Illinois State Police to Conduct March Traffic Enforcement Patrols

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Illinois State Police will be conducting multiple targeted traffic enforcement efforts across central Illinois during the month of March, focusing on impaired driving, occupant restraint compliance, and nighttime traffic safety. The patrols are designed to prevent, detect, and take enforcement action against impaired driving, illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs, and violations of seat belt and child safety seat laws.

Why it matters

Alcohol and drug impairment is estimated to be a factor in more than 47 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Nearly half of vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts, and more than half of fatal crashes statewide occur during nighttime hours, when unrestrained and impaired driving are more common.

The details

Illinois State Police Troop 7 Commander Capt. Heather Apperson announced that Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement patrols will take place in Macon and Vermilion counties, Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols are planned for Champaign, Macon and Vermilion counties, and Nighttime Enforcement patrols will be conducted in Champaign County. Officers will also watch for unsafe driving, speeding, distracted driving, suspended or revoked licenses and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.

• The enforcement efforts will take place during the month of March 2026.

What they’re saying