Section 549.200  Definitions

The following words or phrases, when used in this Part, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section.

"Act" – the Roadside Memorial Act [605 ILCS 125].

"Department" – the Illinois Department of Transportation, with central offices at 2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois 62764.

"DUI Memorial Commemorative Plaque" – a rectangular sign, placed beneath  a DUI memorial marker, displaying the name of a victim who died as a proximate result of a crash caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination of these substances, along with the date of the crash.

"DUI Memorial Marker" – a sign on a highway in the state of Illinois commemorating one or more persons who died as a proximate result of a crash caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination of these substances and displaying the words "Don't Drive Under the Influence" on a DUI Memorial Marker erected on or after July 1, 2021 or "Please Don't Drink and Drive" on a DUI Memorial Marker erected before July 1, 2021. (See Sections 10 and 20(a) of the Act.)

"Entrance Ramp" – a lane entering the main traveled way of a freeway providing access between the freeway and the crossroad at an interchange.

"Fatal Accident Memorial Commemorative Plaque" – a rectangular sign, placed beneath a fatal accident memorial marker, displaying the name of a victim who died as a proximate result of a crash caused by a driver who committed an act of reckless homicide in violation of Section 9-3 or 9-3.2 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or 2012 [720 ILCS 5/9-3 or 9-3.2] or who otherwise caused the death of one or more persons through the operation of a motor vehicle, along with the date of the crash.

"Fatal Accident Memorial Marker" − a sign on a highway in the State of Illinois commemorating one or more persons who died as a proximate result of a crash caused by a driver who committed an act of reckless homicide in violation of Section 9-3 or 9-3.2 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or 2012 or who otherwise caused the death of one or more persons through the operation of a motor vehicle and displaying the words "Reckless Driving Costs Lives" or "Drive With Care".  (See Sections 23.1(b) and 23.1(d) of the Act.)

"Freeway" – a divided highway for through traffic, other than one under the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, with full control of access and grade separations at all crossroads.

"Interchange" – a system of interconnecting ramps providing for the movement of traffic between two roadways on different levels.

"Qualified Relative" – an immediate relative of the deceased, by marriage, blood or adoption, such as his or her spouse, son, daughter, mother, father, sister or brother; a stepmother, stepfather, stepbrother or stepsister of the deceased; or a person with whom the deceased was in a domestic partnership or civil union as recognized by a State or local law or ordinance.  (Section 10 of the Act)

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 1627, effective January 6, 2022)