Illinois's Road Safety and Fairness Act (HB 1226)
In August 2025, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Road Safety and Fairness Act (HB 1226) into law, set to take effect on July 1, 2026. This bipartisan legislation, supported by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and AARP Illinois, revises Illinois' mandatory road test requirements for senior drivers, aiming to address concerns about age discrimination and promote safety through a more focused approach.
The Shift in Mandatory Driving Tests
Previously, Illinois required mandatory behind-the-wheel tests for drivers based on age, starting at 75. The new law significantly alters this requirement by raising the age for mandatory testing. Drivers aged 79-80 will no longer need a mandatory road test but must visit a DMV, pass a vision test, and may need a written test if they have a prior violation. Drivers aged 81–86 will continue biennial renewals and are exempt from the mandatory road test, but still require an in-person visit and vision screening. Drivers aged 87 and older must still renew annually, including a vision test and a behind-the-wheel test. These changes reflect data indicating that senior drivers often have lower crash rates than some other age groups.
Expanding the Reporting System for Unsafe Drivers
The Road Safety and Fairness Act also broadens who can report an unsafe driver to the Secretary of State's office. Historically, only medical professionals, law enforcement, and state's attorneys could report concerns. The new law includes immediate family members (spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, or child).
The Reporting Process
- Submission: Immediate family can file a confidential, written report detailing concerns.
- Review: The report is sent to the medical board for evaluation.
- Medical Evaluation: If concerns are credible, the board may request medical documentation from the driver.
- Re-examination: Based on the medical review, the Secretary of State might require the driver to take a vision, written, or behind-the-wheel re-examination.
Comparing Illinois' Old vs. New Senior Driving Laws
The following table highlights the key differences:
| Feature | Old Law (Pre-July 1, 2026) | New Law (Effective July 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Road Test Age | 75 and older | 87 and older |
| Renewal Frequency (Ages 79-80) | Every 4 years, with a road test | Every 4 years, with a vision test only* |
| Renewal Frequency (Ages 81-86) | Every 2 years, with a road test | Every 2 years, with a vision test only* |
| Renewal Frequency (Ages 87+) | Annually, with a road test | Annually, with a road test |
| Family Reporting | Not permitted for immediate family | Expanded to include immediate family members |
| Report Trigger | Only by officials | By officials AND immediate family |
| Evaluation Basis | Age-based mandate | Performance-based and medically-reviewed |
*A written test is required if there is a driving violation on record.
The Impact on Senior Drivers and Their Families
These changes aim to promote fair treatment and acknowledge that many seniors remain safe drivers for longer. The expanded family reporting provides a tool to address concerns based on observed issues. For additional details, consult the official {Link: Illinois Secretary of State website https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers.html}.
Conclusion: A More Nuanced Approach to Driver Safety
The new Illinois law signifies a move towards a fairer, data-driven approach. By increasing the age for mandatory road tests and enabling family reporting, Illinois balances support for older residents' independence with public safety. These changes, effective in 2026, aim to improve the renewal experience while strengthening safety measures.
