Traffic
Arlington Heights, IL Police Announce More Traffic Enforcement
Arlington Heights, IL — Drivers traveling through Chicago's northwest suburbs could see additional traffic enforcement as the Arlington Heights Police Department prepares to expand patrols targeting s
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-12T15:53:10.157Z
Arlington Heights, IL — Drivers traveling through Chicago's northwest suburbs could see additional traffic enforcement as the Arlington Heights Police Department prepares to expand patrols targeting speeding, impaired driving and distracted motorists following the announcement of new federal funding Monday.
According to an Oct. 12 announcement from the Arlington Heights Police Department, the agency has received a Federal Fiscal Year 2027 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program STEP grant administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The funding will support additional traffic enforcement operations beyond the department's regularly scheduled patrol activities and mandatory holiday safety campaigns.
Police said the expanded enforcement will focus primarily on four major traffic safety concerns, commonly referred to as the "Fatal Four."
Those priorities include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and occupant protection violations, including seat belt related offenses.
The grant also supports enforcement efforts during designated statewide traffic safety initiatives, including April's Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Speed Awareness Day.
For motorists traveling through Arlington Heights and surrounding Cook County communities, the announcement signals an increased focus on dangerous driving behaviors during upcoming enforcement campaigns.
The department did not announce specific patrol locations, enforcement dates or the number of additional officers expected to participate.
Officials also did not disclose the total dollar amount awarded through the grant.
The STEP program uses federal highway safety funding administered by IDOT to support traffic safety enforcement efforts across Illinois.
Arlington Heights police said their continued participation in the program reflects the department's commitment to reducing dangerous driving and improving roadway safety.
Drivers are encouraged to obey posted speed limits, avoid cellphone distractions, never drive impaired and ensure everyone in their vehicle is properly restrained.
Residents seeking additional information about the enforcement initiative can contact Sgt. Tim Scanlan with the Arlington Heights Police Department at 847 368 5300 .