FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2026
CONTACT:
Rudy Faust, Chicago IL
Phone: (917) 992-7389
Email: [email protected]
Thomas DeVito
[email protected]
[email protected]
(201) 835-6900
Illinois Legislature Passes Landmark Stop Super Speeders Bill to Prevent Deadly Crashes From Worst-of-the-Worst Speeders
Springfield, IL, May 21, 2026 — Yesterday, the Illinois legislature passed Stop Super Speeders legislation (HB 4948), advancing a major new tool to prevent deadly speeding crashes and protect communities from repeat reckless drivers. The legislation now heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for signature.
A bill lays the groundwork for use of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology, which uses GPS and onboard sensors to prevent the most dangerous drivers from exceeding posted speed limits. By implementing ISA technology for repeat dangerous speeders, Illinois aims to:
- Prevent deaths and serious injuries by limiting the ability of super speeders to drive at lethal speeds.
- Deter dangerous driving and promote long-term behavioral change.
- Provide a targeted, prevention-focused intervention that prioritizes public safety while preserving mobility.
The bill establishes an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) Program for drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked after two convictions for excessive speeding, defined as driving 26 mph or more above the speed limit and creates a fund to subsidize the cost for low-income drivers.
Under the program, eligible drivers may apply for a restricted driving permit that allows limited driving privileges only if their vehicle is equipped with ISA technology that prevents them from exceeding posted speed limits, providing an alternative to full license suspension or revocation.
The bill targets the small number of drivers responsible for a disproportionate share of deadly crashes while still allowing people to drive for work, school, and daily life.
The legislation passed the Illinois Senate by a 49-9 vote after previously passing the Illinois House 77-24.
Families for Safe Streets(FSS) members—victims and survivors of traffic violence—are leading nationwide advocacy efforts to advance Stop Super Speeders legislation. Active Transportation Alliance has worked with FFS members and other advocates to gain support for HB 4948 in the Illinois General Assembly.
Research shows that repeat reckless speeders are significantly more likely than typical motorists to be involved in fatal collisions, while traditional enforcement methods such as license suspension have proven largely ineffective. Nationally, an estimated 75 percent of drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive.
Advocates Say
“I survived a crash that changed my life, and I carry that reality every day,” said Rudy Faust, an Illinois crash survivor and Families for Safe Streets advocate. “No one should have to learn through tragedy what we already know how to prevent. This bill is about stopping the behavior that destroys families before it ever happens. I’m incredibly grateful to our bill sponsors, Representative Marti Deuter and Senator Julie Morrison, and everyone who made this possible. I am proud to see Illinois take a step towards real safety, because every single preventable crash we stop is another family spared this pain.”
“Yesterday’s vote is a powerful acknowledgment that Illinois can no longer accept preventable roadway deaths as inevitable,” said Amy Cohen, Founder and President of Families for Safe Streets, whose 12-year-old son was killed by a speeding driver. “This bill focuses on the small number of repeat speeders who put every family at risk and uses proven technology to stop dangerous behavior before tragedy occurs. We urge Governor Pritzker to sign the bill into law so that Illinois can lead the nation in saying clearly: preventable speeding deaths must stop.”
Bill Sponsors Say
“Driving at high speeds is dangerous, plain and simple,” said State Representative Marti Deuter (D-Elmhurst). “What we’re doing is creating an option for those who have been convicted of driving at these dangerously high speeds that allows them to continue contributing to their communities while keeping our streets safer.”
“Driving recklessly puts everyone on the road at risk,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We need to continue our efforts to ensure high-risk drivers do not put others in danger.”
Evidence from jurisdictions already implementing ISA programs demonstrates that the technology can dramatically reduce dangerous speeding and prevent deadly crashes, similar to how ignition interlock devices have successfully reduced repeat drunk driving offenses.
Illinois is the latest state to advance the growing national Stop Super Speeders initiative. Similar legislation has been enacted in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Washington State. In 2026 legislatures in Hawaii and Maryland passed Stop Super Speeders bills, while Georgia enacted its law earlier this month after Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 160. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also recently announced that Stop Super Speeders legislation would be included in the New York State budget. Another 14 states are considering legislation this year.
The bill now heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk, where he will have 60 days to sign, veto, or allow the legislation to become law without his signature.
** Crash victims/survivors from Illinois are available for interviews **
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About Families for Safe Streets
Families for Safe Streets is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending traffic violence by supporting victims’ families, educating communities, and advocating for safe streets policies that save lives. Learn more at https://go.activetransportation.org/e/213232/stop-super-speeders/31gyc4/1236643239/h/qYubE3wDyYVKlqU_c5v05bEwfSvl1-y-Xp_4BUCA42s
Active Transportation Alliance
The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that advocates for walking, bicycling and public transit to create healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. The organization works to build a movement around active transportation, encourage physical activity, increase safety and build a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance has more than 20,0000 members and supporters in the Chicago region. For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.