DRIVERS are preparing to quickly upgrade their driving licenses – a clause in the new law could protect drivers from car searches.
Illinois passed a new highway law to renew the state’s driver’s licenses.
The state will allow in-state drivers to replace their physical license with an app-based document, according to Quincy. WGEM-TV.
The project was unanimously approved in both chambers on May 31.
Drivers will be able to use the app to show their driver’s license until January 1, 2025.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the new app would emphasize data security.
“It’s safe, it’s efficient, it’s convenient and it’s the wave of the future,” he said.
Giannoulias said it is important for drivers to keep their physical license.
The voluntary program will not initially be a direct replacement for plastic documentation.
Police may still ask to see a physical license when a driver is pulled over.
However, the app-based change does not infringe on a person’s Fourth Amendment rights.
The smartphone license is not consent to research.
Police are not allowed to view other data or applications on the phone without the driver’s consent.
However, drivers across the state can now use app-based programs for auto insurance cards.
Giannoulias also said the program will not immediately force drivers to use an app to drive.
“If you don’t want it, you won’t be forced to have it,” he said.
“This is a companion, not a replacement.”
What to know about application-based licenses
Police interactions may change with the new law. Here’s what you should know:
Drivers are preparing for the launch of digital licenses in January 2025 in Illinois.
The app could modestly change police interactions if drivers are stopped in the state.
Drivers must still carry their physical license when operating a motor vehicle.
The police may still ask to see the physical license.
However, the app does not allow searching.
Drivers still have the right to protect their privacy – both on their phone and in the car.
It is not legal for police to search a driver’s phone data and other apps without the driver’s consent.
Illinois is now the sixth state to have cell phone licenses.
State Rep. Kam Buckner, the sponsor of the Illinois bill, said he was inspired by Louisiana’s app licenses when he spent time in the South.
“I was jealous,” Buckner said.
“I think, listen, this is Illinois, once again, we are, in my opinion, much more technologically mature than states like Louisiana.”
Arkansas, Colorado, Texas and Virginia have already developed their own telephone license programs.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
