In the New Year, bicycles will have the same rights as motorists and prices will surge for various traffic offenses.
CHICAGO (December 17, 2016) – Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. wants to remind drivers of new Illinois laws that will impact motorists as of January 1, 2017.
- Bicycles get same rights as motor vehicles: Starting in the New Year, bicycles will be more clearly defined as vehicles on the streets of Illinois. House Bill 5912 amends the state’s vehicle code to assign the same right-of-way privileges and rights to cyclists that motor vehicle drivers have. The new law was passed after several Chicago bicyclists were killed in 2016, including the first bike-sharing death in the country. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is representing the family of the victim in their lawsuit against the truck driver who killed her.
- Stop for school buses everywhere: In the New Year, vehicles must come to a complete stop for a stopped school bust at ANY location when it is receiving or unloading children. Previously, this law specified only certain locations where motorists would have to stop.
- Prices surge for failure to safely stop at railroad tracks: Failing to stop at a railroad crossing will cost you more in 2017. In 2017, the fine for failure safely stop will raise from $250 to $500 for a first violation and from $500 to $1,000 for a second violation. Community service can be substituted for the first violation.
- Fines increase for operating uninsured vehicle: Make sure you have car insurance in 2017! In the New Year, the potential fine you could face for driving without insurance will increase.
“Our firm saw far too many bicycle fatalities in 2016.” said Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. “It is encouraging to see lawmakers taking steps to ensure cyclists and motorists can peacefully coexist on Chicago’s busy streets.”
For more information or to schedule an interview with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., please contact Marcie Mangan, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., Public Relations Manager, at (312) 372-1227 or mmangan@salvilaw.com.
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