Full Notification

New Laws for 2014


There are hundreds of new laws that will go into effect on January 1st 2014. For a complete listing of these laws go to: http://www.senategop.state.il.us/portals/0/senate-action/january%201%202014%20new%20laws.pdf

Here are some of the highlights:
As of January 1st there is a mandatory $50 fine for littering and cigarettes have been added to the legal definition of litter.

Tanning is not permitted for anyone under the age of 18.

A new law separates speeding in a work zone into two offenses: when workers are present, and when workers are not present.

The existing legal speed limit will go from 65 mph to 70 mph on all rural interstates Jan. 1. However, eight counties - Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, McHenry, Lake, Madison and St. Clair - with heavily congested highways have the option to maintain the current 55 mph speed limit.

Speeding 26 mph over the posted limit will now be a tougher Class B misdemeanor and speeding 35 mph or more over the posted limit will be a Class A misdemeanor.

The use of hand-held cell phone devices behind the wheel will be prohibited. Bluetooth headsets, earpieces and voice-activated commands are permitted. The only exemptions from this law apply to law enforcement officers or first responders; drivers reporting emergencies and drivers using electronic devices while parked on the shoulder of a roadway. Violations can cost up to $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense. However, the ban does not include operation of a GPS or navigation system.

Penalties for distracted drivers who injure others or cause fatal crashes by the use of a cell phone would face a Class A misdemeanor, which could result in fines up to $2,500 and less than a year of jail time. Drivers involved in fatal accidents could be charged with a Class 4 felony, which carries fines up to $25,000 and up to three years of jail time.

The legislation provides free parking to motorists who are physically unable to access a meter or pay box because they use a wheelchair or have a severe disability. Eligible motorists will now display a yellow-and-gray colored placard to park for free at metered spaces in Chicago and throughout the state.

The law also increases the fines for unauthorized use of a disabled-parking permit to $600 from $500. Individuals who create or possess a counterfeit placard face a fine of $1,000, doubled from $500.

As of January 1st, there is a law that allows for the use of medical marijuana in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions if certain conditions are met. The Frankfort Police Department will have information on this law as well as other new laws available on our website www.frankfortpolice.net and at our police station.

The Frankfort Police Department would like to remind everyone that if you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages please have a designated driver or call a cab service. There can be fatal consequences to drinking and driving. Also, please remember to buckle up. Fastening your seatbelt can save your life.


For any questions or concerns please contact us at (815)469-9435 or e-mail [email protected]

We would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year