiving assistance under Section 16(b)2 of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 as amended, carriers receiving assistance pursuant to Article III of the Downstate Public Transportation Act, or interstate carriers and buses owned by a private local mass transit system;

(b) A local mass transit system operating a bus not in compliance with the requirements of subsection (a) shall not be in violation of that subsection, provided that the bus is brought into compliance within a reasonable time (in no event to exceed 1 week) following written notification to the mass transit system of the fact that the bus is not in compliance.

(Source: P.A. 90-89, eff. 1-1-98.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-605.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-605.2)

Sec. 12-605.2. Beginning 30 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1988, no person shall consume any food or drink, excluding any medicine, upon any bus operated as a part of any local mass transit system in this State. This Section does not apply to buses used for charter service, school buses, intrastate carriers while not providing transportation services pursuant to contracts with any local mass transit system, and private non-profit carriers.

Persons found guilty of violating this Section shall be fined $100.

(Source: P.A. 90-89, eff. 1-1-98.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-606) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-606)

Sec. 12-606. Tow trucks; identification; equipment; insurance.

(a) Every tow truck, except those owned by governmental agencies, shall have displayed on each side thereof, a sign with letters not less than 2 inches in height, contrasting in color to that of the background, stating the full legal name, complete address (including street address and city), and telephone number of the owner or operator thereof. This information shall be permanently affixed to the sides of the tow truck.

(b) Every tow truck shall be equipped with:

(1) One or more brooms and shovels;

(2) One or more trash cans of at least 5 gallon capacity; and

(3) One fire extinguisher. This extinguisher shall be either:

(i) of the dry chemical or carbon dioxide type with an aggregate rating of at least 4-B, C units, and bearing the approval of a laboratory qualified by the Division of Fire Prevention for this purpose; or

(ii) One that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations of the United States Department of Transportation for fire extinguishers on commercial motor vehicles.

(c) Every owner or operator and driver of a tow truck shall comply with Section 11-1413 of this Code and shall remove or cause to be removed all glass and debris, except any (i) hazardous substance as defined in Section 3.215 of the Environmental Protection Act, (ii) hazardous waste as defined in Section 3.220 of the Environmental Protection Act, and (iii) medical samples or waste, including but not limited to any blood samples, used syringes, other used medical supplies, or any other potentially infectious medical waste as defined in Section 3.360 of the Environmental Protection Act, deposited upon any street or highway by the disabled vehicle being serviced, and shall in addition, spread dirt or sand or oil absorbent upon that portion of any street or highway where oil or grease has been deposited by the disabled vehicle being serviced.

(d) Every tow truck operator shall in addition file an indemnity bond, insurance policy, or other proof of insurance in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary for: garagekeepers liability insurance, in an amount no less than a combined single limit of $500,000, and truck (auto) liability insurance in an amount no less than a combined single limit of $500,000, on hook coverage or garagekeepers coverage in an amount of no less than $25,000 which shall indemnify or insure the tow truck operator for the following:

(1) Bodily injury or damage to the property of others.

(2) Damage to any vehicle towed by the tower.

(3) In case of theft, loss of, or damage to any vehicle stored, garagekeepers legal liability coverage in an amount of no less than $25,000.

(4) In case of injury to or occupational illness of the tow truck driver or helper, workers compensation insurance meeting the minimum requirements of the Workers' Compensation Act.

Any such bond or policy shall be issued only by a bonding or insuring firm authorized to do business as such in the State of Illinois, and a certificate of such bond or policy shall be carried in the cab of each tow truck.

(e) The bond or policy required in subsection (d) shall provide that the insurance carrier may cancel it by serving previous notice, as required by Sections 143.14 and 143.16 of the Illinois Insurance Code, in writing, either personally or by registered mail, upon the owner or operator of the motor vehicle and upon the Secretary of State. Whenever any such bond or policy shall be so cancelled, the Secretary of State shall mark the policy "Cancelled" and shall require such owner or operator either to furnish a new bond or policy, in accordance with this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-607) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-607)

Sec. 12-607. Suspension System.

(a) It shall be unlawful to operate a motor vehicle on any highway of this State when the suspension system has been modified from the original manufactured design by lifting the body from the chassis in excess of 3 inches or to cause the horizontal line from the front to the rear bumper to vary over 3 inches in height when measured from a level surface of the highway to the lower edge of the bumper, except that it is unlawful to operate a street rod or custom vehicle when the suspension system has been modified from the original manufactured design so that the horizontal line from the front to the rear bumper varies over 7 inches in height when measured from a level surface of the highway to the lower edge of the bumper.

(b) Nothing in this Section shall prevent the installation of manufactured heavy duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs, nor shall anything contained in this Section prevent a person to operate a motor vehicle on any highway of this State with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect the control or safe operation of the vehicle. This Section shall not apply to motor vehicles designed or modified primarily for off-highway racing purposes while such vehicles are in tow or to motorcycles or motor driven cycles.

(Source: P.A. 92-668, eff. 1-1-03.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-607.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-607.1)

Sec. 12-607.1. Frame and floor height. (a) No person shall operate upon a highway a first division vehicle which has a clearance between the frame and ground in excess of 22 inches. The lowest portion of the body floor shall not be more than 4 inches above the top of the frame. No such vehicle shall be modified to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground, expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation.

(b) No person shall operate upon a highway a second division vehicle which has a clearance between the frame and ground which is in excess of the limits specified within this subsection for its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) category. For the purpose of this section, GVWR means the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating whether or not the vehicle is modified by the use of parts not originally installed by the manufacturer. The stacking or attaching of vehicle frames (one frame on top of or beneath another frame) is prohibited. No portion of the body floor shall be raised above the frame.

(1) The frame height of second division vehicles, whose GVWR is under 4,500 pounds, shall be no more than 24 inches.

(2) The frame height of second division vehicles, whose GVWR is more than 4,500 pounds and less than 7,500 pounds, shall be no more than 26 inches.

(3) The frame height of second division vehicles, whose GVWR is more than 7,500 pounds and less than 10,000 pounds, shall be no more than 28 inches.

