Crespo Law to Make Illinois' Roads Safer to Go Into Effect

STREAMWOOD, Ill. - Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, prohibiting car dealerships from allowing people to drive cars with decals and other materials on the windows that could obstruct a driver's view will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

"As a father, one of my top priorities is ensuring the safety of our communities," Crespo said. "What happened to Brendan Burke was a tragedy that could have been prevented, and this new law puts in place common-sense precautions that will make roads safer for everyone."

Crespo's House Bill 733 prohibits vehicle dealerships from allowing drivers to leave the premises in a car with signs, decals or paperwork still on the front windshield or windows. The new law was an initiative of the Secretary of State in response to the death of Brendan Burke, who died as a result of an accident that involved a test-driven car with a number of decals and paperwork which obstructed the driver's view.

"This traffic safety measure is a common-sense solution that removes potential obstructions from the front and side windows of a vehicle prior to being driven off the lot of an automobile dealer," said Secretary of State Jesse White. "We want to make sure that the driver's vantage point is not impeded in any situation. I applaud state Rep. Fred Crespo for sponsoring this legislation aimed at improving road safety."

Crespo represents the 44th District, which includes portions of Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Streamwood.