SUPPORT HIGHWAY SAFETY: Driver’s Licenses for ALL Illinois Motorists

Illinois law requires anyone applying for a driver’s license to provide a Social Security number (SSN). This law prevents 250,000 Illinois immigrant motorists who cannot get SSNs from getting licenses— even though they need to drive to support their families. These unlicensed, uninsured drivers are involved in 79,600 accidents each year, costing $660 million in damage claims. Nationwide, unlicensed motorists are five times likelier to be involved in a fatal crash than licensed drivers.

Providing a way for Illinois immigrant motorists to obey driver’s license laws will make everyone on our state’s roads safer. These immigrant drivers will need to get tested on their driving skills and on the rules of the road, and purchase insurance.

What Other States Are Doing

Washington and New Mexico already require all immigrant motorists to get driver’s licenses. Since New Mexico made this change in 2003, its rate of uninsured motorists fell from 33% to under 9%. New Mexico also saw a 24% decrease in alcohol-related crashes and a 25% drop in traffic fatalities. Both states also use strong procedures to verify documents regarding identity and residence and guard against fraud and abuse.

Join the Highway Safety Coalition!

The Highway Safety Coalition is a  broad spectrum of law enforcement, business, labor, faith, and community leaders support requiring all Illinois motorists to get tested, licensed, and insured.

For more information on Highway Safety Coalition and the Drivers’ Licenses for All Campaign please contact Rebecca Shi at ICIRR, 312 576-8032 or at rshi@icirr.org.