Drivers' License in Illinois?

Illinois did not have a drivers license law until July of 1938

Daily Illini December 5, 1936

It is easy to understand why auto death rates have decreased in states having drivers license and safety responsibility legislation similar to that which will be considered by the Illinois legislature in January.

As the situation stands today the only check on the unsafe driver is onerous fines and jail sentences, and so far, this has not been effective.

But show the unsafe driver that being involved in violations of the traffic code is going to cost him considerable money, not only one time, but regularly every year thereafter, and he will soon change his ways.

Here is how it works out. Under the drivers license law it is necessary to have a license before you can drive. This license may be suspended for various minor infractions of the law or it may be revoked for more serious breaches. Revocation means that the state license plates must be surrendered and that the driver cannot operate a vehicle for one year.

With the safety responsibility bill in effect, when the driver whose license has been revoked applies for another license he must prove his ability to satisfy judgments that may be levied against him as the result of future accidents in which he may be involved. Otherwise he cannot procure another license

This means, that the unsafe driver must post a surety company bond, real estate bond, cash or securities, or an insurance policy with the secretary of state before he may be permitted to drive again.

Naturally the necessity of paying premiums on insurance policies or tying up cash securities, or real estate places a burden on the unsafe driver of such proportions that the number of irresponsible motorists is bound-to be diminished to the point where it will become almost