New law ends practice of posting driver’s license for traffic citations

CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a new law to end the practice of posting a valid driver’s license as security for traffic citations in Illinois.

Saturday’s action on the so-called “Sign and Drive” law helps people who find themselves stymied without a license in hand, the governor said.

“A driver’s license is an important form of identification, and without it many residents may run into problems during everyday situations when a valid ID is required,” Quinn said. “This common sense legislation will allow law enforcement officials to continue doing their jobs while letting motorists hang onto a vital piece of identification. ‘Sign and Drive’ will help ensure motorists comply with the law and keep traffic moving on our streets.”

Senate Bill 2583, sponsored by state Sen. Michael Noland, D-Elgin, and state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, eliminates the requirement that a valid driver’s license must be posted as bail for certain traffic offenses. The new law allows a motorist’s signature on the citation to be their guarantee that they will comply with the terms of the citation and either appear in court or pay the required fine. As before, the Secretary of State can suspend the driving privileges of any motorist who does not comply with the citation. The legislation is effective immediately.

“No longer will motorists be inconvenienced by having to give up their driver’s license for nothing more than a moving violation,” Noland said. “With this bill, Illinois drivers will be able to keep their driver’s license which is used as a primary form of identification for receiving services related to banking, travel, education and more. Now, with just their signature, drivers in Illinois can pay their fines online or by mail, appear if necessary, but keep their license as long as their fine is paid.”

D’Amico said: “This bill will get our safe drivers back on the road and keep our state moving forward.”