Bill
HB 2442
Legitimate emergency, public-safety, transit, and certain municipal vehicles may use traffic signal preemption, while general possession or sale for other uses is criminalized.
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.
Sign in to ask a question.
