(Photo By Flickr User Teemu008)

A new year is ahead, and that means new laws in the state of Illinois for 2014.  Make sure you are ready, and know what you can and can't do to avoid issues in the new year.

Types of laws are broken down by category, like: Transportation, Consumer, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Family, Health, Education, Housing, Public Safety, Business, Seniors, Veterans, Pension, Revenue and Taxes, Higher Education, Labor, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Elections, Gaming, Ethics, Local Government, and State Government. 

According to examiner.com, here are a few new laws you need to keep in mind for this brand new upcoming year.

Some of the more important laws are as follows:

-No cellphone usage at ALL while driving; Exempts GPS systems and hands-free devices.

-The speed limit has been changed to 70 miles per hour on certain highways throughout the state – counties in Chicagoland and the Metro East are allowed to establish lower speed limits.

– Flicking a cigarette is a $1,500 fine/misdemeanor.  You can even get prison time if it happens over 3 times

– Teenagers can vote at age 17 if you're 18 by general election 

– No UV tanning allowed if you're under 18, even with parents permission.

-Parents or guardians cannot be sued for eavesdropping on electronic communications of minors in their care.

-It is illegal for schools to ask for or demand a student’s social networking password without cause; it requires parental notification for elementary and secondary school students.

If you want to check out the full list for yourself, head to www.examiner.com/article/illinois-new-laws-for-2014. 

Be safe out there, family!!