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Click on a question to view the answer.
Where can I get information on new laws for Illinois?
What is this new law concerning cell phones and texting I keep hearing about?
Can the Police stop me just for not wearing my seatbelt?
I heard something about a cell phone ban in Illinois. Who does it affect?
Are there any special seatbelt restrictions for passengers in a car driven by someone under 18?
I am concerned about identity theft. Do you have any information that might be helpful to me?
Do you have any tips for around my home that will help me protect myself and my family?
Do you have any safety tips for when I am away from home?
Where can I get information on new laws for Illinois?
Click here for a publication supplied by the Illinois Secretary of State's Office
What is this new law concerning cell phones and texting I keep hearing about?
Text Messaging Ban The new Illinois text messaging law that went into effect on January 1st, 2010 is this; "The driver of a motor vehicle cannot use any electronic communication (cell phone, mobile computer, or similar devices to compose, send, or read any electronic message"
"Electronic message" includes, but is not limited to electronic mail (email), a text message, an instant message, sending or receiving photos or videos or a command or a request to access an Internet site."
There are exceptions however including life safety emergencies, public safety officials and the following; "A driver using an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-activated mode, better known as Blue Tooth Headsets" To read the full text of the new law please click Here
No Cell Phones in School Zones Another law that took effect on January 1st, 2010 is the "Vehicular Phone Use in School Zones".
This new law states: "A driver of a motor vehicle, regardless of age, may not use a wireless at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone"
There are exceptions for persons engaged in highway construction or maintenance, public safety officials, life safety emergencies and when the phone is in voice-activated mode. To read the text of the new law please click Here
Fines for these new offenses begin at $75.00
Can the Police stop me just for not wearing my seatbelt?
Yes they can. The Illinois Vehicle Code’s seat belt law was changed from a “secondary” violation to a “primary” violation. Prior to this change law enforcement officials could not stop a motor vehicle solely on the basis of a violation of the seat belt law. This law removes that exception, enabling law enforcement officials to stop vehicles solely on the basis of seat belt violations. The law provides that a law enforcement officer may not search or inspect a motor vehicle, its contents, the driver or a passenger solely because of a violation of this law.
My 16 year old just got his license and wants to go cruising with several of his friends. Isn't there some kind of restriction on this?
Yes there is. The Illinois Vehicle Code provides that a person under the age of 18, who receives a graduated driver’s license, may not drive with more than one person in the vehicle who is under the age of 20 during the first six months of their license or until the person reaches the age of 18, whichever occurs sooner unless an adult is present. Exceptions to this passenger restriction are provided for siblings, stepsiblings, children and stepchildren of the driver.
I heard something about a cell phone ban in Illinois. Who does it affect?
Drivers under the age of 18. On July 15, 2005 a new law became effective whereby a driver under the age of 18 cannot use a cell phone while driving. The law does allow them to use the phone in an emergency. There will be occasions where an officer will stop someone who, to them, looks younger than 18 when in fact they may be 18 and older and in these instances unless further cause is found, the stopped driver will be allowed to go once their age is determined.
Are there any special seatbelt restrictions for passengers in a car driven by someone under 18?
Yes there are. The driver of a vehicle who is under the age of 18 is responsible for making sure his passengers who are under the age of 19 are wearing a seatbelt no matter where they may be sitting in the vehicle, front or back.
What number should I call if I want to make ask a police officer a question? If I want to make a report about something that happened a few days ago?
If you just want to ask a police officer a question, I suggest you call 217/ 228-4470 and ask to talk to the Watch Commander or officer in charge. If you want to make a report that is not an emergency, such as a burglary or criminal damage that occurred a few days ago, you will want to call 217/ 222-9360, which is the non-emergency number for the 9-1-1 Center.
I am concerned about identity theft. Do you have any information that might be helpful to me?
Yes I do. Click on this sentence for the information you asked about.
Do you have any tips for around my home that will help me protect myself and my family?
Yes I do. Click on this sentence for the information you asked about.
Do you have any safety tips for when I am away from home?
Yes I do. Click on this sentence for the information you asked about.
Does the Quincy Police Department participate in any national or state level programs in regards to missing children and sexual offenders?
The department is very proactive in this area. They are enrolled and active in the National AMBER ALERT and LOCATER programs, which work explicitly with reporting and finding missing children. They also take a very strong stand on sexual predators and their registration of residency in our community. For additional information and links to the National Missing and Exploited Children web site and the Illinois Sexual Predator listing click HERE.
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