Monticello, IL Police Department

06/10/2026

We have received several comments and questions concerning electric scooters on city streets and sidewalks. The state passed a law earlier this month that, if signed by the governor, will be in place January 1, 2027. Please see the Illinois Secretary of State’s infographic about the new law. Parents and guardians should pay special attention to the age, registration, and other requirements of the new law. More information can be found at: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/traffic-safety/micromobility-in-illinois.html

Several local agencies came together and wanted to put out information on the current law so electric scooter owners and operators know the applicable laws.

A low-speed E-scooter must be operated by someone 18 years old or over.
Electric scooters are not allowed on sidewalks, highways, or roads over 35 mph. This follows the rules for registered golf carts and low speed vehicles in Monticello.
The scooters must have a working brake, front white light, and rear red reflector.
Only one person is allowed on the scooter.
The scooter’s maximum speed can only be 10 mph.


Right now, there is a gap in the law concerning scooters that go over 10 mph. Those scooters can fall into other categories depending on speed, motor size, or if it has pedals. Devices that do go over 10 mph could be legally considered mopeds, motor-driven cycles, or non-highway vehicle. We understand the confusion and frustration with the gap in the law.

We understand there are a lot of opinions about what should and should not be on the roadways. We are approaching this from the standpoint of safety. Operators of electric scooters must follow the rules of the road. Electric scooters are difficult to see and need to exercise caution on the roads. Helmets are always a good idea and can help if you fall off.



Electric scooters are not allowed on city owned basketball, pickleball, tennis courts, or bike trails. E-scooters may be impounded (and later picked up by parents/guardians) if they are on prohibited areas of city property.

05/21/2026

Memorial Day weekend is here and we will be seeing more people out on the roads to celebrate the long weekend. Please drive safe and sober. Slow down and stay off your cell phone. Have a great weekend!

05/13/2026

**Kratz Rd. Closed, Thursday, May 14**

Kratz Rd. will be closed from 12:00pm-2:45pm tomorrow for the Washington School Touch-A-Truck event. First responders will be in the Sievers Center parking lot along with students and staff.

PM Small Wonders at Washington School will have drop-off and pick-up on Sage Dr., at 12:15 and 2:45.

Please drive safe in this area!

05/11/2026

Thank you to St. John Lutheran School (Champaign) for the great pictures you sent us! This is a nice way to start Police Week!

05/06/2026

Thank you to the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation for their generous grant to purchase a thermal imaging device! The thermal imager will allow officers to see better in low light situations and certain weather conditions for missing persons. We will be able to conduct a quicker and more efficient search, especially when time is of the essence.

03/31/2026

Monticello Police Department and Piatt County Mental Health Center partner for Blue Envelope Program to kick off Autism Acceptance Month.

April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month and the Monticello Police Department and Piatt County Mental Health Center partnered together to develop the Blue Envelope Program. This program provides a great communication tool that helps police interact with drivers on the Autism spectrum during traffic stops.

Drivers with autism in the Monticello area can use the envelopes to store important documents. The envelope can be presented to officers during a traffic stop and provides useful information about the best way to communicate with the driver. The envelope also lists a support person and their contact number, if needed.

This program is voluntary and free; no registration or proof of diagnosis is required. Envelopes can be picked up at:

Piatt County Mental Health Center (1921 N. Market St., Monticello)

Monticello Police Department (310 N. Hamilton St., Monticello)

Monticello Municipal Building (210 N. Hamilton St., Monticello)

Allerton Public Library (4000 Green Apple Lane, Monticello)

03/25/2026

03/23/2026

The Monticello Police Department would like to thank the Piatt County Mental Health Center for collaborating with us to start the Blue Envelope Program! Envelopes are ordered and will be in soon.

03/13/2026

The Monticello Police Department is noticing an increase in the amount of vehicle registrations that have been suspended for alleged insurance violations. The Illinois Secretary of State sends periodic notices out (randomly) to verify if vehicles have valid insurance. If that notice has not been returned, the Secretary of State’s Office suspends the registration plates.

The local police departments do not have any control over vehicle registration suspensions.

We want to inform the community and save everyone a lot of money. We are also learning that some departments are towing vehicles due to this violation and not having a current insurance card. Please make sure your address is correct on your vehicle registrations. You can change your address (for FREE) at this website: https://apps.ilsos.gov/addrchange/ We know of a few instances where notices were sent to old addresses because they were not updated.

If you get a notice, DO NOT IGNORE IT! You can complete the insurance verification at https://ilivs.com

If you receive a citation for suspended registration, contact your insurance company and ask them to submit the verification. We spoke with the Piatt County State’s Attorney’s Office and they advised the citation may be dismissed as long as you submit the insurance verification and pay the fee (that goes to the State of Illinois, not locally).

Again, this is a public service announcement to try to save you time, trouble, and money. Please contact your local Secretary of State office with any questions. More information can be found at: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles/mandatory-insurance.html

Change your address on your Illinois driver's license, state ID card and Vehicle Registration.

03/03/2026

The Monticello Police Department is accepting applications for ILETSB-certified police officers.

Lateral officers can make up to $79,289 (depending on years of service). Starting pay starts at $65,000.

Additional benefits:

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance paid by the city
City covers 1/2 of dependent’s health and dental insurance
Pension through Downstate Police Pension Board
14 holidays a year
5 personal days and 12 sicks days (up to 125 days can be banked) annually
2 weeks of vacation after one year, 3 weeks after five years, and 4 weeks after 15 years
Wellness program provided by area gyms
Free family pool pass

Apply at https://tinyurl.com/ApplyforMPD