Motor enthusiasts: Illinois is in its prime. A new law has created a buzz among the nostalgic: retro license plates are making a comeback, and after much demand, it will allow the retro plates from the 1980s to be seen again on the roads of this state. And not only that, they are also considering raising the age for renewing a driver’s license.
House Bill 3391 in the Illinois General Assembly was passed unanimously and will allow owners to revert to the “retro” license plates for their vehicles, the ones from the 80s and into the 2000s that featured the words “Illinois” and “Land of Lincoln” in dark blue on a light background.
Two different changes, but with one thing in common: they want to connect with drivers… although not everyone sees them the same way.
Why are license plates important?
It’s a way to maintain and regulate road safety and vehicle legality. Each vehicle has one that is also non-transferable, helping authorities to issue fines, collect payments, and for those who are a little absent-minded, to avoid getting into the wrong car. However, the current Illinois plates had lost their “personality” with the latest designs imposed, but that has now come to an end.
The old plates are back (and not just for nostalgia)
The idea was driven by Republican representative Jennifer Sanalitro and passed without opposition. The design is not new: dark blue letters on a light blue background, with the inscriptions “Illinois” and “Land of Lincoln.” The cost: $40 when requesting it and $27 for renewal.
It may seem like just a visual whim, but this measure could have an economic goal behind it. The state expects to generate more revenue from those who want to personalize their cars with a vintage touch, appealing to the memory of the 80s. And the truth is that many are already preparing to order it, so it’s not such a bad idea.
Who can request it?
Any resident of Illinois with a registered car. The process will be like any other custom plate, but this time with a design already approved by law, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can issue it directly.
Nothing changes legally: retro plates will still serve to identify vehicles, impose penalties, and track stolen cars.
Until when can you renew your license?
Here comes the second major change. With another project called House Bill 1226, Illinois wants to modify the driver’s license renewal system for older drivers. Currently, after the age of 79, a practical driving test must be passed every two years. The proposal is clear: raise that limit to 87 in order to ease the burden on those who continue driving at those ages and also reduce administrative workloads.
Why now?
Illinois is one of the few states that requires such frequent practical tests after a certain age. And while safety matters, there is also support for those who defend the autonomy of older individuals. The proposal has already been approved in the House of Representatives and only needs the Senate’s approval.
Illinois is accelerating in mobility. Retro plates are a nod to the past and a way to bring personality back to the roads, while the reform for older drivers looks to the future to support their independence. Together, both laws aim to change the experience for drivers in Illinois, without major revolutions, but with details that matter.
One appeals to aesthetics and emotion. The other, to logic and age. And between the two, the state is trying to build a road where everyone fits: those who still dream of the 80s… and those who still want to keep driving!
