Texting and driving could soon have much higher penalties in Illinois

A bill to dramatically hike penalties for accidents related to texting and driving is headed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk.

The bill, passed unanimously in the Senate on May 16, would raise the penalties from $75 to $1,000 for accidents causing great bodily harm involving electronic devices. It would also include a one-year driver’s license suspension.

“There is never a time when you’re driving a car that a text can’t wait. Texting while driving can have deadly consequences,” sponsoring State Sen. Jil Tracy said. “I’m proud to say that this legislation, which will help reduce accidents, increase alertness among Illinois drivers and make our roads safer, has passed both chambers and now heads to the Governor’s desk for further consideration.”

The bill was inspired by an accident in State Rep. Norine Hammond’s district in Macomb, where a texting driver was fined $75 after causing an accident in which a man on a motorcycle lost his leg.

The bill passed in the house 82-24-2.

“There were members in the house that were not all that inspired and felt it was too egregious a fine,” Hammond said. “I said is there really a price you can put on someone that loses their life or limb?”