SPRINGFIELD - Beginning Tuesday, obeying Illinois driving laws will become a little more complicated, especially for teenagers.

While lawmakers met in Springfield nearly all year to deal with a myriad of thorny topics, many of the laws they did approve will take effect Jan. 1.

The changes include a much-touted plan to make it more difficult for teenagers to get driver's licenses. Lawmakers hope that more practice means fewer fatal crashes on the roads.

A trend of teen deaths behind the wheel in Tazewell County helped spark the legislation, and that trend has since waned recently.

State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, said the tougher teen driving laws are a good idea, but that teens are ultimately responsible for how they drive.

"There's only so much the laws can do," he said.

Under the new laws, teens will have to spend nine months with their learner's permit instead of three, get six hours of driving experience with an instructor and appear in court with their parents if they get tickets.

But that's just one of many laws, dealing with driving and otherwise, that take effect Jan. 1.

l Drivers passing bicyclists must give them a full three feet cushion of space, in hopes of preventing wrecks.

l People 19 years old and younger can't talk on cell phones while driving. Before, the Illinois age limit was 18. So 19-year-olds should finish those in-car conversations before midnight Monday.

l People can take a little more time off work to donate blood. Previously, employers were required by law to let workers take an hour every 56 days to give blood. Now, employers have to give you a little more than an hour in case there's a line or you're a slow bleeder.

l A wide selection of new, specialty license plates were approved by lawmakers and can technically be requested beginning in the new year. New types range from ones for Korean War veterans to plates for members for the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. The secretary of state's office won't start printing them, though, until enough are ordered.

l Insurers can't deny coverage for injuries people suffer while drunk or under the influence of narcotics.

l Companies that operate rides at fairs and carnivals will be required to run background checks on ride operators so convicted sex offenders won't get hired.

l Orders of protection for people who are abused can now include family pets.

l Communities will be allowed to pool their buying power in order to buy bulk electricity for their towns. Some have suggested that method could result in lower rates for residential customers.

mike.riopell@lee.net / 217) 789-0865