(c) Under subsections (a) or (b) of this Section, measurements shall be made when a vehicle is unladen on a level surface at the lowest point from the bottom of the original vehicle manufacturer's longitudinal frame rail between the front axle and second axle on the vehicle.

(d) This Section does not apply to specially designed or modified motor vehicles when operated off the highways. Such motor vehicles may be transported upon the highway only by use of a trailer or semitrailer. The specially designed or modified motor vehicle may also be transported upon another vehicle, providing that the entire weight of the specifically designed or modified vehicle is resting upon the transporting vehicle.

(e) Any violation of this Section is a Class C misdemeanor. A second conviction under this Section shall be punished with a fine of not less than $500. An officer making an arrest under this Section shall order the vehicle driver to remove the vehicle from the highway. A person convicted under this Section shall be ordered to bring his vehicle into compliance with this Section.

(Source: P.A. 90-89, eff. 1-1-98.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-608) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-608)

Sec. 12-608. Bumpers.

(a) It shall be unlawful to operate any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 pounds or less or any motor vehicle registered as a recreational vehicle under this Code on any highway of this State unless such motor vehicle is equipped with both a front and rear bumper.

Except as indicated below, maximum bumper heights of such motor vehicles shall be determined by weight category of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) measured from a level surface to the highest point of the bottom of the bumper when the vehicle is unloaded and the tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.

Maximum bumper heights are as follows:

It is unlawful to operate upon any highway of this State any vehicle with a front bumper height that exceeds 28 inches or a rear bumper height that exceeds 30 inches, regardless of the GVWR of the vehicle, except those vehicles covered by Chapter 18b of this Code.

For any vehicle with bumpers or attaching components which have been modified or altered from the original manufacturer's design in order to conform with the maximum bumper requirements of this section, the bumper height shall be measured from a level surface to the bottom of the vehicle frame rail at the most forward and rearward points of the frame rail. The bumper on any vehicle so modified or altered shall be at least 4.5 inches in vertical height and extend no less than the width of the respective wheel tracks outermost distance.

However, nothing in this Section shall prevent the installation of bumper guards.

(b) This Section shall not apply to street rods, custom vehicles, motor vehicles designed or modified primarily for off-highway purposes while such vehicles are in tow or to motorcycles or motor driven cycles, nor to motor vehicles registered as antique vehicles or expanded-use antique vehicles when the original design of such antique vehicles or expanded-use antique vehicles did not include bumpers. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any motor vehicle driven during the first 1000 recorded miles of that vehicle, when such vehicle is owned or operated by a manufacturer, dealer or transporter displaying a special plate or plates as described in Chapter 3 of this Code while such vehicle is (1) being delivered from the manufacturing or assembly plant directly to the purchasing dealer or distributor, or from one dealership or distributor to another; (2) being moved by the most direct route from one location to another for the purpose of installing special bodies or equipment; or (3) being driven for purposes of demonstration by a prospective buyer with the dealer or his agent present in the cab of the vehicle during the demonstration.

The dealer shall, prior to the receipt of any deposit made or any contract signed by the buyer to secure the purchase of a vehicle, inform such buyer, by written statement signed by the purchaser to indicate acknowledgement of the contents thereof, of the legal requirements of this Section regarding front and rear bumpers if such vehicle is not to be equipped with bumpers at the time of delivery.

(c) Any violation of this Section is a Class C misdemeanor. A second conviction under this Section shall be punishable with a fine of not less than $500. An officer making an arrest under this Section shall order the vehicle driver to remove the vehicle from the highway. A person convicted under this Section shall be ordered to bring his vehicle into compliance with this Section.

(Source: P.A. 97-412, eff. 1-1-12.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-609) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-609)

Sec. 12-609. (a) No official or employee of the State, any political subdivision thereof, any county, municipality, or local authority, and no owner or employee of any new vehicle dealer, used vehicle dealer, or vehicle auctioneer shall sell, trade or otherwise dispose of any motor vehicle bearing equipment, markings, or other indicia of police authority unless, prior to delivery of the vehicle, the equipment and markings have been sufficiently altered or obliterated to remove the appearance of such authority.

(b) A person may not operate on the highways of this State a vehicle bearing the equipment, markings, or other indicia of police authority, unless the vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle as defined in Section 1-105 of this Code.

(c) This Section does not apply to vehicles bearing indicia of police authority that are antique vehicles, as defined in Section 1-102.1, and are registered as antique vehicles, as provided in Section 3-804.

(c-5) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a manufacturer of authorized emergency vehicle equipment, markings, or other indicia, or the manufacturer's representative or authorized vendor, from temporarily mounting the equipment, markings, or other indicia on a vehicle for demonstration purposes only. If the equipment, markings, or other indicia are not covered while the vehicle is operated upon a highway, the vehicle shall display signage indicating that the vehicle is out of service or not an emergency vehicle. The signage shall be displayed on all sides of the vehicle in letters at least 2 inches tall and one-half inch wide.

(d) Any police officer is authorized to seize any vehicle that is in violation of this Section and to impound that vehicle, at the owner's expense, until any equipment, markings, or other indicia of police authority have been sufficiently removed, altered, or obliterated to remove the appearance of police authority.

(e) A person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a petty offense and subject to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000.

(Source: P.A. 97-1173, eff. 1-1-14.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-610) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-610)

Sec. 12-610. Headset receivers.

(a) Except as provided under Section 11-1403.3, no driver of a motor vehicle on the highways of this State shall wear headset receivers while driving.

(b) This Section does not prohibit the use of a headset type receiving equipment used exclusively for safety or traffic engineering studies, by law enforcement personnel on duty, or emergency medical services and fire service personnel.

(c) This Section does not prohibit the use of any single sided headset type receiving and transmitting equipment designed to be used in or on one ear which is used exclusively for providing two-way radio vocal communications by an individual in possession of a current and valid novice class or higher amateur radio license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and an amateur radio operator special registration plate or digital registration plate issued under Section 3-607 of this Code.

(d) This Section does not prohibit the use of a single-sided headset or earpiece with a cellular or other mobile telephone.

(Source: P.A. 101-395, eff. 8-16-19.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-610.1)

Sec. 12-610.1. Wireless telephones.

(a) As used in this Section, "wireless telephone" means a device that is capable of transmitting or receiving telephonic communications without a wire connecting the device to the telephone network.

