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Bill

SB 1941

VEH CD-FLASHING LIGHTS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Harry Benton and 15 co-sponsors

Empowers local governments to install rapid flashing beacons at school crosswalks to alert drivers to pedestrians.

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Bill Summary · SB 1941

Summary — SB 1941 (Public Act 104-0401)

Status: Enacted (Public Act 104-0401). Governor approved 8/15/2025. Effective date: 1/1/2026. Introduced 3/5/2025; passed both chambers 5/31/2025.

Purpose

SB 1941 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to (1) update provisions governing “park zones” and park zone streets and (2) add an express authorization for local governments to install rapid flashing beacons at school-adjacent crosswalks to alert drivers to pedestrians.

Key provisions

  1. Amendments to park zone protections (Section 11-605.3)
  2. Clarifies definitions (e.g., “park district,” “park zone,” “park zone street,” and “safety purposes”) to encompass various local units that operate recreation facilities.
  3. Establishes a reduced speed requirement: on days when children are present and within 50 feet of motorized traffic, drivers on designated park zone streets may not exceed 20 mph (or a lower posted limit).
  4. Requires drivers to come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights on park zone streets when children are present and within 50 feet (including stopping before right turns on red onto a park zone street).
  5. Signage required: the provision applies only on streets where appropriate park zone signs are posted; signs must warn drivers and indicate the maximum speed.
  6. Penalties: first violation is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $250; second/subsequent violations carry a minimum fine of $500.

  7. Department obligation: within 6 months of the act’s effective date, the Department must design standardized park zone signs (e.g., “park zone,” “park zone speed limit,” “warning: approaching a park zone”) and make designs available at no charge (except reproduction/postage).

  8. New authorization for school-crosswalk beacons (Section 11-1412.4)

  9. Permits (does not mandate) a unit of local government that owns or controls an intersection adjacent to elementary or secondary school property to install rapid flashing beacons at the ends of the pedestrian crosswalks.

  10. Beacons are intended to alert motor vehicle drivers to pedestrians in the crosswalk when activated by the pedestrians using the crosswalk.

Who is affected

  • Local governments (municipalities, counties, park districts, school districts, townships): gain authority and responsibility for installation, signage, and enforcement within their jurisdiction.
  • Departments/transportation agencies: required to design standardized park-zone signage.
  • Drivers: subject to reduced speed limits, stop requirements, and increased fines in park zones when children are present.
  • Pedestrians and school communities: may benefit from additional crossing alerts (rapid flashing beacons) and standardized park-zone protections.
  • Fiscal impact: installations and maintenance of beacons/signs are at local discretion and expense; the Act does not appropriate state funding.

Practical effect and timeline

  • The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
  • Within six months after the effective date, the Department must produce standardized park-zone sign designs for local use.

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

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