Illinois motorcyclists who hoped to be given the legal right to run red lights that do not recognize them will have to wait a little longer at least.
House Bill 2860, which passed the Illinois House and Senate in May, was vetoed by Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday. However, the bill may yet become law if changes are made. Illinois has what is called an Amendatory Veto, wherein the governor can reject a bill as presented for signing, but with changes requested that, if met, will win his signature.
As written, HB 2860 specified that motorcyclists could run red lights "after a reasonable period of time." Quinn objected to the wording, saying that the bill "endangers our motorists, and its interpretation could vary from individual to individual and county to county." He asked that the bill be changed to specify that the motorcyclist must wait two minutes.
Quinn also asked for clarification that motorcyclists would still have to obey signs prohibiting right or left turns on red and would still have to yield to oncoming traffic.
The Illinois Legislature has placed the amendatory veto on its calendar for action on October 19.
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