We are halfway through 2019. Just in time for new laws and taxes! Here are the changes that will be taking place in the Land of Lincoln starting on Monday, July 1st. (Not going to lie, some of these are going to hurt.)

Texting while driving will now be a moving violation. That means any tickets issued go on your permanent record — and get three moving violations within one year, you win a suspended license! You should definitely read through this helpful summary of the law carefully, especially if you have questions — like, “is using your phone as a GPS all good?”
The age to buy tobacco products rise from 18 to 21. This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and nicotine-stuff. That would include e-cigarettes and vaping material, too. What is the teenage smoker to do?
Smoky treats, by the way, just got THAT much more expensive. Taxes are hiked on tobacco products — by $1.
Speaking of taxes, you will pay $0.38 per gallon to the state of Illinois when you fill up. That’s double the previous motor fuel tax, which hasn’t budged since 1990. A incremental increase may have been a little easier to take instead of a hike which is being called “historical.”

Sorry, that’s a lot of “digging into your wallet” news. And I know a lot of you think some of these new regulations are dumb. But are they as weird or dumb as these laws that are allegedly on the books (thanks, Pantagraph).

In Illinois, you cannot hang things like fuzzy dice or air fresheners from your rear view mirror. It’s considered an obstruction. A smelly, tacky obstruction.
In Des Plaines, wheelbarrows for sale cannot be chained to trees. 🔗🌳
You can drink alcohol under the age of 21. But you have to be enrolled in a culinary program. LOOPHOLE!
A rooster in Kenilworth must step back 300 feet from a residence if wishes to crow. Because, Kenilworth.
You cannot fly a kite in the city of Chicago. Actually — that one is 100% false. But only because it was repealed in the 1970s.

— [eric]

[📷 : Pexels]