Pritzker signs law to aid victims of car theft

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed a new law that will make it easier for victims of Illinois car theft to get back on the road.

The law allows drivers to replace license plates and registration stickers at no cost if their car has been stolen.

The law takes effect on January 1st, 2024.

In a statement, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the helps with one of the many issues victims face.

“Victims of auto theft face extraordinary obstacles in repairing what has been damaged and lost when their vehicle is taken from them. This law eliminates one of these hurdles, making it easier and more affordable for victims to get back on the road,” he said. “Waiving these replacement fees is a small but important step in helping victims return to a sense of normalcy.”

In 2022, the most recent vehicle theft data, there were 38,649 thefts statewide, an increase of more than 10,000 cases compared to the year prior. More than 22,000 of the thefts occurred in Chicago that year, where thefts doubled compared to 2021.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.