IllinoisSB3484104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

VEH CD-PLATES-REGISTRATION

Sponsored By: Ram Villivalam (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the design and color of registration plates shall be wholly within the discretion of the Secretary of State. Provides that plates for veterans with disabilities who have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act shall pay a specified fee (instead of $24). Authorizes the Secretary to suspend or revoke a certificate or the special plates issued to tow truck or wrecker operator upon determining that the person is not lawfully entitled thereto or has made or knowingly permitted any illegal use of the plates or has committed fraud in the registration of vehicles or failed to give notices of transfers. Prohibits a vehicle from being registered in the name of a person who is not an owner or lessee of that vehicle. Requires a vehicle owner seeking to register a vehicle in the State to register that vehicle to a State address. Provides that it is a violation for a person to alter, forge, or counterfeit a license plate or digital license plate. Provides that if no assignable title is available when auctioning a vehicle, the auctioneer or dealer must apply for Illinois title for the purpose of assigning title. Provides that the renewal fee for licenses and permits issued to 18, 19, and 20 year olds is $5. Provides that the Secretary shall issue a meter-exempt decal or device to the parent of a person with a disability who is under 18 years of age and incapable of driving or the legal guardian of a person with a disability incapable of driving. Makes other changes.

assignmentstransportationexecutive

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 5 mixed.

Disability access and bicycle treatment expand

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Vehicle Code cannot bar qualifying personal mobility devices or reasonable accommodations for their use. This protection covers people with mobility disabilities using devices that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act and its federal rules. Adaptive electric bicycles count as bicycles when operated by people with mobility disabilities, and bicycle operating rules apply. Motorized wheelchairs remain outside the bicycle definition. Bicycle rules also apply to electric unicycles and unicycles where practical, unless another Vehicle Code rule says otherwise.

Electric riders gain access with safety limits

Beginning January 1, 2027, electric micromobility riders age 16 or older can use roads, bike lanes, and bike paths. Sidewalks and interstate highways are generally barred; roads posted above 35 mph require a designated bike lane. Devices capable of exceeding 28 mph cannot use public roads, bike lanes, or bike paths while ridden above 28 mph. Devices need brakes, required nighttime lights, and good working condition; passengers require a device originally designed for multiple riders. Impaired riding, obstructing road traffic, and sirens are banned, except sirens on police or fire devices. Local governments generally cannot regulate these devices unless State law allows it, but State transportation and natural resources agencies can ban them on their routes. Park, forest preserve, conservation, and transit districts can regulate their bike paths. Law enforcement can confiscate and impound devices violating these rules and charge a reasonable fee, waived with verifiable proof of theft or hijacking at impoundment.

Motor driven cycle riders face road rules

Beginning January 1, 2027, motor driven cycles can use public roads, but not sidewalks, bicycle-specific facilities, interstate highways, or public land where banned. Riders generally need a valid driver's license. Riders age 16 or 17 with an instruction permit can ride only in daylight under direct supervision. The supervisor must have the proper license, be at least 21, and have at least one year of driving experience. Passengers require a cycle built to carry them; riders under 18 can carry only a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild. Cycles must meet speedometer, vehicle identification number, federal safety, equipment, and insurance requirements. Violating cycles can be impounded with a reasonable administrative fee, waived with verifiable proof of theft or hijacking at impoundment. Local governments cannot regulate motor driven cycles, and responsible governments must post permanent signs or pavement markings on bicycle facilities where cycles are banned.

Electric device riders avoid vehicle paperwork costs

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered electric micromobility devices count as motor vehicles but need no title or vehicle registration. Riders also need no driver's license or permit and do not face the motor-vehicle liability insurance requirement. Covered devices are lightweight, electric, mainly for personal travel, and capable of speeds up to 28 mph. Examples include electric skateboards, unicycles, and scooters; electric personal assistive mobility devices and toy vehicles are excluded.

Bicycle users face local rules and fees

Beginning January 1, 2027, local authorities can regulate certain devices on streets and highways they control. This covers mobile carrying devices, bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, and low-speed gas bicycles. Within their lawful police powers, local authorities can require registration or licensing and charge a registration fee. Local governments and park, forest preserve, conservation, and transit districts can also regulate or ban low-speed electric bicycles on their bike paths. Path restrictions can target a specific electric bicycle class; local rules and fee amounts vary.

Powerful cycle owners need titles and registration

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered cycles need a title and registration before use on public highways. Covered electric motor driven cycles have nominal power above 750 watts and no more than 8,000 watts. Covered gas-powered bicycles can travel faster than 28 mph. Owners must apply for a title for covered vehicles bought new on or after January 1, 2027, with a vehicle identification number. Earlier purchases also need a title and registration for public-highway use.