(b) A person under the age of 19 years who holds an instruction permit issued under Section 6-105 or 6-107.1, or a person under the age of 19 years who holds a graduated license issued under Section 6-107, may not drive a vehicle on a roadway while using a wireless phone.

(b-5) A person under the age of 19 commits aggravated use of a wireless telephone when he or she violates subsection (b) and in committing the violation he or she was involved in a motor vehicle crash that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another and the violation was a proximate cause of the injury or death.

(c) This Section does not apply to a person under the age of 19 years using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.

(d) If a graduated driver's license holder over the age of 18 committed an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles or any violation of Section 6-107 or Section 12-603.1 of this Code in the 6 months prior to the graduated driver's license holder's 18th birthday, and was subsequently convicted of the violation, the provisions of paragraph (b) shall continue to apply until such time as a period of 6 consecutive months has elapsed without an additional violation and subsequent conviction of an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles or any violation of Section 6-107 or Section 12-603.1 of this Code.

(e) A person, regardless of age, may not use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone established under Section 11-605, on a highway in a construction or maintenance speed zone established under Section 11-605.1, or within 500 feet of an emergency scene. As used in this Section, "emergency scene" means a location where an authorized emergency vehicle as defined by Section 1-105 of this Code is present and has activated its oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights. This subsection (e) does not apply to (i) a person engaged in a highway construction or maintenance project for which a construction or maintenance speed zone has been established under Section 11-605.1, (ii) a person using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity, (iii) a law enforcement officer or operator of an emergency vehicle when performing the officer's or operator's official duties, (iv) a person using a wireless telephone in voice-operated mode, which may include the use of a headset, (v) a person using a wireless telephone by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication, or (vi) a person using an electronic communication device for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with emergency personnel during the emergency situation.

(e-5) A person commits aggravated use of a wireless telephone when he or she violates subsection (e) and in committing the violation he or she was involved in a motor vehicle crash that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another and the violation was a proximate cause of the injury or death.

(f) A person convicted of violating subsection (b-5) or (e-5) commits a Class A misdemeanor if the violation resulted in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another. A person convicted of violating subsection (b-5) or (e-5) commits a Class 4 felony if the violation resulted in the death of another person.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-610.2)

Sec. 12-610.2. Electronic communication devices.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Electronic communication device" means an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a hand-held wireless telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant, tablet, or a portable or mobile computer, but does not include a global positioning system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.

(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device, including using an electronic communication device to watch or stream video, participate in any video conferencing application, including, but not limited to, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx, or access any social media site, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, or Twitter. The exemptions in paragraphs (3) and (9) of subsection (d) do not apply when a person is using the electronic communication device to watch or stream video, participate in any video conferencing application, or access any social media site.

(b-5) A person commits aggravated use of an electronic communication device when he or she violates subsection (b) and in committing the violation he or she is involved in a motor vehicle crash that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another and the violation is a proximate cause of the injury or death.

(c) A violation of this Section is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. A person who violates this Section shall be fined a maximum of $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense, except that a person who violates subsection (b-5) shall be assessed a minimum fine of $1,000.

(d) This Section does not apply to:

(1) a law enforcement officer or operator of an emergency vehicle while performing his or her official duties;

(1.5) a first responder, including a volunteer first responder, while operating his or her own personal motor vehicle using an electronic communication device for the sole purpose of receiving information about an emergency situation while en route to performing his or her official duties;

(2) a driver using an electronic communication device for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with emergency personnel during the emergency situation;

(3) a driver using an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-operated mode, which may include the use of a headset;

(4) a driver of a commercial motor vehicle reading a message displayed on a permanently installed communication device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches wide in size;

(5) a driver using an electronic communication device while parked on the shoulder of a roadway;

(6) a driver using an electronic communication device when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle transmission in neutral or park;

(7) a driver using two-way or citizens band radio services;

(8) a driver using two-way mobile radio transmitters or receivers for licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service;

(9) a driver using an electronic communication device by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication; or

(10) a driver using an electronic communication device capable of performing multiple functions, other than a hand-held wireless telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant (for example, a fleet management system, dispatching device, citizens band radio, or music player) for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited by this Section.

(e) A person convicted of violating subsection (b-5) commits a Class A misdemeanor if the violation resulted in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another. A person convicted of violating subsection (b-5) commits a Class 4 felony if the violation resulted in the death of another person.

(Source: P.A. 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 102-982, eff. 7-1-23; 103-310, eff. 1-1-24.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-610.5)

Sec. 12-610.5. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 97-672, eff. 7-1-12. Repealed by P.A. 97-743, eff. 1-1-13.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-611) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-611)

Sec. 12-611. No driver of any motor vehicle within this State shall operate or permit operation of any sound amplification system which can be heard outside the vehicle from 75 or more feet when the vehicle is being operated upon a highway, unless such system is being operated to request assistance or warn of a hazardous situation.

This Section does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles.

Any violation of the provisions of this Section shall be a petty offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $50.

(Source: P.A. 91-919, eff. 1-1-01.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-612)

Sec. 12-612. False or secret compartment in a vehicle.

(a) Offenses. It is unlawful for any person:

(1) to own or operate with criminal intent any vehicle he or she knows to contain a false or secret compartment that is used or has been used to conceal a firearm as prohibited by paragraph (a)(4) of Section 24-1 or paragraph (a)(1) of Section 24-1.6 of the Criminal Code of 2012, or controlled substance as prohibited by the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act; or

(2) to install, create, build, or fabricate in any vehicle a false or secret compartment knowing that another person intends to use the compartment to conceal a firearm as prohibited by paragraph (a)(4) of Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012, or controlled substance as prohibited by the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act.

(b) Definitions. For purposes of this Section:

(1) "False or secret compartment" means an enclosure integrated into a vehicle that is a modification of the vehicle as built by the original manufacturer.

(2) "Vehicle" means any of the following vehicles without regard to whether the vehicles are private or commercial, including, but not limited to, cars, trucks, buses, aircraft, and watercraft.

