Summary — HB 2983 (Public Act 104-0260): Transportation — Various
Effective Date: August 15, 2025
Public Act: 104-0260
Overview
HB 2983 makes multiple changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code and related driver/vehicle rules. The bill focuses on updating driver education/publications, school bus and commercial driver licensing processes, rules governing interactions with bicyclists and pedestrians, testing and record procedures, and several administrative provisions. The act was passed by the General Assembly, sent to the Governor, approved on August 15, 2025, and becomes effective the same day.
Sections Amended/Added
The bill amends numerous Vehicle Code sections (including 2-112, 6-106.1, 6-109, 6-117, 6-301, 6-411, 6-521, 7-211, 7-503, 11-306, 11-307, 11-501.1, 11-703, 11-1425) and adds Section 11-712.
Key provisions (major substantive changes)
- Driver information/publications (Secretary of State responsibilities)
- Requires the Illinois Rules of the Road to include laws and best practices for safely sharing the roadway with bicyclists and pedestrians (explicitly recommends the "Dutch Reach" method).
- Requires inclusion of guidance on zipper merges, stranded motorist safety procedures, appropriate interactions during traffic stops (in consultation with ISP), and hazardous materials placard identification (images/descriptions).
- School bus driver permit (Sec. 6-106.1)
- Clarifies application/screening, fingerprint-based criminal background checks, medical exam requirements, training/refresher course requirements, and age/driver history eligibility.
- Provides that applicants holding a valid out-of-state commercial driver’s license (or one that expired within the previous 30 days) with school bus and passenger endorsements may not be required to pass the written school-bus-specific test.
- Driver education and testing
- Requires all driver education courses to include roadway-sharing content for bicyclists/pedestrians.
- Authorizes the Secretary of State to administer knowledge examinations (including tests of understanding traffic control devices and safe driving practices) at Secretary of State facilities, remotely via the Internet, or by other rule-specified methods.
- Driving records and administrative changes
- Allows destruction of certain driving records created 20+ years earlier for people convicted of an offense who did not hold an Illinois license provided there are no remaining convictions or withdrawals on the record.
- Changes the required medical examiner type on driving school instructor applications (from "competent physician" to "competent medical examiner" in some versions).
- Adjusts fees/fund deposit language for fingerprint processing and other administrative costs.
- Commercial/farm-related licenses and traffic rules
- Extends the maximum availability of a restricted commercial driver's license for farm-related service industries from 180 to 210 days within any 12-month period.
- Clarifies that traffic-control signals apply to bicyclists.
- Prohibits driving a motor vehicle in bicycle lanes, trails, or paths designated by official sign/marking for exclusive use by bicyclists or pedestrians.
- Conforming amendment to the School Code.
Who is affected
- Motor vehicle drivers and prospective drivers (in-state and out-of-state CDL holders)
- School bus drivers and school districts/employers who hire bus drivers
- Driver education providers and driving schools/instructors
- Bicyclists and pedestrians (via clarified protections and prohibitions)
- Secretary of State, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement (new guidance/coordination duties)
- Drivers with older out-of-state records (possible record destruction)
Procedural timeline / legislative action (highlights)
- Filed: February 18, 2025 (introduced by Rep. Dave Vella)
- Passed both houses (House and Senate), sent to Governor June 20, 2025
- Governor approved: August 15, 2025
- Effective date: August 15, 2025
Potential impacts / notes
- Emphasizes roadway safety education (bicyclist/pedestrian safety, stranded motorist guidance).
- Eases certain administrative/testing burdens for out‑of‑state CDL holders who already have bus/passenger endorsements.
- Expands remote testing options, which may improve access to licensing services.
- Stricter prohibition on driving in designated bicycle/pedestrian facilities should enhance non-motorized user safety and clarify enforcement.
- Several administrative and recordkeeping changes could affect licensing timelines and agency operations.
For full statutory language and section-by-section text, see Public Act 104-0260 (HB 2983) as enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State.
