The new“sign and drive” law prohibits the confiscation of a motorist’s driver’s license when stopped and cited for a minor (no jail time) traffic offense. Previously, Illinois drivers given a citation for certain offenses had to relinquish their driver’s licenses to police until their fine was paid or until they attended a required court appearance.
Since 9/11, the need for appropriate, state-issued photo identification has become a necessity in order to travel, obtain health-care, renting vehicles, etc. The driver’s license is still the standard, accepted form of photo identification.
Sign and drive allows a motorist's signature on a traffic citation to act as the guarantee they will comply with the terms of the citation and either appear in court or pay the required fine. The Secretary of State can, as before, suspend driving privileges of any motorist who does not comply with their citation.
