Vella Supports Measure to Help Victims of Car Theft, Works to Ensure they Avoid Getting Hit with Fees

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Residents who have their vehicle stolen will no longer be on the hook for fines accrued by the thief under a proposal supported by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford.

“When somebody is carjacked or has their vehicle stolen, the last thing they should have to be dealing with is red light fines, parking tickets and other violations,” Vella said. “This proposal updates our laws to make sure nobody is forced to pay these unjustified fees.”

The Vella-backed House Bill 3772 provides that a vehicle owner is not liable for violations, fees, fines or penalties – such as red light or speed camera tickets – during the period in which the motor vehicle was reported to an appropriate law enforcement agency as stolen or hijacked. The measure also spells out that counties and municipalities that impound stolen vehicles should refund administrative fees that are collected.

House Bill 3772 passed without opposition and will head to the governor for approval.

“We must continue to target car theft comprehensively, and ensure our law enforcement and prosecutors have the tools they need to effectively handle it,” Vella said. “This measure is a common sense way we can help out vehicle theft victims, I’m glad to see it passed.”