Illinois Intelligent Speed Assistance Law: What Drivers Should Know About Public Act 104-0507

Public Act 104-0507 creates Illinois’ Intelligent Speed Assistance Program for repeat excessive speeding offenders beginning in 2028.

Illinois has enacted a major new traffic safety law aimed at repeat excessive speeding offenders. House Bill 4948 creates an Intelligent Speed Assistance Program under the Illinois Vehicle Code. The program is scheduled to begin in January 1, 2028.

This law is not aimed at ordinary minor speeding tickets. It is designed for drivers with repeated qualifying speeding-related offenses.

What Is Intelligent Speed Assistance?

An intelligent speed assistance device is an aftermarket device that actively prevents a motor vehicle from exceeding the applicable speed limit. The device may use location-based technology, digital mapping data, or camera-based sign recognition to determine the speed limit. The law specifies that the device does not interact with the vehicle’s braking system.

In practical terms, the technology is intended to allow a person to keep driving, but only in a vehicle equipped with a device that limits the ability to exceed the posted speed limit.

Who Is Covered by the Law?

House Bill 4948 requires a driver who commits two qualifying offenses within a 12-month period to enroll in the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program. What is a qualifying offense? Qualifying offenses are:

1. Reckless driving under 625 ILCS 5/11-503; and
2. Aggravated speeding under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5.

Importantly, the Act counts either a conviction or a disposition of court supervision for either offense. It also includes substantially similar out-of-state convictions or administrative actions.

The Secretary of State is then required to suspend the driver’s license or driving privileges until the driver participates in the program for the required period.

The required participation periods are:

365 days for a first program enrollment;

730 days for a second program enrollment; and

1,095 days for a third or subsequent program enrollment.

What Is an Intelligent Speed Assistance Permit?

A participant may receive an Intelligent Speed Assistance Permit, allowing the person to drive only vehicles equipped with a functioning approved device. The law requires the participant to install the device on each motor vehicle owned by or registered to the person.

A participant may not simply drive another vehicle to avoid the device requirement. The permit restricts the person to vehicles equipped with the required technology.

Costs and Fees

Participants are generally responsible for the costs associated with enrollment and participation, unless they are found to be indigent. The law also authorizes a permit administration fee not to exceed $30 per month.

House Bill 4948 creates funds related to the program, including an indigent device fund and a permit fee fund.

What Happens if a Driver Does Not Comply?

Failure to comply with the program can lead to serious consequences. The Secretary of State may suspend the person’s restricted license, revoke the restricted license and prohibit reenrollment, or impose a civil penalty.

The law also prohibits tampering with or attempting to circumvent the device.

Why Did Illinois Pass This Law?

The legislation reflects a broader policy shift. Instead of relying only on fines, points, and suspensions, Illinois is turning to technology-based restrictions for certain high-risk drivers.

The General Assembly’s findings state that speeding contributes to approximately 29% of traffic fatalities in the United States and that traditional enforcement methods have proven insufficient for the most dangerous repeat speeders.

The stated purpose is to protect public safety while allowing some drivers to maintain limited mobility for work, family, school, and other necessary purposes.

Why This Law Matters

For drivers charged with serious speeding offenses, the long-term consequences may become more significant. A single speeding case may not just be about the fine. It may affect future eligibility, license status, driving restrictions, and whether the driver later becomes subject to an Intelligent Speed Assistance Permit.

For defense attorneys, the law makes it even more important to evaluate the nature of the charge, the speed alleged, the client’s driving record, and whether a disposition may count as a qualifying offense.

Final Thoughts

House Bill 4948 creates a new enforcement model for repeat excessive speeding offenders in Illinois. Beginning in 2028, qualifying drivers may face mandatory participation in an Intelligent Speed Assistance Program as a condition of continued driving.

The Davis Law Group, P.C. represents Illinois drivers in speeding, reckless driving, aggravated speeding, DUI, license suspension, revocation, and Secretary of State matters. If you are facing a serious traffic charge, early legal advice may help protect your driving privileges and reduce long-term consequences. Contact our traffic ticket defense lawyers today for a free consultation.