Bill
HB 2442
The act bans civilian use of traffic signal preemption devices and allows only specific authorized emergency, transit, or municipal vehicles to use them under defined conditions.
Summary
This act amends Section 12-601.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/12-601.1) to clarify prohibitions, permitted uses, and penalties related to traffic control signal preemption devices. It defines such devices, restricts possession/installation/operation except for enumerated public and authorized vehicles, and establishes criminal penalties for violations. Effective date: January 1, 2026. (P.A. 104-0226; Governor approved August 15, 2025.)
Purpose / Intent
To limit improper civilian use of devices that change or extend traffic signal green times while allowing authorized emergency, public-safety, maintenance, transit, and other specified vehicles to install and operate such devices under defined conditions.
Key provisions
- Definition: “Traffic control signal preemption device” — a mechanical or electrical device that emits a light/signal pulse which, when received by a traffic‑control detector, changes a signal to green or extends an existing green.
- General prohibition (subsection b): Except as listed in allowed uses, these devices may not be installed on motor vehicles, transported in the passenger compartment, or operated by a motor vehicle driver or passenger.
- Violation: Class A misdemeanor and a $1,000 fine (in addition to other penalties).
- Sales restriction (subsection c): Retailers/manufacturers may not sell devices for uses other than the permitted operations.
- Violation: Class A misdemeanor and a $5,000 fine for each sale/device.
- Authorized installations/uses (subsection d) — device installation and operation permitted only on:
1. Police vehicles (responding to bona fide emergencies) — used with red or blue lights.
2. State/local law-enforcement vehicles (bona fide emergencies) — used with red lights.
3. Local fire department, fire protection district, and State/federal firefighting vehicles (bona fide emergencies) — used with red lights.
4. Ambulances/rescue vehicles (bona fide emergencies) — used with red lights.
5. Organ transport vehicles (when transport is declared an emergency by transplant team or organ procurement representative) — used with red lights.
6. Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Dept. of Nuclear Safety vehicles (bona fide emergencies) — used with red lights.
7. Commuter buses owned/operated by political subdivisions providing short‑haul, regularly scheduled service in metro/suburban areas — may extend green to meet schedules.
8. Political‑subdivision snow‑removal vehicles during a declared snow emergency — with yellow/amber lights may extend green.
9. Local or county emergency management services agency vehicles (bona fide emergencies) — used with red lights.
- Motorcycle exception (subsection e): Does not prohibit motorcycles from using electronic or magnetic detection devices designed so signal systems recognize/detect motorcycles.
Who or what is affected
- Emergency responders and authorized agencies (explicitly allowed to use devices under conditions).
- Municipal transit providers (commuter buses) and public works (snow removal) in specified circumstances.
- Manufacturers and retailers of preemption devices (sale restrictions and penalties).
- Private motorists (possession, transport, installation, or operation in vehicles generally prohibited; criminal penalties apply).
Procedural/timeline highlights
- Introduced February 2025; passed both houses; enrolled as HB 2442.
- Governor approved August 15, 2025.
- Effective January 1, 2026 (Public Act 104-0226).
Notes / Practical impact
- The law aims to prevent misuse that can create safety risks at intersections while preserving preemption for legitimate emergency, public-safety, transit, and certain municipal operations.
- Authorized uses are conditioned on visible emergency/vehicle lighting and, for some uses, on declared emergencies or bona fide emergency responses. Retailers must ensure lawful end-use before sale to avoid criminal liability.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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