Texting And Driving Penalties Get Tougher In Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois drivers won't away with a warning if they text and drive, starting next summer. Starting July 1, 2019, drivers caught texting behind the wheel will be issued a moving violation that will become part of their driving record on first offense, thanks to a law signed Tuesday by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Penalties will also become harsher under the new law, and anyone convicted of three moving violations in a 12-month period could have their license suspended.

Under the current law, a first texting and driving offense is not categorized as a moving violation and won't go on a driver's record. The first offense is currently classified as a warning.

The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) and was introduced in February. Castro said it strengthens existing state law prohibiting the use of cellular phones while driving.

“Sending one quick text while driving is dangerous," she said in a statement. "We have to work together to get the message across that texting and driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving ... One short text can cost lives."

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