SB 1441

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no towing service shall engage in the removal of commercial motor vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license by operating the vehicle under its own power, unless authorized by a law enforcement officer. Allows a law enforcement officer issuing a citation to a driver for operating an uninsured motor vehicle to authorize the removal and impoundment of the vehicle by a towing service if the driver has a prior conviction for driving without insurance in the past 12 months, unless the vehicle is exempt from the insurance requirements of the Code. Provides that law enforcement agencies patrolling highways in this State shall establish tow rotation lists of towing services, and requires officers of those agencies to utilize the tow rotation lists to select a towing service for officer initiated tows. Provides criteria for inclusion on a tow rotation list, including licensing, insurance requirements, and submission of fingerprints for the purpose of a criminal history check. Provides that a tower that stops for the purpose of soliciting a towing service transaction or without being summoned by a law enforcement officer shall be subject to a fine, shall have his or her driver's license suspended for 3 months, and shall not be reinstated until the payment of a reinstatement fee. If a person's license is already suspended at the time of the violation, his or her driver's license shall be suspended for 6 months, and shall not be reinstated until the payment of a reinstatement fee. Provides that towers that misrepresent their affiliation with a law enforcement agency's tow rotation list shall be subject to license suspension and a fine up to $1000.