New Laws for 2012

January 3, 2012 - Here is a quick recap of some of the more important new laws that became effective January 1, 2012:

• All Passengers Must Wear Seatbelts - All passengers in Illinois vehicles must now wear a seat belt, including those over 18 and those in the back seat that were once exempt from doing so.  We still recommend that those younger than 13 ride in the back seat and it is also state law for all children under age 8 to properly buckled in appropriate safety seats.
• Electronics Must be Recycled - Televisions, computers, cellphones, DVD players and other electronic devices are now banned from Illinois landfills and will be not be accepted as garbage.  These items will need to be taken to local recycling facilities instead, or face potential fines. Check out these websites of local recyclers for more information: swalco.org or arcoausa.com
• Synthetic Marajuana is Illegal - "K-2" or "Spice," among other names, has been responsible for dozens of overdoses and linked to deaths statewide.  The new law has a better blanket effect on these dangerous items, which were often sold openly at convenience stores and gas stations as potpourri.
• Laser Pointers - Those shining laser pointers at airplanes will now be prosecuted with state-level charges.  According to the FAA, O'Hare Airport received the second most complaints about such events in the entire country.
• Tolls Increased - Drivers on Illinois' Tollway system will pay nearly double the rates they did last year.  Cash tolls that were once 40 cents have increased to 75 cents, while 80 cent tolls will now cost $1.50.  This is still double the amount I-PASS users pay, which increased 87.5 percent.