Rules of the Road

CHAPTER 4: TRAFFIC LAWS

Traffic laws protect everyone who share our streets and highways. It is important to remember that everyone must obey the orders of a police officer, firefighter or uniformed adult school crossing guard who is directing traffic.

Safety Belt Law  |   Child Passenger Protection Act  |   Speed Limits  |   Construction Zones, Emergency Vehicles, School Crossing Zones and Funeral Processions  |   Right-of-Way  |   Passing  |   Lane Usage  |   Signaling  |   Turning  |   Special Stops  |   Parking  |   Prohibited Stopping, Standing,Parking  |   Additional Laws  |  Vehicle Emission Testing

Safety Belt Law

Safety belts must be worn by all drivers and front-seat passengers age 8 and over even if the vehicle has air bags. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that all front-seat passengers ages 8 to 16 obey this law. Anyone found guilty of disobeying this law is subject to a fine and court costs. Children under age 16 are covered by the Child Passenger Protection Act. A child up to age 16 not in a safety seat must wear safety belts regardless of the location in the vehicle.

All passengers under age 19 with a driver under age 18, regardless of location in the vehicle, must be belted and may be ticketed for violation of the law. There are exceptions for motorcycles. In a second division vehicle (truck with only a front seat) equipped with seat safety belts, any person transporting a child under age 8 is responsible for securing the child in an appropriate child restraint system.

Safety Belt Fitting
Properly worn safety belts are an extremely important part of operator and passenger safety and have been proven effective in reducing incidents of serious injury or death. Proper adjustment is important. The lap belt should be worn across the hip bones. It should never be positioned across the stomach or soft part of the abdomen. The shoulder strap should be as snug as possible and yet allow the driver to reach important controls. Adjust the shoulder strap so it is comfortable and does not cross the body at or near the neck or face. Wearing the shoulder strap tucked under the arm or behind the back is dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.

Air Bag Safety
Air bags are designed to provide supplemental protection in combination with safety belts. Air bags are lifesaving devices, but special precautions should be taken when driving in air bag-equipped vehicles.

A distance of 10-12 inches between the driver and the air bag is desirable, especially for short, elderly or pregnant drivers. Passengers should position their seats as far back as possible, tilting the seat back slightly if necessary. Short drivers may use foot pedal extenders.

Children riding in the front seat can be seriously injured or killed when an air bag deploys in a crash. Therefore, it is recommended that children age 12 and under be properly secured in the back seat – with small children in safety seats approved for their size. If a child over age 1 must ride in the front seat with a passenger-side air bag, he/she should be in a front-facing child safety seat, booster seat or correct fitting lap/shoulder belts with the seat back as far as possible. Rear-facing infant seats should be secured only in the back seat of a vehicle.

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Child Passenger Protection Act

The Child Passenger Protection Act requires the use of an appropriate safety restraint system for children under age 16. Any person transporting a child under age 16 is responsible for that child’s safety. Children under age 8 must be appropriately secured in an approved child restraint system, which includes a booster seat. A child weighing more than 40 pounds may be transported in the back seat of a motor vehicle while wearing only a lap belt if the back seat is not equipped with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

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Speed Limits

The maximum speed limit in Illinois is 65 mph on rural interstate highways where posted. The maximum speed limit on most other highways is 55 mph. The maximum speed limit for second division vehicles is 55 mph. You may drive at the maximum allowable speed only under safe conditions. For safety purposes, a minimum speed limit may be posted along certain roadways. When minimum limits are not posted, drivers should not drive so much slower than the maximum limit that they interfere with the normal movement of traffic.

A driver must take care to slow down when approaching and crossing an intersection. Care also must be taken when going around a curve, approaching the top of a hill or traveling on a narrow and winding roadway. Drivers must be aware that there may always be dangers present due to pedestrians, traffic, weather, mechanical problems or road conditions.

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Construction Zones, Emergency Vehicles, School Crossing Zones and Funeral Processions

Construction Zones
When approaching or entering a highway construction or maintenance area, Illinois law requires motorisits to slow down, yield to any authorized vehicles or workers in the area,change to a lane away from the workers, and proceed with caution. If a lane change isnot possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution. Penalties for traffic violations in construction zones include fines of up to $10,000, a driver’s license suspension of 90 days to two years and possible imprisonment.

Emergency Vehicles
When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle using visual signals, Illinois law requires motorists to yield, change to a lane away from the emergency vehicle, and proceed with caution. If a lane change is not possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution.

When being approached by an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals,law requires motorisits to immediately pull to the right side of the road and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass. If stopped at an intersection with two-way traffic,remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.

Penalties for violations of this law may result in the loss of driving privileges for a minimum of 90 days for a first offense.

School Crossing Zones
When approaching a marked school crossing zone between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., on days when school is in operation and when school children are present, a driver should reduce his/her speed to 20 mph and yield to any children or adults crossing in the crosswalk area. Speeding in a school crossing zone will result in a $150 fine.

Any person that causes bodily or great bodily harm to a child or a school crossing guard in a school crossing zone will face imprisonment and fines of up to $25,000.

Funeral Processions
Motorists encountering a funeral procession must:

• Yield the right-of-way to all vehicles in the procession.
• Not drive between vehicles in an organized funeral procession, except when required to do so by a law enforcement officer.
• Not join a funeral procession for the purpose of securing the right-of-way.
• Not attempt to pass any vehicle in an organized funeral procession, except where a passing lane has been specifically provided.

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Right-of-Way

Right-of-way laws tell drivers who goes first in different situations. To yield means a driver gives the right-of-way to another driver or pedestrian. A driver must yield:

• when making a right turn on a red light after a stop.
• after coming to a complete stop at an intersection where there is a stop sign or flashing red signal. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk or stop line, stop at a place where all approaching traffic can be seen. Proceed only after stopping and yielding to all pedestrians and other vehicles in the intersection.



