Public Act 0899 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB1960 Enrolled LRB103 26928 MXP 53292 b

Public Act 103-0899

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 Sections 3-102, 3-402, and 6-102 and by adding Sections 1-140.11 and 11-1518 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/1-140.11 new)

Sec. 1-140.11. Low-speed electric scooter. A device weighing less than 100 pounds, with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, that is solely powered by an electric motor and human power, and whose maximum speed, with or without human propulsion, is no more than 10 miles per hour. "Low-speed electric scooter" does not include a moped or motor-driven cycle.

(625 ILCS 5/3-102) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 3-102)

Sec. 3-102. Exclusions. No certificate of title need be obtained for:

1. a vehicle owned by the State of Illinois; or a vehicle owned by the United States unless it is registered in this State;

2. a vehicle owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale, even though incidentally moved on the highway or used for purposes of testing or demonstration, provided a dealer reassignment area is still available on the manufacturer's certificate of origin or the Illinois title; or a vehicle used by a manufacturer solely for testing;

3. a vehicle owned by a non-resident of this State and not required by law to be registered in this State;

4. a motor vehicle regularly engaged in the interstate transportation of persons or property for which a currently effective certificate of title has been issued in another State;

5. a vehicle moved solely by animal power;

6. an implement of husbandry;

7. special mobile equipment;

8. an apportionable trailer or an apportionable semitrailer registered in the State prior to April 1, 1998;

9. a manufactured home for which an affidavit of affixation has been recorded pursuant to the Conveyance and Encumbrance of Manufactured Homes as Real Property and Severance Act unless with respect to the same manufactured home there has been recorded an affidavit of severance pursuant to that Act; .

10. low-speed electric scooters.

(Source: P.A. 98-749, eff. 7-16-14; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)

(625 ILCS 5/3-402) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 3-402)

Sec. 3-402. Vehicles subject to registration; exceptions.

A. Exemptions and Policy. Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer when driven or moved upon a highway shall be subject to the registration and certificate of title provisions of this Chapter except:

(1) Any such vehicle driven or moved upon a highway in conformance with the provisions of this Chapter relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, lienholders or nonresidents or under a temporary registration permit issued by the Secretary of State;

(2) Any implement of husbandry whether of a type otherwise subject to registration hereunder or not which is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway, which shall include a not-for-hire movement for the purpose of delivering farm commodities to a place of first processing or sale, or to a place of storage;

(3) Any special mobile equipment as herein defined;

(4) Any vehicle which is propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires though not operated upon rails;

(5) Any vehicle which is equipped and used exclusively as a pumper, ladder truck, rescue vehicle, searchlight truck, or other fire apparatus, but not a vehicle of a type which would otherwise be subject to registration as a vehicle of the first division;

(6) Any vehicle which is owned and operated by the federal government and externally displays evidence of federal ownership. It is the policy of the State of Illinois to promote and encourage the fullest use of its highways and to enhance the flow of commerce thus contributing to the economic, agricultural, industrial and social growth and development of this State, by authorizing the Secretary of State to negotiate and enter into reciprocal or proportional agreements or arrangements with other States, or to issue declarations setting forth reciprocal exemptions, benefits and privileges with respect to vehicles operated interstate which are properly registered in this and other States, assuring nevertheless proper registration of vehicles in Illinois as may be required by this Code;

(7) Any converter dolly or tow dolly which merely serves as substitute wheels for another legally licensed vehicle. A title may be issued on a voluntary basis to a tow dolly upon receipt of the manufacturer's certificate of origin or the bill of sale;

(8) Any house trailer found to be an abandoned mobile home under the Abandoned Mobile Home Act;

(9) Any vehicle that is not properly registered or does not have registration plates or digital registration plates issued to the owner or operator affixed thereto, or that does have registration plates or digital registration plates issued to the owner or operator affixed thereto but the plates are not appropriate for the weight of the vehicle, provided that this exemption shall apply only while the vehicle is being transported or operated by a towing service and has a third tow plate affixed to it; .

(10) Low-speed electric scooters.

B. Reciprocity. Any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer need not be registered under this Code provided the same is operated interstate and in accordance with the following provisions and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto:

(1) A nonresident owner, except as otherwise provided in this Section, owning any foreign registered vehicle of a type otherwise subject to registration hereunder, may operate or permit the operation of such vehicle within this State in interstate commerce without registering such vehicle in, or paying any fees to, this State subject to the condition that such vehicle at all times when operated in this State is operated pursuant to a reciprocity agreement, arrangement or declaration by this State, and further subject to the condition that such vehicle at all times when operated in this State is duly registered in, and displays upon it, a valid registration card and registration plate or plates or digital registration plate or plates issued for such vehicle in the place of residence of such owner and is issued and maintains in such vehicle a valid Illinois reciprocity permit as required by the Secretary of State, and provided like privileges are afforded to residents of this State by the State of residence of such owner.

