By Jeffery Hart | VDA Area Manager
Illinois (except for the City of Chicago) is adopting the A17.1 - 2022 elevator code, introducing new requirements that will impact thousands of elevators across the state. One of the most significant changes is the addition of Door Lock Monitoring (DLM) as a retroactive code requirement for existing elevators.
With a compliance deadline of January 1, 2029, building owners should begin preparing now to avoid excessive cost, scheduling, and compliance challenges later.
The State of Illinois Elevator Safety Board is adopting ASME A17.1–2022, with the updated code expected to go into effect in Q2 of 2026. Once in effect, the code introduces a retroactive requirement for door lock monitoring on applicable elevators.
Key points owners should know:
Door lock monitoring (DLM) is a safety system designed to verify that elevator car and landing doors are fully closed and locked before the elevator is allowed to move. While newer elevators are often already equipped with DLM, many older systems are not.
Because the 2022 code applies retroactively, elevators that have operated safely for decades may now require:
The most impactful change for owners is not just installing DLM, but the testing now required to verify DLM works properly.
Historically, door lock monitoring was not part of standard Category 1 inspection testing. Under the 2022 code, DLM must now be tested and verified, and how that testing is performed matters.
Depending on how the jurisdiction enforces the requirement:
This difference can add several hours to inspection and testing time, increase labor and inspection costs, and create greater operational disruption during testing and particularly in taller buildings. As the number of required test points increases, so does the complexity of scheduling, coordination, and overall impact on building operations.
Illinois is still finalizing how testing will be enforced, which is why early planning is critical.
Many building owners and property managers are simply unaware that this retroactive requirement exists, and as a result, few have accounted for DLM upgrades or expanded testing in their long-term budgets. Because the compliance deadline extends to January 1, 2029, it’s easy to assume this can be addressed later, but waiting only increases risk.
As the deadline approaches, contractor availability will tighten, pricing pressure will increase, and inspection failures may occur if systems are not compliant or properly tested.
Permits alone will not satisfy the requirement and compliance must be fully completed by the deadline. Industry guidance strongly recommends planning and budgeting for completion in 2027 to avoid last-minute disruption.
The recommendation from industry experts is to budget for completion in 2027, not the end of 2028.
VDA supports building owners through independent, objective guidance designed to remove uncertainty, support informed decision-making, and provide non-contractor-driven recommendations.
The result is a clear, actionable plan that helps building owners move toward compliance with confidence that is well ahead of the 2028 deadline.
Illinois’ adoption of the A17.1 - 2022 elevator code represents a meaningful shift in inspection and compliance expectations. While the compliance deadline may feel distant, the planning, budgeting, and coordination required to meet door lock monitoring requirements should begin well in advance. Taking action now allows building owners to avoid cost escalation, scheduling constraints, and last-minute compliance challenges.
Whether you’re seeking a clearer understanding of how the regulation applies to your buildings, looking to confirm whether your elevators already have door lock monitoring, or planning a long-term compliance strategy ahead of the January 1, 2029 deadline, VDA is here to help.
Contact us to schedule training, request an independent review, or discuss next steps toward compliance.