June 27, 2026 - 22:41

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed the "Stop Super Speeders" bill into law, creating a program that lets repeat speeding offenders keep driving if their vehicles are equipped with technology that prevents them from exceeding the speed limit. The law, known as HB 4948, passed the state House with a 77-24 vote and the Senate with a 49-9 super-majority before reaching the governor's desk.
The legislation establishes an Intelligent Speed Assistance Program for drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked due to repeated excessive speeding. Under the program, eligible drivers can apply for restricted driving privileges only if their vehicles are fitted with ISA technology that uses onboard sensors and GPS to stop them from going faster than the legal limit.
Ted Villaire, a spokesperson for the Active Transportation Alliance, said the law targets a small group of dangerous drivers. "Research shows that a small number of 'super speeders' are responsible for a disproportionately large share of deadly crashes," Villaire explained. He noted that these drivers are several times more likely than typical motorists to be involved in fatal collisions, and traditional enforcement like license suspension has proven largely ineffective. Nationally, 75 percent of drivers with a suspended license continue to drive.
The law applies to motorists who receive two convictions for excessive speeding within a 12-month period, defined as driving 26 miles per hour or more above the speed limit. It also covers drivers whose licenses were revoked for reckless or aggravated reckless driving causing death. Low-income participants in the program will receive financial help through an indigent assistance fund.
State Representative Marti Deuter, a bill sponsor, said the law creates a pathway for high-risk drivers to stay connected to their communities while making roads safer. State Senator Julie Morrison, another sponsor, called the legislation an important tool to address dangerous driving behavior and prevent future tragedies.
Rudy Faust, a local advocate for Families for Safe Streets and a crash survivor, celebrated the law's signing. "I survived a crash that changed my life, and I carry that reality every day," Faust said. "Seeing this bill signed into law means that other families may be spared the pain so many of us live with."
Similar legislation has already passed in Washington D.C., Virginia, Washington State, Georgia, Hawaii, and Maryland. The Illinois law is expected to begin implementation after New Year's Day 2028.
September 17, 2026 - 18:55
Shapiro Calls for AI Rules While Rejecting Doom Predictions at Pittsburgh SummitGovernor Shapiro delivered the keynote speech at the AI Horizons 2026 Summit in Pittsburgh Thursday. Shapiro started out noting AI technology has the potential to reshape industries, improve public...
September 17, 2026 - 06:02
Rapid Innovation Shows Benefits of Cross-Industry CollaborationAdvancements originally developed for sailing and marine environments are finding new life in sectors far removed from the water. Technologies designed to withstand harsh conditions at sea are now...
September 16, 2026 - 20:59
Rural Educator Uses MIT Skills to Build Apps for Students Who Cannot Attend SchoolAn educator based in rural India is using skills he picked up through MIT Open Learning to create mobile applications that help students who are unable to attend school in person. Mohammad Imran...
September 16, 2026 - 08:49
How Three Courses Approach the Study of AI After New University ReportA recent university report on artificial intelligence has renewed attention to the ways students encounter the technology in the classroom. Three courses in particular show how AI is being examined...