Every nonresident including any foreign corporation carrying on business within this State and owning and regularly operating in such business any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer within this State in intrastate commerce, shall be required to register each such vehicle and pay the same fees therefor as is required with reference to like vehicles owned by residents of this State.

(2) Any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer operated interstate need not be registered in this State, provided:

(a) that the vehicle is properly registered in another State pursuant to law or to a reciprocity agreement, arrangement or declaration; or

(b) that such vehicle is part of a fleet of vehicles owned or operated by the same person who registers such fleet of vehicles pro rata among the various States in which such fleet operates; or

(c) that such vehicle is part of a fleet of vehicles, a portion of which are registered with the Secretary of State of Illinois in accordance with an agreement or arrangement concurred in by the Secretary of State of Illinois based on one or more of the following factors: ratio of miles in Illinois as against total miles in all jurisdictions; situs or base of a vehicle, or where it is principally garaged, or from whence it is principally dispatched or where the movements of such vehicle usually originate; situs of the residence of the owner or operator thereof, or of his principal office or offices, or of his places of business; the routes traversed and whether regular or irregular routes are traversed, and the jurisdictions traversed and served; and such other factors as may be deemed material by the Secretary and the motor vehicle administrators of the other jurisdictions involved in such apportionment. Such vehicles shall maintain therein any reciprocity permit which may be required by the Secretary of State pursuant to rules and regulations which the Secretary of State may promulgate in the administration of this Code, in the public interest.

(3)(a) In order to effectuate the purposes of this Code, the Secretary of State of Illinois is empowered to negotiate and execute written reciprocal agreements or arrangements with the duly authorized representatives of other jurisdictions, including States, districts, territories and possessions of the United States, and foreign states, provinces, or countries, granting to owners or operators of vehicles duly registered or licensed in such other jurisdictions and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, benefits, privileges and exemption from the payment, wholly or partially, of any taxes, fees or other charges imposed with respect to the ownership or operation of such vehicles by the laws of this State except the tax imposed by the Motor Fuel Tax Law, approved March 25, 1929, as amended, and the tax imposed by the Use Tax Act, approved July 14, 1955, as amended.

The Secretary of State may negotiate agreements or arrangements as are in the best interests of this State and the residents of this State pursuant to the policies expressed in this Section taking into consideration the reciprocal exemptions, benefits and privileges available and accruing to residents of this State and vehicles registered in this State.

(b) Such reciprocal agreements or arrangements shall provide that vehicles duly registered or licensed in this State when operated upon the highways of such other jurisdictions, shall receive exemptions, benefits and privileges of a similar kind or to a similar degree as extended to vehicles from such jurisdictions in this State.

(c) Such agreements or arrangements may also authorize the apportionment of registration or licensing of fleets of vehicles operated interstate, based on any or all of the following factors: ratio of miles in Illinois as against total miles in all jurisdictions; situs or base of a vehicle, or where it is principally garaged or from whence it is principally dispatched or where the movements of such vehicle usually originate; situs of the residence of the owner or operator thereof, or of his principal office or offices, or of his places of business; the routes traversed and whether regular or irregular routes are traversed, and the jurisdictions traversed and served; and such other factors as may be deemed material by the Secretary and the motor vehicle administrators of the other jurisdictions involved in such apportionment, and such vehicles shall likewise be entitled to reciprocal exemptions, benefits and privileges.

(d) Such agreements or arrangements shall also provide that vehicles being operated in intrastate commerce in Illinois shall comply with the registration and licensing laws of this State, except that vehicles which are part of an apportioned fleet may conduct an intrastate operation incidental to their interstate operations. Any motor vehicle properly registered and qualified under any reciprocal agreement or arrangement under this Code and not having a situs or base within Illinois may complete the inbound movement of a trailer or semitrailer to an Illinois destination that was brought into Illinois by a motor vehicle also properly registered and qualified under this Code and not having a situs or base within Illinois, or may complete an outbound movement of a trailer or semitrailer to an out-of-state destination that was originated in Illinois by a motor vehicle also properly registered and qualified under this Code and not having a situs or base in Illinois, only if the operator thereof did not break bulk of the cargo laden in such inbound or outbound trailer or semitrailer. Adding or unloading intrastate cargo on such inbound or outbound trailer or semitrailer shall be deemed as breaking bulk.

