Law Will Improve Access to Up-to-Date Truck Route Information
CHICAGO - August 11, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to help the trucking industry operate more efficiently in Illinois. The new law requires local governments to provide the most up-to-date truck route information for the Illinois Department of Transportation to post online.
"Today's action marks another important step we have taken to improve Illinois' business climate," Governor Quinn said. "Helping businesses operate more efficiently helps them create jobs and keep our economy moving forward."
House Bill 1377, sponsored by Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Summit) and Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), requires local units of government to report their designated truck route network or lack of truck routes to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The information will then be posted online at http://www.dot.state.il.us/.
"This law will make it easier for trucks drivers to pick routes that comply with local ordinances and provide the most efficient way to transport goods," Sen. Raoul said. "A more productive and efficient transportation industry will help ease congestion and minimize wear on roads throughout Illinois."
Because global positioning systems for passenger cars do not contain the correct data required by truck drivers, the law instructs the Secretary of State to create a brochure illustrating distinctions between different types of GPS devices, and make the brochure available at all SOS facilities where an applicant may obtain or renew a commercial driver's license (CDL).
"Illinois roadways host hundreds of thousands of motorists and truckers, and we know that by providing motor carrier operators with more information on local truck routes and applicable GPS devices, trucking industry productivity will be enhanced significantly," said Acting Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. "We are proud to be involved with this legislation, and look forward to its positive impact statewide."
The law goes into effect Jan. 1.
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