Road Safety & Fairness Act Signed into Law

Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 1226, the Road Safety & Fairness Act into law, a bipartisan measure championed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and AARP Illinois.

The law modernizes Illinois’ approach to senior driver safety by removing outdated age-based testing requirements. Starting July 1, 2026, the age for mandatory behind-the-wheel driving tests will increase from 79 to 87, aligning Illinois with national standards and recognizing data showing older drivers are among the safest on the road.

“The Road Safety and Fairness Act is a vital step toward ending outdated and discriminatory practices that unfairly target older drivers in Illinois," said Philippe Largent, State Director oF AARP Illinois. "With 1.7 million members across the state, AARP Illinois proudly supports this legislation because it promotes fairness, respects individual ability over age and helps older adults stay safely connected to their communities."

Read the full release on the Secretary of State's page.