SHOREWOOD – A piece of bipartisan legislation, led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Representative Mark Batinick, that would expand the period of time in which school zone speed limits are active was signed into law today.

“Reckless driving should be discouraged everywhere, but especially around our students,” Loughran Cappel said. “This expansion of safety guidelines to accommodate the busy schedules of students represents a commitment to public safety across the state.”

Under current school speed zone rules, children are to be assumed present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, Plainfield-area high schools begin classes at 7:05 and students arrive during a timeframe when school zone rules are not yet active. Additionally, numerous students arrive before 7 a.m. to attend before school programs, tutoring or other extracurricular activities.

Under House Bill 343, school zone speed limits on school days will begin at 6:30 a.m. rather than 7 a.m.

Violation of the speed zone limits will still result in a subsequent fine or possible incarceration, depending on the speed violation.

"It's great to see this commonsense safety measure for Illinois students signed into law," said Rep. Batinick. "HB 343 will create a safer environment for our students starting their school days earlier in the morning and I'm glad to see it implemented across Illinois."

The bill is effective immediately.