(c) Forfeiture. Any vehicle containing a false or secret compartment used in violation of this Section, as well as any items within that compartment, shall be subject to seizure by the Illinois State Police or by any municipal or other local law enforcement agency within whose jurisdiction that property is found as provided in Sections 36-1 and 36-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012. The removal of the false or secret compartment from the vehicle, or the promise to do so, shall not be the basis for a defense to forfeiture of the motor vehicle under Section 36-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012 and shall not be the basis for the court to release the vehicle to the owner.

(d) Sentence. A violation of this Section is a Class 4 felony. The sentence imposed for violation of this Section shall be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed in connection with the firearm, controlled substance, or other contraband concealed in the false or secret compartment.

(e) For purposes of this Section, a new owner is not responsible for any conduct that occurred or knowledge of conduct that occurred prior to transfer of title.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-613)

Sec. 12-613. Possession and use of radar or laser jamming devices prohibited.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a person may not operate or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is equipped with any instrument designed to interfere with microwaves or lasers at frequencies used by police radar for the purpose of monitoring vehicular speed.

(b) A person operating a motor vehicle who possesses within the vehicle a radar or laser jamming device that is contained in a locked opaque box or similar container, or that is not in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and that is not in operation, is not in violation of this Section.

(c) Any person found guilty of violating this Section is guilty of a petty offense. A minimum fine of $50 shall be imposed for a first offense and a minimum fine of $100 for a second or subsequent offense.

(d) The radar or laser jamming device or mechanism shall be seized by the law enforcement officer at the time of the violation. This Section does not authorize the permanent forfeiture to the State of any radar or laser jamming device or mechanism. The device or mechanism shall be taken and held for the period when needed as evidence. When no longer needed for evidence, the defendant may petition the court for the return of the device or mechanism. The defendant, however, must prove to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that the device or mechanism will be used only for a legitimate and lawful purpose.

(e) A law enforcement officer may not stop or search any motor vehicle or the driver of any motor vehicle solely on the basis of a violation or suspected violation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 94-594, eff. 1-1-06; 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 12 Art. VII heading) ARTICLE VII. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES OF THE SECOND DIVISION

(625 ILCS 5/12-701) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-701)

Sec. 12-701. Tractors, traction engines and motor trucks-Operation on highways-Turning on highways during farming operations-Violations. No tractor, traction engine, motor truck or other similar vehicle shall be operated across, over or along any public highway of this State which has been oil-treated, if any such vehicle has on the periphery of any of the road wheels any block, stud, flange, cleat, ridge, lug, or any projection of metal or wood which projects radially beyond the tread or traffic surface of the tire; except that this prohibition shall not apply to tractors or traction engines equipped with what is known as crawler type tractors, when the same does not contain any projections of any kind likely to injure the surface of the road, nor to tractors, traction engines and similar vehicles which have upon their road wheels V-shaped, diagonal or other cleats arranged in such a manner as to be continuously in contact with the road surface. In no event shall the oil mat surface of any oil-treated public road be used as an area or space for turning any tractor or other farm machinery in carrying on or performing any farming operations upon the adjacent land. Provided, that nothing in this Section contained shall prohibit the operation of tractors, traction engines or motor trucks across any oil-treated road in order to reach adjacent lands or the operation of any such vehicles upon the treated portion of such oil-treated roads if there is no untreated portion thereof over which they may be operated or the operation of any such vehicles on oil-treated roads if in passing along said road they travel over the portion of said road which does not constitute the oil mat surface created by said oil treatment or the use of flexible tire chains on any tractor, traction engine, motor truck or other similar vehicle being operated upon any such oil-treated road.

It is unlawful for any person to operate any tractor, traction engine, motor truck or other similar vehicle over and along any public highway of this State, which has been oil-treated, in violation of the provisions of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 80-911.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-702) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-702)

Sec. 12-702. Certain vehicles to carry flares or other warning devices.

(a) No person shall operate any motor vehicle of the second division weighing more than 8,000 pounds or any vehicle of the second division weighing 8,000 pounds or less towing a trailer or any motor vehicle towing a house trailer upon any highway outside an urban district at any time unless there is carried in such vehicle the following equipment, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section:

1. At least 3 liquid-burning flares, or 3 red electric lanterns or 3 portable red emergency reflectors, each of which is capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of not less than 500 feet when lighted lamps are required, provided that emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 125 shall be deemed acceptable as regards visibility and color; and

2. At least 3 red-burning 15-minute fusees unless red electric lanterns or portable red emergency reflectors are carried; and

3. At least 2 red-cloth flags, not less than 12 inches square, with standards to support flags or in lieu thereof, 2 portable emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 125.

(b) No person shall operate at the time and under the conditions stated in paragraph (a) of this Section any motor vehicle used for the transportation of explosives, any cargo tank truck used for the transportation of flammable liquids or compressed gases or any motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel unless there is carried in such vehicle 3 red electric lanterns or 3 portable red emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this Section, and such vehicle shall not carry any flares, fusees or signals produced by flame.

(c) Whenever any motor vehicle of the second division weighing more than 8,000 pounds or any vehicle of the second division weighing 8,000 pounds or less towing a trailer or any motor vehicle towing a house trailer is disabled upon the roadway of any highway or the shoulder thereof outside an urban district or on any controlled access highway within an urban district at any time when lighted lamps are required, the driver of such vehicle shall display the following warning devices upon the highway during the time the vehicle is so disabled, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this Section:

1. A lighted fusee, a lighted red electric lantern or a portable red emergency reflector shall be immediately placed at the traffic side of the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic. However, the driver of such vehicle upon learning of the disability may simultaneously flash the 2 front and 2 rear turn signals as a vehicular traffic warning and continue such flashing until the portable signals have been placed as required by this Section and during the time such portable emergency signals are being picked up for storage prior to the movement of the vehicle.

2. As soon thereafter as possible, but in any event within the burning period of the fusee (15 minutes), the driver shall place 3 liquid-burning flares, or 3 lighted red electric lanterns or 3 portable red emergency reflectors on the roadway or shoulder of the highway in the following order:

One approximately 100 feet from the disabled vehicle in the center of the lane or shoulder occupied by such vehicle and toward traffic approaching in that lane; and

One approximately 100 feet in the opposite direction from the disabled vehicle and in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by such vehicle; and

One at the traffic side of the disabled vehicle not less than 10 feet to the rear or forward thereof in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic. If a lighted red electric lantern or a portable red emergency reflector has been placed at the traffic side of the vehicle in accordance with paragraph (c) (1) of this Section, it may be used for this purpose.