Scooter riders face lower low-speed cutoff

Beginning January 1, 2027, the low-speed electric scooter cutoff drops from 15 mph to 10 mph. A qualifying scooter must weigh less than 100 pounds and have two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard. Scooters above 10 mph no longer qualify for this category and may face different vehicle rules.

Families get toy vehicle access with limits

Beginning January 1, 2027, toy vehicle operation is limited to sidewalks and bike paths, with pedestrian rights and duties. Drivers must yield, and parents or guardians cannot knowingly let a child or ward break these rules. Use is also allowed on property owned, managed, or leased by municipalities or park, forest preserve, conservation, and transit districts unless specifically banned. The Department of Natural Resources can regulate use on its properties. Tampering to exceed original speed capability or engagement is banned, and local governments cannot adopt less restrictive rules.

Gas bicycle riders gain routes, lose speed

Beginning January 1, 2027, low-speed gas bicycles must operate below 20 mph, replacing the former classification limit of 28 mph. They must have two or three wheels, working pedals, and a gas motor under one horsepower or 15 cubic centimeters. Qualifying low-speed gas bicycles are not motor vehicles; gas bicycles outside that definition count as motor driven cycles. The separate road operating speed limit drops from 28 mph to 20 mph. Low-speed gas bicycles can use roads and bike lanes approved for bicycles, plus bike paths unless the responsible State agency bans them. Park, forest preserve, conservation, and transit districts can regulate use on their bike paths.

Cycle buyers gain protection; sellers face fines

Beginning January 1, 2027, businesses cannot mislead buyers about which legal requirements apply to a motor driven cycle. The ban covers marketing, advertising, labeling, and offers by retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers. Each misleadingly marketed vehicle is a separate violation, carrying a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Vehicles can also be seized or impounded while enforcement proceedings are pending.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ram Villivalam

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Aarón M. Ortíz

    Democratic • House

  • Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar

    Democratic • House

  • Ann M. Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Anthony DeLuca

    Democratic • House

  • Barbara Hernandez

    Democratic • House

  • Brad Stephens

    Republican • House

  • Bradley Fritts

    Republican • House

  • Brandun Schweizer

    Republican • House

  • Dagmara Avelar

    Democratic • House

  • Darby A. Hills

    Republican • Senate

  • Edgar González, Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez

    Democratic • House

  • Jaime M. Andrade, Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Jay Hoffman

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer Sanalitro

    Republican • House

  • Justin Cochran

    Democratic • House

  • Kevin Schmidt

    Republican • House

  • Laura M. Murphy

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Lilian Jiménez

    Democratic • House

  • Martha Deuter

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Gill

    Democratic • House

  • Matt Hanson

    Democratic • House

  • Michael J. Kelly

    Democratic • House

  • Michelle Mussman

    Democratic • House

  • Nabeela Syed

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole La Ha

    Republican • House

  • Norma Hernandez

    Democratic • House

  • Regan Deering

    Republican • House

  • Robert "Bob" Rita

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 227 • No: 23

House vote • 6/1/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 84 • No: 16

Senate vote • 6/1/2026

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs

Yes: 48 • No: 7

House vote • 5/31/2026

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Transportation: Vehicles & Safety;

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 5/30/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Executive Committee;

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/15/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 55 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/14/2026

Do Pass as Amended Transportation;

Yes: 17 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0854

    8/26/2026Senate
  2. Effective Date January 1, 2027

    8/26/2026Senate
  3. Governor Approved

    8/26/2026Senate
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/30/2026Senate
  5. Passed Both Houses

    6/1/2026Senate
  6. Senate Concurs

    6/1/2026Senate
  7. 3/5 Vote Required

    6/1/2026Senate
  8. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs 048-007-000

    6/1/2026Senate
  9. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Be Approved for Consideration Assignments

    6/1/2026Senate
  10. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Referred to Assignments

    6/1/2026Senate
  11. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Filed with Secretary Sen. Ram Villivalam

    6/1/2026Senate
  12. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Darby A. Hills

    6/1/2026Senate
  13. Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence House Amendment(s) 1 - June 1, 2026

    6/1/2026Senate
  14. Secretary's Desk - Concurrence House Amendment(s) 1

    6/1/2026Senate
  15. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Martha Deuter

    6/1/2026House
  16. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Ann M. Williams

    6/1/2026House
  17. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin Schmidt

    6/1/2026House
  18. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandun Schweizer

    6/1/2026House
  19. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 084-016-000

    6/1/2026House
  20. 3/5 Vote Required

    6/1/2026House
  21. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    6/1/2026House
  22. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted

    6/1/2026House
  23. Third Reading/Final Action Deadline Extended-9(b) June 2, 2026

    5/31/2026House
  24. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Bradley Fritts

    5/31/2026House
  25. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Regan Deering

    5/31/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

  • Enrolled

  • House Amendment 1

  • Introduced

  • Senate Amendment 1

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