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HB 1618

VEH CD-RELAY BOX POSSESSION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Andrade

Illinois bill criminalizes possession of relay attack devices used to steal vehicles by intercepting wireless key fob signals.

House Committee Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1618

Legislative bill overview

HB 1618 addresses the possession of relay boxes (relay attack devices) in vehicles. These devices are used to amplify or intercept wireless signals from key fobs to unlock and start vehicles remotely, facilitating car theft. The bill appears to establish penalties or restrictions related to possessing such devices.

Why is this important

Relay box theft has become a significant problem nationally, with thieves using these relatively inexpensive devices to steal vehicles in seconds without breaking windows or hot-wiring. This bill attempts to create a legal deterrent by criminalizing possession of the devices themselves, which could reduce vehicle thefts in Illinois.

Potential points of contention

  • Legitimate uses unclear: Relay boxes may have lawful purposes in vehicle security research, testing, or repair contexts, and the bill's language may need to distinguish criminal intent from legitimate possession
  • Definition and enforcement challenges: Determining what constitutes a "relay box" versus similar electronic equipment could create vague enforcement standards
  • Proportionality of penalties: Questions may arise about whether possessing the device alone (without actual theft) warrants criminal charges and what sentence level is appropriate

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

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