(d) Whenever any vehicle referred to in this Section is disabled within 500 feet of a curve, hill crest or other obstruction to view, the warning signal in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case less than 100 feet nor more than 500 feet from the disabled vehicle.

(e) Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this Section is disabled upon any roadway or shoulder of a divided highway during the time that lighted lamps are required, the appropriate warning devices prescribed in paragraph (a) (1) and (2) of this Section shall be placed as follows:

One at a distance of approximately 200 feet from the vehicle in the center of the lane or shoulder occupied by the stopped vehicle and in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane; and

One at a distance of approximately 100 feet from the vehicle in the center of the lane or shoulder occupied by the vehicle and in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane; and

One at the traffic side of the vehicle and approximately 10 feet from the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic.

(f) Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this Section is disabled upon the roadway of any highway or the shoulder thereof outside an urban district or on any controlled access highway within an urban district at any time when the display of fusees, flares, red electric lanterns or portable red emergency reflectors are not required, the driver of the vehicle shall display 2 red-cloth flags or 2 portable emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 125 upon the roadway or shoulder in the lane of traffic occupied by the disabled vehicle in the following order:

One at a distance of approximately 100 feet in advance of the vehicle; and

One at a distance of approximately 100 feet in the rear of the vehicle.

(g) Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this Section is disabled upon any roadway or shoulder of a divided highway during the time that lighted lamps are not required, the driver of such vehicle shall display 2 red-cloth flags or 2 portable emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 125 upon the roadway or shoulder in the center of the lane of traffic occupied by the disabled vehicle in the following order:

One at a distance of approximately 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle; and

One at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

(h) Whenever any motor vehicle used for the transportation of explosives, or any cargo tank truck used for the transportation of any flammable liquid or compressed flammable gas or any motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel is disabled upon a highway of this State at any time or place mentioned in paragraph (c) of this Section, the driver of such vehicle shall immediately display 3 red electric lanterns or portable red emergency reflectors placed in the following order:

One at the traffic side of the vehicle and approximately 10 feet from the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic; and

One at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the front of the disabled vehicle in the center of the lane of traffic or shoulder occupied by such vehicle; and

One at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the rear of the disabled vehicle in the center of the lane of traffic or shoulder occupied by such vehicle. Flares, fusees or signals produced by flame shall not be used as warning devices for disabled vehicles of the type mentioned in this paragraph.

(i) The flares, fusees, red electric lanterns, portable red emergency reflectors and flags to be displayed as required in this Section shall conform with the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section applicable thereto.

(Source: P.A. 89-687, eff. 6-1-97.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-703) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-703)

Sec. 12-703. Road oil vehicles-Dripping on certain highways forbidden.

No person shall operate, on a durable all-weather highway of a type other than gravel or crushed stone, any vehicle used for the purpose of applying road oil, liquid asphalt or similar material to road surfaces unless such vehicle is so equipped as to absolutely prevent such material from dripping on such highway, nor shall such material be allowed to drip on any such highway.

(Source: P.A. 77-37.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-704) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-704)

Sec. 12-704. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-415.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-704.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-704.1)

Sec. 12-704.1. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-415.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-704.3) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-704.3)

Sec. 12-704.3. Motor vehicles using alternate fuels; markings. Notwithstanding any other regulation or requirement, every motor vehicle using liquefied petroleum gas or compressed natural gas must be marked in accordance with guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) standards for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases and for Compressed Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems and published by that body as NFPA 58 and NFPA 52 dated February 10, 1992 and August 14, 1992, respectively.

The sign or decal shall be maintained in good legible condition. A sign or decal that is deteriorated or defaced so as to impair its legibility, quick recognition, or meaning shall be replaced by a new sign or decal.

(Source: P.A. 88-415.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-705) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-705)

Sec. 12-705. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-415.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-705.1)

Sec. 12-705.1. Required use of biodiesel by certain vehicles.

(a) Beginning July 1, 2006, any diesel powered vehicle owned or operated by this State, any county or unit of local government, any school district, any community college or public college or university, or any mass transit agency must, when refueling at a bulk central fueling facility, use a biodiesel blend that contains 5% biodiesel, as those terms are defined in the Illinois Renewable Fuels Development Program Act, where available, unless the engine is designed or retrofitted to operate on a higher percentage of biodiesel or on ultra low sulfur fuel.

(b) Nothing in this Section prohibits any unit of government from using a biodiesel blend containing more than 2% biodiesel.

(c) As used in this Section, a "bulk central fueling facility" means a non-commercial fueling facility whose primary purpose is the fueling of vehicles owned or operated by the State, a county or unit of local government, a school district, a community college or public college or university, or a mass transit agency.

(d) The Secretary of Transportation shall adopt rules for implementing this Section.

(Source: P.A. 96-281, eff. 8-11-09.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-706) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-706)

Sec. 12-706. Fire apparatus-Safety belts.

No fire apparatus equipped to carry firemen on the outside of such vehicle on the sides, or rear, or both, shall be operated without first installing on the fire apparatus on the sides and rear thereof a sufficient number of safety belts and safety belt connections to protect the maximum number of firemen who can occupy the sides and rear of such apparatus while responding to alarms of fire. The municipality shall cause inspection of such safety equipment at least semi-annually.

(Source: P.A. 77-37.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-707) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-707)

Sec. 12-707. Vehicle passenger capacity. No school bus, commuter van or motor vehicle owned by or used for hire by and in connection with the operation of private or public schools, day camps, summer camps or nursery schools or in charter operations, and no commuter van or passenger car used for a for-profit ridesharing arrangement, shall be operated if it is occupied by more passengers than recommended by the manufacturer thereof if the vehicle is manufactured as a passenger vehicle; if the vehicle is manufactured for use other than passenger, then it shall not accommodate more passengers than provided for by the manufacturer in passenger vehicles of like style or rating.

(Source: P.A. 83-1091.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-707.01) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-707.01)

Sec. 12-707.01. Liability insurance.

