Heads up, Illinois truckers! Lawmakers returned to the state Capitol Tuesday, Nov. 4 and will soon decide whether to override the governor’s veto of a bill that would have eliminated the split speed limit in the state.

Currently, vehicles with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds are required to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph limit for other vehicles. Under HB1186, all vehicles would have a 65 mph speed limit.

To override the veto, 71 votes are needed in the House, 36 in the Senate. The bill received 89 yes votes when it passed the House in March, 18 more than needed to override. In the Senate, it received 45 in May, nine more than are needed to reverse the governor ’s action.

The General Assembly meets twice this month to consider vetoed bills and whether to pursue an override. The first meeting, scheduled for Nov. 4 and 5, is now under way; the second is scheduled for Nov. 18, 19 and 20. HB1186 is on the agenda to be discussed.

It is imperative that you contact your state lawmakers now and let them know the importance of uniform speeds to road safety.

For House members contact information, visit www.legis.state.il.us/house/default.asp. For Senators, visit www.legis.state.il.us/senate/default.asp. You can also call OOIDA’s membership department at 1-800-444-5791 and they’ll look it up.