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SB 1497

VEH CD-SPEED ENFORCE SYSTEMS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Laura Murphy and 1 co-sponsor

Authorizes and regulates automated speed enforcement in safety zones near schools and park facilities for eligible Illinois municipalities, detailing operation, penalties, notice,

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 1497

SB 1497 — VEH CD: Automated Speed Enforcement Systems (safety zones)

Summary
SB 1497 amends Section 11‑208.8 of the Illinois Vehicle Code to clarify and (in specific localities) expand the authority and operating rules for automated speed enforcement systems in defined “safety zones” (areas near schools and certain park district facilities). The change specifically applies to home‑rule municipalities with more than 35,000 inhabitants in a county with a population of 3,000,000 or more (i.e., certain municipalities in Cook County).

Purpose and intent
- Authorize and regulate the use of automated speed enforcement systems in safety zones to improve safety around schools and park facilities.
- Define operational standards, notice and evidence requirements, civil penalty amounts, and permissible uses of revenue from fines.

Key provisions and requirements
- Definitions and evidence
- “Automated speed enforcement system” includes photographic, radar, laser, or other devices that record vehicle speed and obtain clear images of the vehicle and license plate. Recorded images must display time, date, and location.
- “Safety zone” = area within one‑eighth (1/8) mile of the nearest property line of any public or private elementary/secondary school, school district educational property, or park district recreational property. If roadway lies within that radius, the safety zone extends to the furthest portion of the next intersection.
- Exclusions: Lake Shore Drive and controlled‑access highways with 8+ lanes are not included as safety zones.

  • Operational timing

    • For school‑based safety zones: systems may record only on school days and only between 6:00 a.m. and no later than 8:30 p.m. (Mon–Thu) or 9:00 p.m. (Friday).
    • For park‑district safety zones: systems may operate no earlier than one hour before the facility opens and no later than one hour after it closes.

  • Civil penalties

    • ≤5 mph over limit: no penalty imposed.
    • 6–10 mph over limit: civil penalty up to $50 (plus up to $50 additional for late payment).
    • >10 mph over limit: civil penalty up to $100 (plus up to $100 additional for late payment).
    • No penalty if a uniformed officer issues a citation within 1/8 mile and 15 minutes of the recorded violation.
    • Violations under this section are civil and are not recorded on the owner’s driving record.

  • Notice, evidence access, and timing

    • Municipalities must make recorded images accessible to the alleged violator (via a web address).
    • Written notice to the registered owner must be mailed within 30 days after the Secretary of State provides owner identity, but in no case later than 90 days after the violation.
    • Notices must include owner name/address, vehicle registration number, violation charged, date/time/location, copy of recorded image(s), and penalty amount.

  • Use of revenue

    • Net proceeds (after personnel and non‑personnel costs for operation/maintenance) must be spent or obligated for:
    • Public safety initiatives (including personnel and safety infrastructure) around schools and parks;
    • Pedestrian and traffic safety improvements;
    • Construction and maintenance of municipal infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges);
    • After‑school programs.

Who is affected
- Home‑rule municipalities meeting the population criteria (primarily municipalities in Cook County, including Chicago) that operate or consider operating automated enforcement in safety zones.
- Vehicle owners registered in those jurisdictions who are recorded violating speed limits within safety zones.
- School districts and park districts located within affected municipalities.
- Municipal law enforcement and system vendors (operators/maintainers of automated devices).
- Secretary of State (vehicle owner identification duties).

Procedural status and effective date
- The legislative record indicates passage and enactment as Public Act 25‑152.
- Signed by the Governor (May 30, 2025). Enactment details show an effective date of September 1, 2025.

Notes and implementation considerations
- The bill balances automated enforcement with limits on operating hours, lower civil penalties, procedural protections (notice, access to images), and explicit limits on use of funds collected.
- The statutory text contains further procedural details (e.g., content of notices, appeals/defenses) that municipal implementers and legal counsel should review before deployment.

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

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