(e) Such agreements or arrangements may also provide for the determination of the proper State in which leased vehicles shall be registered based on the factors set out in subsection (c) above and for apportionment of registration of fleets of leased vehicles by the lessee or by the lessor who leases such vehicles to persons who are not fleet operators.

(f) Such agreements or arrangements may also include reciprocal exemptions, benefits or privileges accruing under The Illinois Driver Licensing Law or The Driver License Compact.

(4) The Secretary of State is further authorized to examine the laws and requirements of other jurisdictions, and, in the absence of a written agreement or arrangement, to issue a written declaration of the extent and nature of the exemptions, benefits and privileges accorded to vehicles of this State by such other jurisdictions, and the extent and nature of reciprocal exemptions, benefits and privileges thereby accorded by this State to the vehicles of such other jurisdictions. A declaration by the Secretary of State may include any, part or all reciprocal exemptions, benefits and privileges or provisions as may be included within an agreement or arrangement.

(5) All agreements, arrangements, declarations and amendments thereto, shall be in writing and become effective when signed by the Secretary of State, and copies of all such documents shall be available to the public upon request.

(6) The Secretary of State is further authorized to require the display by foreign registered trucks, truck-tractors and buses, entitled to reciprocal benefits, exemptions or privileges hereunder, a reciprocity permit for external display before any such reciprocal benefits, exemptions or privileges are granted. The Secretary of State shall provide suitable application forms for such permit and shall promulgate and publish reasonable rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this Code including a provision for revocation of such permit as to any vehicle operated wilfully in violation of the terms of any reciprocal agreement, arrangement or declaration or in violation of the Illinois Motor Carrier of Property Law, as amended.

(7)(a) Upon the suspension, revocation or denial of one or more of all reciprocal benefits, privileges and exemptions existing pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Code or by virtue of a reciprocal agreement or arrangement or declaration thereunder; or, upon the suspension, revocation or denial of a reciprocity permit; or, upon any action or inaction of the Secretary in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this Code, any person, resident or nonresident, so aggrieved, may serve upon the Secretary, a petition in writing and under oath, setting forth the grievance of the petitioner, the grounds and basis for the relief sought, and all necessary facts and particulars, and request an administrative hearing thereon. Within 20 days, the Secretary shall set a hearing date as early as practical. The Secretary may, in his discretion, supply forms for such a petition. The Secretary may require the payment of a fee of not more than $50 for the filing of any petition, motion, or request for hearing conducted pursuant to this Section. These fees must be deposited into the Secretary of State DUI Administration Fund, a special fund that is hereby created in the State treasury, and, subject to appropriation and as directed by the Secretary of State, shall be used to fund the operation of the hearings department of the Office of the Secretary of State and for no other purpose. The Secretary shall establish by rule the amount and the procedures, terms, and conditions relating to these fees.

(b) The Secretary may likewise, in his discretion and upon his own petition, order a hearing, when in his best judgment, any person is not entitled to the reciprocal benefits, privileges and exemptions existing pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Code or under a reciprocal agreement or arrangement or declaration thereunder or that a vehicle owned or operated by such person is improperly registered or licensed, or that an Illinois resident has improperly registered or licensed a vehicle in another jurisdiction for the purposes of violating or avoiding the registration laws of this State.

(c) The Secretary shall notify a petitioner or any other person involved of such a hearing, by giving at least 10 days notice, in writing, by U.S. Mail, Registered or Certified, or by personal service, at the last known address of such petitioner or person, specifying the time and place of such hearing. Such hearing shall be held before the Secretary, or any person as he may designate, and unless the parties mutually agree to some other county in Illinois, the hearing shall be held in the County of Sangamon or the County of Cook. Appropriate records of the hearing shall be kept, and the Secretary shall issue or cause to be issued, his decision on the case, within 30 days after the close of such hearing or within 30 days after receipt of the transcript thereof, and a copy shall likewise be served or mailed to the petitioner or person involved.

(d) The actions or inactions or determinations, or findings and decisions upon an administrative hearing, of the Secretary, shall be subject to judicial review in the Circuit Court of the County of Sangamon or the County of Cook, and the provisions of the Administrative Review Law, and all amendments and modifications thereof and rules adopted pursuant thereto, apply to and govern all such reviewable matters.

Any reciprocal agreements or arrangements entered into by the Secretary of State or any declarations issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to any law in effect prior to the effective date of this Code are not hereby abrogated, and such shall continue in force and effect until amended pursuant to the provisions of this Code or expire pursuant to the terms or provisions thereof.

