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CHICAGO, ILL. -- The following news release was sent by the Illinois Office of Communication and Information:

Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today commended Governor Pat Quinn for signing House Bill 4860 into law. The new law prohibits tow-truck operators from stopping at the scene of an accident and soliciting the owner or operator of the vehicle into using their towing services. The law will protect the rights of motorists and improve road safety by helping alleviate congestion at the scene of an accident.

"This law helps protect the rights of Illinois’ motorists and will improve safety on our roads," said Governor Quinn. "We must do everything we can to keep our drivers safe, especially when they find themselves in a vulnerable situation."

"We commend the Governor for signing this law to protect motorists from unwanted solicitors and to improve safety on Illinois roadways," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "This will help ensure a safer and more controlled environment at the scene of an accident."

House Bill 4860, sponsored by Representative John D’Amico (D-Chicago) and Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake), prohibits tow-truck operators from stopping at the scene of a motor vehicle accident to solicit towing services. The new law requires that tow-truck operators must be called to action by a law enforcement officer or the owner or operator of the vehicle. Currently, tow truck owners and operators are allowed to solicit damaged and disabled vehicles along the roadside.

The new law amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and is effective immediately.