Illinois has officially enacted the Road Safety & Fairness Act, a bipartisan measure designed to improve road safety while eliminating outdated age-based testing requirements for drivers.
Backed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and AARP Illinois, the new law allows immediate family members to confidentially report concerns about a loved one’s medical or cognitive ability to drive. It also raises the age for mandatory behind-the-wheel testing from 79 to 87, aligning Illinois with the rest of the nation.
Drivers between ages 79 and 86 will still be required to renew their licenses more frequently and take vision tests, while drivers 87 and older must continue to pass annual road exams.
The measure passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and takes effect on July 1, 2026.
