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SB 1591

LEADER-FOLLOWER WORK ZONE VEH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Javier Cervantes

Illinois authorizes leader-follower work zone vehicles with remote coordination to protect workers; exempt from following too closely rules, with the leader as driver.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 1591

Summary — SB 1591 (Leader‑Follower Work Zone Vehicle)

Note: The provided document bundle included multiple unrelated texts from other states. This summary covers the Illinois text titled “Leader‑follower work zone vehicle” (LRB10410939LNS21021b / SB1591).

Purpose

Establish a statutory framework that authorizes and clarifies use of “leader‑follower” vehicle systems in highway construction and maintenance zones to create a coordinated safety system protecting workers.

Key provisions

  • New definition (625 ILCS 5/1.125.1):

    • “Leader‑follower work zone vehicle” — a motor vehicle used in combination with another motor vehicle in a highway construction/maintenance zone that:
    • Is equipped with an automated driving system; and
    • Is remotely connected to another motor vehicle allowing coordinated or controlled movement within the operator’s line of sight.

  • Amendment to following‑too‑closely law (625 ILCS 5/11‑710):

    • The statutory prohibition on following another vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent” does not apply to the operation of leader‑follower work zone vehicles (i.e., these systems are exempt from the following‑too‑closely provision when used as authorized).

  • New authorization (625 ILCS 5/11‑1433):

    • The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA) may implement leader‑follower work zone vehicles under their jurisdiction to create worker safety systems.
    • The operator of the leader vehicle is legally deemed the driver/operator of the follower vehicles used as part of the system.
    • Leader‑follower vehicles are expressly authorized vehicles in highway construction and maintenance zones.

  • Effective date:

    • The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Who is affected

  • State transportation agencies (IDOT, ISTHA) — authority to deploy the systems.
  • Contractors and work‑zone operators — potential new operational options and procedures.
  • Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers of automated driving and remote‑control systems.
  • Roadway workers — intended safety benefits.
  • Motorists and law enforcement — changes in enforcement/application of following‑too‑closely rules in work zones; need for awareness of authorized leader‑follower operations.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Safety: Intended to improve worker protection by enabling closely coordinated vehicle movements in work zones.
  • Legal clarity: Specifies operator responsibility (operator of the leader is deemed operator of follower vehicles) and creates an explicit statutory exemption from “following too closely.”
  • Implementation details not specified: The bill does not set technical standards, certification, training, liability allocation beyond deeming operator responsibility, or detailed operational rules (e.g., signage, speeds, certification). Those details would be left to IDOT/ISTHA practice, policy, or further rulemaking.
  • Immediate applicability: Agencies may begin implementation once law is enacted.

Legislative status (from provided text)

  • Introduced: February 4, 2025 (LRB text lists Sen. Javier L. Cervantes as introducer)
  • Typical enactment language: effective upon becoming law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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