CHICAGO (WREX) -
Illinois drivers have some new laws to follow when they hit the road.
Governor Quinn signed four bills into law on Friday in an effort to improve safety on the road. The first is named for an Orland Park teen who was killed by a speeding driver who had previously been placed under court-ordered supervision seven times for excessive speeding.
Julie's Law, named for Julie Gorczysnski, stops courts from allowing supervision to defendants charged with driving at a speed greater than 30 miles-per-hour over the speed limit on the highway. It will go into effect on July 1, 2013.
Governor Quinn also signed the following three bills:
- Senate Bill 2488 - expands construction and work zones to include areas where signage is posted warning motorists of approaching speed zones. Cell phone use will now be prohibited in all roadway work zones. Phones were previously only prohibited in work zones with speed limit reductions. The law will go into effect on January 1.
- House Bill 5099 - prohibits drivers from using cell phones when within 500 feet of an emergency scene, while also banning talking and taking photos on a mobile device near an emergency scene. The law will go into effect immediately.
- House Bill 5101 - prohibits commercial drivers from using hand-held cell phones or texting while driving and makes it a "serious traffic violation." The law goes into effect on January 1.