(a) No school bus, first division vehicle including a taxi which is used for a purpose that requires a school bus driver permit, commuter van or motor vehicle owned by or used for hire by and in connection with the operation of private or public schools, day camps, summer camps or nursery schools, and no commuter van or passenger car used for a for-profit ridesharing arrangement, shall be operated for such purposes unless the owner thereof shall carry a minimum of personal injury liability insurance in the amount of $25,000 for any one person in any one crash, and subject to the limit for one person, $100,000 for two or more persons injured by reason of the operation of the vehicle in any one crash. This subsection (a) applies only to personal injury liability policies issued or renewed before January 1, 2013.

(b) Liability insurance policies issued or renewed on and after January 1, 2013 shall comply with the following:

(1) except as provided in subparagraph (2) of this subsection (b), any vehicle that is used for a purpose that requires a school bus driver permit under Section 6-104 of this Code shall carry a minimum of liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000. This minimum insurance requirement may be satisfied by either (i) a $2,000,000 combined single limit primary commercial automobile policy; or (ii) a $1 million primary commercial automobile policy and a minimum $5,000,000 excess or umbrella liability policy;

(2) any vehicle that is used for a purpose that requires a school bus driver permit under Section 6-104 of this Code and is used in connection with the operation of private day care facilities, day camps, summer camps, or nursery schools shall carry a minimum of liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit per crash;

(3) any commuter van or passenger car used for a for-profit ridesharing arrangement shall carry a minimum of liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 combined single limit per crash.

(c) Primary insurance coverage under the provisions of this Section must be provided by a licensed and admitted insurance carrier or an intergovernmental cooperative formed under Section 10 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution, or Section 6 or 9 of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, or provided by a certified self-insurer under Section 7-502 of this Code. The excess or umbrella liability coverage requirement may be met by securing surplus line insurance as defined under Section 445 of the Illinois Insurance Code. If the excess or umbrella liability coverage requirement is met by securing surplus line insurance, that coverage must be effected through a licensed surplus line producer acting under the surplus line insurance laws and regulations of this State. Nothing in this subsection (c) shall be construed as prohibiting a licensed and admitted insurance carrier or an intergovernmental cooperative formed under Section 10 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution, or Section 6 or 9 of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, or a certified self-insurer under Section 7-502 of this Code, from retaining the risk required under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) of this Section or issuing a single primary policy meeting the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b).

(d) Each owner of a vehicle required to obtain the minimum liability requirements under subsection (b) of this Section shall attest that the vehicle meets the minimum insurance requirements under this Section. The Secretary of State shall create a form for each owner of a vehicle to attest that the owner meets the minimum insurance requirements and the owner of the vehicle shall submit the form with each registration application. The form shall be valid for the full registration period; however, if at any time the Secretary has reason to believe that the owner does not have the minimum required amount of insurance for a vehicle, then the Secretary may require a certificate of insurance, or its equivalent, to ensure the vehicle is insured. If the owner fails to produce a certificate of insurance, or its equivalent, within 2 calendar days after the request was made, then the Secretary may revoke the vehicle owner's registration until the Secretary is assured the vehicle meets the minimum insurance requirements. If the owner of a vehicle participates in an intergovernmental cooperative or is self-insured, then the owner shall attest that the insurance required under this Section is equivalent to or greater than the insurance required under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Section. The Secretary may adopt any rules necessary to enforce the provisions of this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-708) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-708)

Sec. 12-708. Operator protective frames on tractor-mower combinations.

No tractor unit over 16 engine horsepower designed for mowing or tractor-mower combination unit over 16 engine horsepower owned or leased by the Department, a municipal corporation or political subdivision shall be operated for the purpose of mowing vegetation on highway right-of-way unless the tractor of such unit is equipped with an operator protective frame conforming to the specifications prescribed by regulations under the United States Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, and with a seat safety belt.

The operator protective frame may be incorporated into a cab which design shall conform to the specifications established by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended.

The seat safety belt must meet the requirements provided in Section 12-603 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 81-435.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-709) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-709)

Sec. 12-709. Slow-moving vehicle emblem.

(a) Every animal drawn vehicle, farm tractor, implement of husbandry and special mobile equipment, when operated on a highway must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem mounted on the rear except as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section. Special mobile equipment is exempt when operated within the limits of a construction or maintenance project where traffic control devices are used in compliance with the applicable provisions of the manual and specifications adopted under Section 11-301 of the "Illinois Vehicle Code".

(b) Every vehicle or unit described in paragraph (a) of this Section when operated in combination on a highway must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem as follows:

1. Where the towed unit or any load thereon partially or totally obscures the slow-moving vehicle emblem on the towing unit, the towed unit shall be equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem. In such cases the towing unit need not display the emblem.

2. Where the slow-moving vehicle emblem on the towing unit is not obscured by the towed unit or its load, then either or both may be equipped with the required emblem but it shall be sufficient if either displays it.

3. A registered truck towed behind a farm tractor in conformity with the provisions of Section 11-1418 of the "Illinois Vehicle Code" must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem in the manner provided in paragraph (c) while being towed on a highway if the emblem on the towing vehicle is partially or totally obscured.

(c) The slow-moving vehicle emblem required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section must meet or exceed the specifications and mounting requirements established by the Department. Such specifications and mounting requirements shall, on and before August 31, 2004, be based on the specifications adopted by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and published by that body as ASAE S 276.2 dated March, 1968 or as ASAE S 276.5. On and after September 1, 2004, the specifications and mounting requirements shall be based on the specifications adopted by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and published by that body as ASAE S 276.5 NOV 97. No advertising or other marking shall appear upon the emblem except that specified by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers to identify the standard to which the material complies. Each original package containing a slow-moving vehicle emblem shall display a notice on the outside of the package stating that such emblem shall only be used for the purposes stated in subsections (a) and (b).

(d) A slow-moving vehicle emblem is intended as a safety identification device and shall not be displayed on any vehicle nor displayed in any manner other than as described in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section. A slow-moving vehicle emblem may not be displayed in public view from a highway on an object other than a vehicle or unit described in subsection (a) of this Section or a vehicle required to display a slow-moving vehicle emblem under subsection (e) of Section 11-1426.1 of this Code. A violation of this subsection (d) is a petty offense punishable by a fine of $75.

