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http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/New_Laws_2012_Illinois_Mandatory_Seat_Belts_and_Motorcycles_Bypassing_Stuck_Red_Lights_New_Traffic_Laws_in_2012__136340633.htmlVIDEO:
Mandatory Seat Belts and Motorcycles Bypassing Stuck Red Lights:
New Traffic Laws in 2012 All passengers will need to wear seat belts in 2012 according to a new law. Posted: 5:20 PM Dec 28, 2011 Reporter: Lauren Kravets
Motorcycle Law Mandatory Seat Belts: New Traffic Law in 2012
ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Another new law will soon take effect in Illinois—this one is when it comes to buckling up. 23 News talked to some Stateline drivers today to gauge their reactions to the new seat belt regulations.
One driver said, "I thought that was a law that everybody had to buckle up."
Despite some confusion as to who must buckle up in the car, right now passengers 17-years and older who are sitting in the back seat do not have to wear a seatbelt.
Motorcycle Red Light Law
Another new law will allow motorcyclists to run red lights.
The law is a response to problems with road censors that change stop lights from red to green. Many times they don't detect the weight of motorcycles because they are lighter than cars.
The new law says if a red light hasn't changed after quote a "reasonable length of time" a motorcyclist can run that light. Some are concerned about more accidents, while others say it will be just as safe.
Kegel Harley-Davidson Office Manager Mel Kegel said, "Motorcyclists should see the car, even at night the lights would be on on the car and it is a safety issue of course, but generally speaking people who drive motorcycles are very defensive oriented, they drive defensively and they're going to be looking for oncoming traffic."
At least six other states including Wisconsin and Indiana have a similar motorcycle law. Illinois' takes affect Jan. 1. Winnebago Driver George Hanson said, "To have seatbelts required in the front and not in the back is kind of ridiculous because people are just as prone to get hurt back there."
That will all change come Jan 1. That's when everyone will be required to wear a seatbelt. Some drivers have mixed feelings about the new law. Rockford resident Bob Wawczack doesn't always make his kids buckle up in the back.
He said, "They feel more comfortable and safe where the driver and the passenger are probably more prone to any injury in the front with the windshield and they're just going to hit a back seat.”
If drivers don't obey the law there will be consequences. If police catch you unbuckled in the backseat someone will have to pay a $60 fine and the driver can be ticketed if the unbuckled passenger is 16 and younger. Police say it's meant to keep us safe.
Illinois State Police Dist. 16 Sgt. Richard Strain said, "There's a rollover crash where if all occupants are seat belted that will hopefully save more lives."
Here’s what some of you are saying about this story on our Facebook page: Renee says, “We all wear seatbelts in my car. Doesn't matter where you're sitting.” and Heidi adds "But driving a motorcycle with no helmet is still legal? I don't get it.”
There will continue to be a seat belt exception to back-seat passengers in taxis as well as school buses.
Also taking effect Jan. 1, truckers in Illinois will be able to drive the same speed as other drivers: they can now travel 65 miles per hour on highways.
