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Illinois, Tennessee bills target ‘super speeders’

A bill atop the Illinois governor’s desk would get tough with motorists who drive like the highway is their own personal NASCAR race track. Time is running out for lawmakers to approve a similar effort in Tennessee.

Illinois lawmakers have approved a bill that addresses concerns about “super speeders” raised since a Chicago Tribune report showed that Chicago-area courts have given a special probation to nearly two-thirds of speeders traveling at least 100 mph. The probation allows offenders to keep tickets off their driving records.

The bill – SB3796 – would make it a Class B misdemeanor to speed 30 to 39 mph above the limit. Punishment could include six months in jail and a $1,500 fine. It would also prohibit judges from issuing court supervision to anyone found guilty of driving at least 40 mph in excess of the speed limit. Exceeding the speed limit by 40 mph could result in a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White proposed the stricter punishment.

“Excessive speeders pose a greater risk to the public, and such reckless behavior does not merit court supervision,” White said in a statement.

Another effort to increase safety on Illinois roadways would cut driving time for teens during the weekends. Illinois law now mandates that teen drivers be off the road from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The state’s youngest drivers are prohibited from driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. the rest of the week.

A bill from Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, SB3795 would require drivers under 18 to be off the road a half hour earlier on Friday and Saturday nights.

Tennessee
With the Tennessee General Assembly scheduled to wrap up their work for the year by midweek, a bill to increase maximum speeding penalties in the state needs a big last-minute push to clear the statehouse.

Modeled after a Georgia law that went into effect this year, the Tennessee version would allow $500 fines for excessive speeders. Currently, speeding fines are $50.

The bill – SB2523/HB2544 – would authorize the fine to be applied to those caught driving 25 mph over the speed limit.

Supporters say the change is needed because excessive speeding alone is not enough to charge motorists with reckless driving. Others say the stiffer penalty should help keep motorists mindful of their speeds. In return, it would help cut down on wrecks.

Opponents say the bill is more about raising money than about punishing super speeders.

The Senate and House versions are in committee in their respective chambers. The session is scheduled to conclude Tuesday, May 25.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Illinois, click here. To view other legislative activities of interest for Tennessee, click here.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected].

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