(Source: P.A. 97-958, eff. 8-15-12.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-710) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-710)

Sec. 12-710. Rear fender splash guards. It is unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle of the second division, except a truck tractor, to which this Section is applicable upon any highway of this State unless such vehicle is equipped with rear fender splash guards of either the contour type or the flap type which comply with the specifications provided in this Section for the type of splash guards used on the vehicle, and which are so attached as to prevent the splashing of mud or water upon the windshield of other motor vehicles.

(a) Specifications for contour type splash guards. When contour type rear fender splash guards are used, they shall contour the wheel in such a manner that the relationship of the inside surface of any such splash guard to the tread surface of the tire or wheel shall be relatively parallel, both laterally and across the wheel, at least throughout the top 90 degrees of the rear 180 degrees of the wheel surface; provided however, on vehicles which have a clearance of less than 5 inches between the top of the tire or wheel and that part of the body of the vehicle directly above the tire or wheel when the vehicle is loaded to maximum legal capacity, the curved portion of the splash guard need only extend from a point directly behind the center of the rear axle and to the rear of the wheel surface upwards to within at least 2 inches of the bottom line of the body when the vehicle is loaded to maximum legal capacity. There shall be a downward extension of the curved surface which shall end not more than 12 inches from the ground when the vehicle is loaded to maximum legal capacity. This downward extension shall be part of the curved surface or attached directly to such curved surface, but it need not contour the wheel. Such contour type splash guards shall be wide enough to cover the full tread width of the tire or tires being protected and shall be installed not more than 6 inches from the tread surface of the tire or wheel when the vehicle is loaded to maximum legal capacity. The splash guard shall have a lip or flange on its outside edge to minimize side throw and splash. The lip or flange shall extend toward the center of the wheel, and shall be perpendicular to and extend not less than 2 inches below the inside or bottom surface line or plane of the guard. Such contour type splash guards may be constructed of either a rigid or flexible material, but shall be attached in such a manner that, regardless of movement either by the splash guards or the vehicle, the splash guards will retain their general parallel relationship to the tread surface of the tire or wheel under all ordinary operating conditions.

(b) Specifications for flap type splash guards. When flap type splash guards are used, they shall be wide enough to cover the full tread width of the tire or tires being protected; shall be so installed that they extend from the underside of the vehicle in a vertical plane behind the rear wheels to within 12 inches of the ground, when the vehicle is loaded to maximum legal capacity; shall be so constructed and attached so that when the vehicle is in forward motion such splash guard will not deviate or move backward from the vertical plane by an angle of more than 30 degrees measured from the vertical plane and so that when the forward motion of the vehicle causes such splash guard to deviate from the vertical plane, the bottom of such flap type splash guard will not be more than 15 inches from the ground, when the vehicle is loaded to maximum legal capacity. Such flap type splash guard may be constructed of either a rigid or flexible material.

(c) Exemptions. This Section shall not apply to vehicles the construction or design of which does not require such splash guards, nor to vehicles in-transit and capable only of using temporary splash guards prescribed by the Department, nor to pole trailers.

(Source: P.A. 89-117, eff. 7-7-95.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-711) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-711)

Sec. 12-711. Commencing January 1, 1987, all trucks equipped with self-compactors or roll-off hoists and roll-on containers for garbage or refuse hauls shall, before operating on any public or private highway, alley or parking area of this State, be equipped with an operably working external audible warning signal device that meets the standard of American National Standards Institute, SAE J994b, Type A, B or C, which is activated when the vehicle is operated in reverse or when top-hinged tailgates are open.

(Source: P.A. 84-813.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-712) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-712)

Sec. 12-712. Construction equipment to display company name.

(a) Construction equipment that is capable of being self propelled or any construction equipment capable of being towed shall display on the side of the equipment the name of the company for which it is employed. The name shall be in letters at least 2 inches tall and one-half inch wide. This Section shall not apply to any motor vehicle upon which is affixed the insignia required under Section 18c-4701 of the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law.

(b) Any person convicted of violating this Section shall be guilty of a petty offense and subject to a fine not to exceed $100.

(Source: P.A. 87-1160; 88-45.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-713) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-713)

Sec. 12-713. Commercial trucks used by construction contractors or subcontractors to display company name.

(a) Every second division vehicle operating commercially in this State that is used by a construction contractor or subcontractor shall display on the side of the vehicle or its trailer the name of the company for which it is employed. The name shall be in letters at least 2 inches tall and one-half inch wide. This Section shall not apply to any motor vehicle upon which is affixed the insignia required under Section 18c-4701 of the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law.

(b) Any person convicted of violating this Section shall be guilty of a petty offense and subject to a fine of not less than $500.

(Source: P.A. 96-1179, eff. 1-1-11.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-714)

Sec. 12-714. Possession and use of radar detection devices prohibited.

(a) No person shall operate or be in actual physical control of a commercial motor vehicle as defined in Section 6-500(6) of this Code while the motor vehicle is equipped with any instrument designed to detect the presence of police radar for the purpose of monitoring vehicular speed.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section, a person operating a commercial motor vehicle as defined in Section 6-500(6) of this Code, who possesses within the vehicle a radar detecting device that is contained in a locked opaque box or similar container, or that is not in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and that is not in operation, shall not be in violation of subsection (a) of this Section.

Any person found guilty of violating this Section shall be guilty of a petty offense. A minimum fine of $50 shall be imposed for a first offense and a minimum fine of $100 for a second or subsequent offense.

(c) The radar detection device or mechanism shall be seized by the law enforcement officer at the time of the violation if the offender has previously been convicted of violating this Section. This Section shall not be construed to authorize the permanent forfeiture to the State of any radar detection device or mechanism. Any such device or mechanism shall be taken and held for the period when needed as evidence. When no longer needed for evidence, the defendant may petition the court for the return of the device or mechanism; provided the defendant shall prove to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that the device or mechanism will be used only for a legitimate and lawful purpose.

