Springfield, IL…In order to keep our roadways safer, State Representative David Leitch (R-Peoria) has sponsored legislation which requires student drivers to display one or more signs approved by the Secretary of State indicating that the driver is inexperienced. Leitch said the measure promotes and encourages motorists to share the road with student drivers.
“These signs will notify other drivers on the road that an inexperienced driver is behind the wheel and will let them know to drive more cautiously and to be more patient,” said Leitch. “Many young and untrained drivers get nervous or frustrated when they are learning to drive. We can do our part to make it easier for them by giving them the space and the time they need on our roads.”
Currently, minors must hold a valid instruction permit for 3 months, pass an approved drivers education course, and complete a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice time in order to receive a graduated drivers license. HB 408 requires minors holding an instruction permit or a graduated drivers license who are working to complete these hours to display a sign or several signs on the vehicle when they are driving.
Leitch said under the bill, the Secretary of State will be responsible for adopting rules for implementing the new provisions including whether a fee should be charged for the signs. “We need to continually look for new ways to keep our streets and highways safe,” said Leitch. “This new law is just extra precaution we can take to ensure the safety of travelers.”