Catalytic converter theft prevention, Scott’s Law enhancements take effect Jan. 1

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that several new laws initiated by his office will take effect at the start of the new year. The initiatives were passed in 2023 by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law.

They include:

Preventing catalytic converter theft

New legislation makes it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen catalytic converters by requiring recyclable metal dealers to keep a record of the vehicle identification number and the catalytic converter itself.

The seller of a catalytic converter also must provide a copy of the certificate of title or registration indicating ownership of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed, making it easier for law enforcement to investigate potential crimes.

“For far too long it has been far too easy for thieves to steal and resell catalytic converters from the vehicles of law-abiding Illinoisans,” Giannoulias said in a news release. “This legislation will deter theft and expedite law enforcement investigations by requiring scrap metal dealers to keep detailed records of the parts they purchase. “

Catalytic converter theft is a crime that frequently results in hundreds to thousands of dollars in unexpected vehicle repairs. In recent years, the skyrocketing value of the precious metals found in catalytic converters has resulted in a larger incentive for theft. Catalytic converter theft spiked 288% from 2020 to 2022, latest figures show.

House Bill 4589 was sponsored by state Rep. Jay Hoffman (113th District – Belleville) and state Sen. Michael Hastings (19th District – Frankfort).

Assisting victims of crime

Victims of vehicle theft now can apply for free replacement license plates and registration stickers if they provide a police report or affidavit showing that the original plates were stolen.

“Extraordinary obstacles are presented to victims whenever a vehicle theft occurs. Through no fault of their own, they are faced with the daunting task of repairing what has been damaged and attempting to recover what has been lost,” Giannoulias said in a news release. “Waiving these replacement fees is a small but important step in helping victims return to a sense of normalcy after suffering such a significant loss.”

In 2022, the most recent vehicle theft data, there were 38,649 thefts statewide, an increase of more than 10,000 cases compared with the previous year. More than 22,000 of the thefts occurred in Chicago that year, where thefts doubled compared with 2021.

Senate Bill 3471 was sponsored by state Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr. (17th District – Chicago) and state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (92nd District – Peoria).

Enhancing Scott’s Law

Scott’s Law, also called the “Move Over” law, requires motorists approaching a stopped emergency vehicle to proceed with caution and yield the right of way by moving out of the lane adjacent to the emergency vehicle. If that’s not possible – such as if the road only is two lanes – drivers are expected to reduce speed as they pass the scene.

The new legislation will ensure that individuals operating a vehicle yield the right of way by making a lane change and reducing their speed when approaching the scene of a crash, emergency or construction zone. Proponents said this will result in safer road conditions for emergency responders, construction workers and all motorists.

“Passed in 2001, Scott’s Law has proven an effective measure to improve road safety, but we can always do more to protect those that protect us,” Giannoulias said in a news release. “Requiring both a lane change and a reduction in speed when approaching stationary vehicles in an emergency or construction zone will keep all Illinois road users safer, especially those that build, maintain and patrol our roadways.”

House Bill 5370 was sponsored by state Rep. Jay Hoffman (113th District – Belleville) and state Sen. Celina Villanueva (12th District – Chicago).

Honoring Gold Star families

Under this measure, initiated by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (84th District – Aurora), qualified family members can display a Gold Star Family designation on their driver’s license or state ID card to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved one.

The immediate family members of a person who lost their life while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces qualify for the designation at no additional cost after completing an Affirmation of Gold Star form. Immediate family members include parents, widows or widowers, children or stepchildren, brothers or half-brothers, and sisters or half-sisters.

Senate Bill 2959 was sponsored by state Rep. Kifowit and state Sen. Tom Bennett (53rd District – Morris).