In 2026 Illinois expanded Scott's Law to moving emergency vehicles, banned plate covers, made low-speed e-bikes follow bicycle rules and moved the senior road test from age 79 to 87 while letting families flag unsafe drivers.
DZ DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
On January 1, 2026, Illinois expanded Scott's Law to emergency vehicles that are moving, not just stopped, banned tape and covers that hide license plates, and made low-speed e-bike riders follow bicycle rules. On July 1, 2026, the senior driver law raised the age for a required road test at renewal from 79 to 87 and let immediate family ask for a review of an unsafe driver.
Scott's Law expansion
Jan 1, 2026
Plate covers
Banned (SB 1883)
Senior road test age
87 (was 79)
Senior law in effect
July 1, 2026
Illinois still has one of the strictest renewal rules for older drivers. The Road Safety and Fairness Act, signed in August 2025, moves the road test age from 79 to 87, but adds a new way for families to raise concerns about a driver of any age.
The 2026 changes
January 1: Scott's Law covers moving vehiclesDrivers must slow down and move over for emergency vehicles with flashing lights, stopped or moving, and for people at the scene. Fines are $250 to $10,000.
January 1: No plate covers (SB 1883)Covering or blocking a registration plate with tape or another device is prohibited.
January 1: E-bikes are bicycles (SB 2285)Low-speed electric bikes now fall under the legal definition of a bicycle, so riders follow bicycle rules.
January 1: No blood type on licenses (HB 1120)The Secretary of State no longer has to include a blood type space on driver's licenses.
July 1: Senior driver law (HB 1226)The required renewal road test now starts at 87 instead of 79. Immediate family members can ask the Secretary of State to review a driver over medical or cognitive concerns, and that driver may need written, vision and road tests.
Who is affected
Every driver
Move over for any emergency vehicle with lights
Keep plates fully visible
Drivers 79 to 86
No longer need a road test at renewal because of age
Families
Can ask for a review of a relative's driving in writing
E-bike riders
Follow the same road rules as bicyclists
Good to know
Tinted or smoked plate covers are an easy ticket now. Take them off before an officer has a reason to pull you over.
Check yourself3 questions
Since July 1, 2026, at what age do Illinois drivers need a road test to renew?
Answer: D. The age moved from 79 to 87.
What does SB 1883 prohibit?
Answer: B. It bans tape or devices that cover or obstruct registration plates.
Who can now ask the Secretary of State to review an unsafe driver?
Answer: C. The 2026 law added a process for immediate family members.
Questions about the new laws
Does the family review apply only to seniors?
No. It is based on medical or cognitive concerns, not age.
Do commercial drivers 75 and up still take a road test?
Yes. The move to 87 covers regular licenses only. CDL holders who are 75 or older keep the road test at each renewal.
Where can I read the bills?
On the Illinois General Assembly website, ilga.gov. Search by bill number.
Sources
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Illinois DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
