D’Amico motorist measure signed into law

A new law sponsored by state Rep. John C. D’Amico, D-Chicago, will help long-term Illinois residents with clean driving records in the state avoid an onerous process of getting an Illinois drivers’ license after their driving privileges have been suspended in another state.

“Illinois drivers whose licenses have been revoked in another state are facing weeks and even months going between another state and Illinois before they can legally drive to work or pick up their children,” D’Amico said. “Allowing drivers who have clean driving histories and a long-term residency to reinstate their driver’s license in Illinois is simply relieving them of the burden of travel, time and money.”

Currently, an Illinois resident whose drivers’ license has previously been revoked in another state must return to that jurisdiction to have their driving privileges reinstated before the Illinois Secretary of State can issue a license. Working with Secretary of State Jesse White’s office, D’Amico’s introduced House Bill 4074, which streamlines this long and often costly process. Under D’Amico’s measure, a person who has lived in Illinois for more than ten years and has no history of driving offenses in the state can apply for an Illinois drivers’ license without additional requirements. These drivers will be evaluated throughout the standard application process to determine whether they are safe drivers. Currently, Illinois allows out-of-sate drivers with revoked driving privileges in Illinois to reinstate their licenses by their present residing state.

House Bill 4074 received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, and was signed into law last week. The measure takes effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

“It’s important to keep our roads safe, and Illinois has a thorough process in place to ensure those who are getting behind the wheel know the law and abide by it. What Illinois residents cannot afford is to jump through bureaucratic hoops here as well as in another state,” D’Amico said. “By helping people who can show they are safe drivers get back behind the wheel, we are helping them provide for their families and contribute to our economy without unnecessary burdens.”