SB1591 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 10939 LNS 21021 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB1591

Introduced 2/4/2025, by Sen. Javier L. Cervantes

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/1.125.1 new
625 ILCS 5/11-710	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-710
625 ILCS 5/11-1433 new

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Defines "leader-follower work zone vehicle" as a motor vehicle used in combination with another motor vehicle in a highway construction or maintenance zone that is: (1) equipped with an automated driving system; and (2) remotely connected to another motor vehicle allowing for coordinated or controlled movement within line of sight of the operator. Provides that the provision regarding following too closely does not apply to leader-follower work zone vehicles. Authorizes the Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to implement the use of a leader-follower work zone vehicle in a highway construction or maintenance zone under their jurisdiction to create a safety system to protect their workers. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning transportation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Section 11-710 and by adding Sections 1.125.1 and 11-1433 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/1.125.1 new)

Sec. 1.125.1. Leader-follower work zone vehicle. A motor vehicle used in combination with another motor vehicle in a highway construction or maintenance zone that is:

(1) equipped with an automated driving system; and

(2) remotely connected to another motor vehicle allowing for coordinated or controlled movement within line of sight of the operator.

(625 ILCS 5/11-710) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-710)

Sec. 11-710. Following too closely. (a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

(b) The driver of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles.

(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.

(d) This Section does not apply to the operation of a leader-follower work zone vehicle.

(Source: P.A. 79-1069.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-1433 new)

Sec. 11-1433. Leader-follower work zone vehicles. The Department and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority are authorized and may implement the use of a leader-follower work zone vehicle in a highway construction or maintenance zone under their jurisdiction to create a safety system to protect their workers. The operator of the leader-follower work zone vehicle shall be deemed the driver and operator of the motor vehicles being used in the safety system. The leader-follower work zone vehicles shall be an authorized vehicle in a highway construction or maintenance zone.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.