(Source: P.A. 101-395, eff. 8-16-19.)

(625 ILCS 5/6-102) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6-102)

Sec. 6-102. What persons are exempt. The following persons are exempt from the requirements of Section 6-101 and are not required to have an Illinois drivers license or permit if one or more of the following qualifying exemptions are met and apply:

1. Any employee of the United States Government or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, while operating a motor vehicle owned by or leased to the United States Government and being operated on official business need not be licensed;

2. A nonresident who has in his immediate possession a valid license issued to him in his home state or country may operate a motor vehicle for which he is licensed for the period during which he is in this State;

3. A nonresident and his spouse and children living with him who is a student at a college or university in Illinois who have a valid license issued by their home State.

4. A person operating a road machine temporarily upon a highway or operating a farm tractor between the home farm buildings and any adjacent or nearby farm land for the exclusive purpose of conducting farm operations need not be licensed as a driver.

5. A resident of this State who has been serving as a member or as a civilian employee of the Armed Forces of the United States, or as a civilian employee of the United States Department of Defense, outside the Continental limits of the United States, for a period of 120 days following his return to the continental limits of the United States.

6. A nonresident on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States who has a valid license issued by his home state and such nonresident's spouse, and dependent children and living with parents, who have a valid license issued by their home state.

7. A nonresident who becomes a resident of this State, may for a period of the first 90 days of residence in Illinois operate any motor vehicle which he was qualified or licensed to drive by his home state or country so long as he has in his possession, a valid and current license issued to him by his home state or country. Upon expiration of such 90 day period, such new resident must comply with the provisions of this Act and apply for an Illinois license or permit.

8. An engineer, conductor, brakeman, or any other member of the crew of a locomotive or train being operated upon rails, including operation on a railroad crossing over a public street, road or highway. Such person is not required to display a driver's license to any law enforcement officer in connection with the operation of a locomotive or train within this State.

9. Persons operating low-speed electric scooters in accordance with Section 11-1518.

The provisions of this Section granting exemption to any nonresident shall be operative to the same extent that the laws of the State or country of such nonresident grant like exemption to residents of this State.

The Secretary of State may implement the exemption provisions of this Section by inclusion thereof in a reciprocity agreement, arrangement or declaration issued pursuant to this Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-118, eff. 1-1-16.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-1518 new)

Sec. 11-1518. Low-speed electric scooters.

(a) Subject to the restrictions of this Section, a municipality, park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district may authorize and regulate the operation of low-speed electric scooters within the unit of local government on any or all highways under their respective jurisdiction, sidewalks, trails, or other public right-of-way where the operation of bicycles is permitted. The use of low-speed electric scooters within any municipality, park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district is allowed only if authorized by the municipality, park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district under this Section. Any authorization or regulation by a park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district applies only on property owned, managed, or leased by the park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district.

(a-5) Subject to the restrictions of this Section, the Department of Natural Resources may authorize and regulate the operation of low-speed electric scooters on any or all properties owned, managed, or leased by the Department of Natural Resources including, but not limited to, sidewalks, trails, or other public rights-of-way where the operation of bicycles is permitted. The use of low-speed electric scooters within any property that is owned, managed, or leased by the Department of Natural Resources is allowed only if authorized by the Department of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to adopt administrative rules for the regulation of low-speed electric scooters on any and all properties owned, managed, or leased by the Department of Natural Resources.

(b) A person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter on a highway with a posted speed limit in excess of 35 mph.

(c) A person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter unless he or she is 18 years of age or older.

(d) A low-speed electric scooter may be parked in the same manner and at the same locations as a bicycle may be parked.

(e) Every low-speed electric scooter when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear that is visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle, except that a lamp emitting a steady or flashing red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to or instead of the red reflector.

(f) A low-speed electric scooter shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a low-speed electric scooter any siren. This subsection does not apply to a low-speed electric scooter that is a police vehicle or fire department vehicle.

(g) Every low-speed electric scooter shall be equipped with a brake that will adequately control movement of and stop and hold the low-speed electric scooter.

(h) A person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter while carrying any package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

(i) A person may not use a low-speed electric scooter to carry more than one person at a time. A person operating a low-speed electric scooter may not attach himself or herself or the scooter to any other vehicle being operated on the public right-of-way.

(j) A person may not operate a low-speed electric scooter upon any public highway in the State while under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

(k) The use of low-speed electric scooters is not permitted on State highways.

(l) Every low-speed electric scooter shall be well-maintained and in good operating condition.

Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other Public Act.

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

Effective Date: 8/9/2024