(d) No commercial motor vehicle, or driver of such vehicle, shall be stopped or searched by any law enforcement officer solely on the basis of a violation or suspected violation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 90-89, eff. 1-1-98.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-715)

Sec. 12-715. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91-248, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 94-594, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 12 Art. VIII heading) ARTICLE VIII. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL BUSES

(625 ILCS 5/12-800) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-800)

Sec. 12-800. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 82-111. Repealed by P.A. 90-89, eff. 1-1-98.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-801) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-801)

Sec. 12-801. Color. The exterior of each school bus shall be national school bus glossy yellow except as follows:

The rooftop may be white.

The fenders of school buses manufactured before January 1, 1976, may be black.

Body trim, rub rails, lettering other than on a stop signal arm and bumpers on a Type I school bus shall be glossy black.

Lettering on a stop signal arm shall be white on a red background.

Bumpers on a Type II school bus may be glossy black or a bright, light or colorless finish.

The hood and upper cowl may be lusterless black or lusterless school bus yellow.

Grilles on the front, lamp trim and hubcaps may be a bright finish.

The name or emblem of a manufacturer may be colorless or any color.

The exterior paint of any school bus shall match the central value, hue and chroma set forth in rules promulgated by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 88-415; 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-802) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-802)

Sec. 12-802. Identification.

(a) Each school bus shall have the sign "SCHOOL BUS" painted on both the front and rear of the bus as high as practicable in letters at least 8 inches high.

(b) Each school bus and multifunction school-activity bus (MFSAB) shall have the vehicle weight and the vehicle maximum passenger capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the bus, which shall be based upon provision for 13 inches of seating space for each passenger exclusive of the driver, painted on the body to the left of the service door in letters at least 2 inches high. The name of the owner or the entity or both for which the school bus or MFSAB is operated shall be painted in a contrasting color on both sides, centered as high as practicable below the window line, in letters at least 4 inches high. An identification number shall be painted as high as practicable on both the front and rear of the school bus or MFSAB in letters at least 4 inches high.

(c) Decals may be used instead of painting under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 96-410, eff. 7-1-10.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-803) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-803)

Sec. 12-803. (a) Each school bus shall be equipped with a stop signal arm on the driver's side of the school bus that may be operated either manually or mechanically. Each school bus stop signal arm shall be an octagon shaped semaphore that conforms to 49 C.F.R. 571.131, "SCHOOL BUS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DEVICES", S5.1 through S5.5.

(b) Each school bus manufactured prior to September 1, 1992 shall be equipped with a stop signal arm that conforms to standards promulgated by the Department.

(c) A school bus may be equipped with an extension to the required stop arm that partially obstructs the roadway to ensure passenger safety.

(d) A maximum of 2 extensions to the required stop arms may be installed on the driver's side of the school bus.

(e) In addition to the lighting systems required under Section 12-805, each extension to the required stop arm must be equipped with a system of flashing red lights. The front side extension to the required stop arm must extend no more than 78 inches, measured from the side of the bus to furthest part of the extension to the required stop arm, and at a height not less than 36 inches from the ground. The rear side extension to the required stop arm must meet the same specification as the front side extension to the required stop arm except that it may not extend more than 32 inches, measured from the side of the bus to the furthest part of the extension to the required stop arm.

(f) No driver of a motor vehicle may make contact with any portion of a stopped school bus, including an extension to the required stop arm, or make contact with a school child within 30 feet of the school bus. A driver of motor vehicle that violates this subsection shall be subject to the penalties under Section 11-1414.

(Source: P.A. 103-404, eff. 7-28-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-804) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-804)

Sec. 12-804. Other vehicles - Color, stop signal arm and identification. No vehicle other than a school bus shall be identified with the sign "SCHOOL BUS", shall be equipped with a stop signal arm, shall be equipped with a strobe lamp or shall be equipped with a warning lamp system as described in Section 12-805 of this Act. No commuter van or bus other than a school bus shall be painted national school bus glossy yellow or a color that closely resembles national school bus glossy yellow.

(Source: P.A. 81-509; 81-740; 81-1509.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-805) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-805)

Sec. 12-805. Special lighting equipment.

Each school bus purchased as a new vehicle after December 31, 1975 shall be equipped with an 8-lamp flashing signal system. Until December 31, 1978, all other school buses shall be equipped with either a 4-lamp or an 8-lamp flashing signal system. After December 31, 1978, all school buses shall be equipped with an 8-lamp flashing signal system.

A 4-lamp flashing signal system shall have 2 alternately flashing red lamps mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally on the same level as practicable at the front of the school bus and 2 such lamps mounted in the same manner at the rear.

An 8-lamp flashing signal system shall have, in addition to a 4-lamp system, 4 alternately flashing amber lamps. Each amber lamp shall be mounted next to a red lamp and at the same level but closer to the centerline of the school bus.

Each signal lamp shall be a sealed beam at least 5 1/2 inches in diameter and shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight. Both the 4-lamp and 8-lamp system shall be actuated only by means of a manual switch. There shall be a device for indicating to the driver that the system is operating properly or is inoperative.

A school bus may also be equipped with alternately flashing head lamps, which may be operated in conjunction with the 8-lamp flashing signal system.

(Source: P.A. 93-181, eff. 1-1-04.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-806) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-806)

Sec. 12-806. Identification, stop signal arms and special lighting when not used as a school bus.

(a) Except as provided in Section 12-806a, whenever a school bus is operated for the purpose of transporting passengers over 18 years of age other than persons in connection with an activity of the school or religious organization which owns the school bus or for which the school bus is operated, the "SCHOOL BUS" signs shall be covered or concealed and the stop signal arm and flashing signal system shall not be operable through normal controls.

(b) If a school district, religious organization, vendor of school buses, or school bus company whose main source of income is contracting with a school district or religious organization for the provision of transportation services in connection with the activities of a school district or religious organization, discards through either sale or donation, a school bus to an individual or entity that is not one of the aforementioned entities above, then the recipient of such school bus shall be responsible for immediately removing, covering, or concealing the "SCHOOL BUS" signs and any other insignia or words indicating the vehicle is a school bus, rendering inoperable or removing entirely the stop signal arm and flashing signal system, and painting the school bus a different color from those under Section 12-801 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 100-277, eff. 1-1-18; 100-791, eff. 1-1-19; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)