Highway Code for Illinois Drivers
Driving on the roads means you must know and understand the laws in force. While many of these are based on common sense and are the same from one state to the next, there are others that may differ from those in your own state. If you are visiting or moving to Illinois, you need to be aware of traffic laws, which may differ from those in your home state.
Driver's license
The legal age to get a driver's license in Illinois is 18.
Children aged 16 and 17 can obtain a driver's license after completing a government-approved driving course, 50 hours of driving practice, and passing a 3-part test.
Drivers under the age of 21 are not allowed to drive rental vehicles with a capacity of more than 10 passengers, school buses, buses of religious organizations, commuter minibuses, vehicles used to transport children for childcare or to transport the elderly.
New residents must obtain an Illinois driver's license within 90 days of moving into the state.
Cell Phones
Persons under the age of 19 are prohibited from using any type of mobile phone, including hands-free devices.
Adults aged 19 and over may only use Bluetooth or hands-free devices while driving.
Seat belts
All drivers and passengers in both the front and rear seats must wear seat belts.
Children under the age of eight must be in a car seat appropriate for their height and weight.
The driver is responsible for any children who are not seated in accordance with the law.
right of way
Funeral processions always have right of way, and it is illegal to pass or attempt to join a procession to gain right of way.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians.
Drivers must give way in any situation, as long as it does not lead to an accident.
Crash reporting
You must report any traffic accident that results in injury, damage of $1,500 or more, or death.
If the vehicle involved in the accident is not insured, it must be reported if property damage exceeds $500.
Reports must be received within 30 minutes of the accident.
Fundamental rules
emergency scenes - Using a mobile phone or taking photos within 500 feet of an emergency is illegal.
Walkthrough - Drivers must maintain a three-foot distance when overtaking cyclists or pedestrians walking or riding on the roadway or shoulders.
Signaling - Drivers must use a continuous turn signal for 100 feet before maneuvering in a residential or business area. In all other areas, the distance increases to 200 feet.
School buses - Any driver who drives past a school bus with its warning light on and the parking lever, which unloads or loads passengers on any road with two or fewer lanes, can have their driver's license suspended for three months.
support - It is forbidden to reverse on the roadway and roadsides with controlled access. However, reversing is allowed on other types of roads as long as it does not interfere with traffic and it is safe.
Headphones - The use of headphones while driving is prohibited. Single-ear headphones are allowed for use with hands-free or Bluetooth devices.
Press - It is forbidden to push a vehicle on rural highways unless it is done to eliminate and prevent a hazard on the roadway.
Sound systems - The sound system cannot be heard at a distance of 75 feet or more from the vehicle when driving on the highway.
Motorcycles - Motorcyclists are allowed to pass the intersection if the red light does not switch to green after 120 seconds, provided they give way to any oncoming traffic.
Scooters and mopeds - All scooters and mopeds that move along the streets of Illinois must have the appropriate documents and registration.
medical cannabis - Driving under the influence of medical cannabis is prohibited. Any medical marijuana carried in a vehicle must be kept out of the reach of the driver and in a tamper-evident container.
Assisted Drunk Driving (DUI) - It is illegal to allow a person who you know is intoxicated to drive your vehicle.
Headlamps - Drivers are required to turn on their headlights when the wipers must be on due to weather conditions.
Jamming devices - It is prohibited to have and/or use a radar jamming device in any vehicle.
Following these traffic rules ensures that you comply with Illinois highway and highway laws. If you need more information, be sure to check out the Illinois Driver's Guide.
