Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced several new laws, initiated by his office, which will take effect at the start of the new year. They call for safe driving, auto theft prevention, and honoring service member sacrifice. They were passed earlier this year by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law.
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
New legislation makes it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen catalytic converters, by requiring recyclable metal dealers to keep a record of the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the catalytic converter itself.
In addition, the seller of a catalytic converter must provide a copy of the certificate of title or registration, indicating ownership of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed, making it easier for Law Enforcement to investigate potential crimes.
“For far too long it has been far too easy for thieves to steal and resell catalytic converters from the vehicles of law-abiding Illinoisans,” Giannoulias said. “This legislation will deter theft and expedite Law Enforcement investigations, by requiring scrap metal dealers to keep detailed records of the parts they purchase.”
Catalytic converter theft is a crime that frequently results in hundreds-to-thousands of dollars in unexpected vehicle repairs. In recent years, the skyrocketing value of the precious metals found in catalytic converters has resulted in a larger incentive for theft. Catalytic converter theft spiked 288% from 2020 to 2022, latest figures show.
Assisting Victims of Crime
Victims of vehicle theft can now apply for free replacement license plates and registration stickers, if they provide a Police report or affidavit showing the original plates were stolen.
“Extraordinary obstacles are presented to victims whenever a vehicle theft occurs. Through no fault of their own, they are faced with the daunting task of repairing what has been damaged and attempting to recover what has been lost,” Giannoulias said. “Waiving these replacement fees is a small, but important, step in helping victims return to a sense of normalcy after suffering such a significant loss.”
In 2022, the most recent vehicle theft data, there were 38,649 thefts Statewide. That is an increase of more than 10,000 cases compared to the year prior. More than 22,000 of the thefts occurred in Chicago that year, where thefts doubled compared to 2021.
Enhancing Scott’s Law
Scott’s Law, also called the “Move Over” law, requires motorists approaching a stopped emergency vehicle to proceed with caution and yield the right-of-way, by moving out of the lane adjacent to the emergency vehicle. If that is not possible–such as, when the road only is two lanes–drivers are expected to reduce speed as they pass the scene.
This new legislation will ensure that individuals operating a vehicle yield the right-of-way by making a lane change AND reducing their speed, when approaching the scene of an accident, emergency, or construction zone. This will result in safer road conditions for emergency responders, construction workers, and all motorists.
“Passed in 2001, Scott’s Law has proven an effective measure to improve road safety, but we can always do more to protect those that protect us,” Giannoulias said. “Requiring both a lane change and a reduction in speed when approaching stationary vehicles in an emergency or construction zone, will keep all Illinois road users safer, especially those that build, maintain, and patrol our roadways.”
Honoring Gold Star Families
Under this measure, initiated by State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, qualified family members can display a Gold Star Family designation on their Driver’s License or State ID card, to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved one.
The immediate family members of a person who lost their life while serving in the U. S. Armed Forces qualify for the designation at no additional cost after completing an Affirmation of Gold Star form. Immediate family members include parents; widows or widowers; children or stepchildren; brothers or half-brothers; sisters or half-sisters.