Sec. 12-811. Amber 3 bar clearance light. Each type I school bus shall be equipped with an amber 3 bar clearance light on the front of the bus. The light shall be illuminated at all times when the bus is being operated between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility.
Illinois Compiled Statute
625 ILCS 5/12-811
Offense Description
No amber 3-bar clearances light on type 1 school bus
Offense Classification
Petty Offense
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/12-811 (No amber 3-bar clearances light on type 1 school bus) is classified as a Petty Offense. Statutory sentencing scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000. Court appearance is not mandatory (pre-set bond or notice to appear), and pretrial release is presumptively release-eligible under the SAFE-T Act.
Offense Class & Sentencing ScopePetty Offense
No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Court Appearance MandateRelease on Notice (No Mandate)
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State License SanctionStandard Administrative Protocol
No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Sec. 12-811. Amber 3 bar clearance light. Each type I school bus shall be equipped with an amber 3 bar clearance light on the front of the bus. The light shall be illuminated at all times when the bus is being operated between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility.
(Source: P.A. 79-63.)
Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis
Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 625 ILCS 5/12-811 in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/12-811 (No amber 3-bar clearances light on type 1 school bus) is classified as a Petty Offense.
Sentencing Scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Is a court appearance mandatory for 625 ILCS 5/12-811 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?
No Mandatory Court Appearance (Pre-Set Bond / Notice to Appear): Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Is an individual accused of 625 ILCS 5/12-811 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?
Presumptive Pretrial Release: Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 625 ILCS 5/12-811?
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Official Legal Citation Formats
Legal & Academic Reference
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
Illinois Supreme Court Citation625 ILCS 5/12-811 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.)625 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/12-811 (2026)
Canonical Web Referencehttps://ilcsindex.com/statutes/625-ilcs-5-12-811