• when making a left turn on a red light after a stop from a one-way street to another one-way street with traffic moving to the left
• when more than one driver reaches a four-way stop intersection. The first driver to stop should be the first to go. When two vehicles on different roadways arrive at a four-way stop intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.
• when two vehicles on different roadways reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. The vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.
• to oncoming traffic when making a left-hand turn. If you enter an intersection while the light is green, you may finish your turn even though the light turns red.
• to through traffic when approaching a MERGE sign. You must increase or decrease speed to avoid an accident.
• when approaching a YIELD sign. You should slow down or stop to avoid an accident.
• even after the light turns green when there are vehicles in the intersection.
• when emerging from an alley, building, private road or driveway after coming to a complete stop.
• to cross traffic when on the terminating highway of a "T" intersection with no traffic control signs or signals.
• when approaching emergency vehicles using audible and visual signals.

Yielding the right-of-way can help prevent accidents and save lives. Give another driver who is not following the rules of the road the right-of-way to avoid an accident. Always drive defensively.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way
Drivers and pedestrians both are responsible for traffic safety. Following are instances when a driver must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian.

• When a pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk on the driver’s side of the roadway and there are no traffic control signals.
• When making a turn at any intersection.
• When making a lawful turn on a red light, after coming to a complete stop.
• After coming to a complete stop at a STOP sign or flashing red signal at an intersection.
• When a pedestrian enters a crosswalk before the traffic light changed.
• When a pedestrian is walking with a green light, to a "walking person" symbol or a "walk" signal.
• When a pedestrian is leaving or entering a street or highway from an alley, building, private road or driveway.
• To persons working on highway construction or in a maintenance area.
• To persons with disabilities, including those with physical, hearing and visual disabilities. When crossing the road with a guide dog, a white cane or other assistive device, a pedestrian who is blind or visually impaired has the right-of-way. Pedestrians with disabilities operating mobility devices, including motorized wheelchairs, on a sidewalk or roadway also are granted the same rights as other pedestrians.

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Passing

A driver must use caution when passing another vehicle. On a two-lane highway, the left lane should be clearly seen and be free of oncoming traffic for a distance great enough to permit passing. Do not turn back into the right-hand lane until you can see the entire vehicle you have just passed in your rearview mirror. You must return to your lane before you get within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle. The driver you are passing must not increase speed until you have completed your passing.

You may pass on the right (but not on the shoulder):

• when you have enough room on a two-lane roadway, and when the vehicle you are passing is making or is about to make a left turn.
• on a one-way street or on a roadway with two or more clear lanes in each direction.
• at an intersection widened for this purpose.

Passing on a two-lane, two-way roadway is not allowed:

• in an area marked for no passing by a solid yellow line on your side of the center of the roadway or a DO NOT PASS or NO PASSING ZONE sign.
• on a hill or curve where it is not possible to see oncoming vehicles.
• within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing.
• when the view is blocked within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
• when a vehicle has stopped at a crosswalk or intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross.
• in a construction zone. All constructions zones on Illinois highways are no passing zones.
• in any school zone. Under Illinois law, all school zones are no passing zones.
• when a school bus has stopped to load or discharge passengers.

Driving off the pavement or main traveled part of the road is not allowed when passing another vehicle on the right or the left.

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Lane Usage

You must drive on the right half of the roadway except:

• when passing another vehicle moving in the same direction on a two-lane highway, interstate highway or controlled freeway.
• when a blockage makes it necessary to drive to the left of the center line. You may drive on the left after yielding to oncoming traffic.
• on a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic.
• on a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
• when directed to drive in a left lane by traffic control signs and signals on a multi-lane, two-way highway.
• when crossing the center line to make a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.



• when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle (when it is safe to do so).

Additional rules apply in certain situations:

• Slow vehicles must use the right-hand lane except when passing or making a left turn.
• Weaving from lane to lane to move faster than the traffic flow is unlawful.
• Traffic must travel in the direction of posted one-way streets or roadways. This rule does not apply to police and emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights.
• It is unlawful to drive across median strips such as unpaved strips or median barriers. A driver may turn left across a paved dividing-space unless it is not permitted by a traffic control sign or signal.
• A driver must not enter or leave any controlled-access roadway except at a posted entrance or exit.

When driving on an interstate highway or full access controlled freeway, a person may not drive in the left lane, except when passing another vehicle. Exceptions include when no other vehicle is directly behind the vehicle being driven in the left lane, when traffic conditions/congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane, when weather conditions make it necessary to use the left lane, when there is an obstruction or hazard in the right lane, or when the driver is changing lanes to yield to emergency or construction vehicles.

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Signaling

In a business or residential area you must give a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning. In other areas the signal must be given at least 200 feet before turning. Drivers may signal in two ways:

Electrical turn signals
Apply the right turn signal for a right turn and the left turn signal for a left turn.

Hand and arm signals
Signals should be given with your left arm. For a right turn, the hand and arm are extended straight up. For a left turn, the driver’s hand and arm are extended straight out to the left. To slow down or stop, the hand and arm are extended down.

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Turning

Right Turns

• Give a right-turn signal from the proper turning lane.
• Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, emergency vehicles and other vehicles in the intersection.
• Check traffic approaching from the left
• Follow the general curve of the curb as you make the right turn. Stay as close as possible to the curb.
• Turn into the right-hand lane of the roadway you are entering.
• Be aware that trucks and buses may need more space to make a right-hand turn.

Left Turns

• Give a left turn signal from the proper turning lane.
• Obey traffic signs and signals.



• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, emergency vehicles and other vehicles in the intersection.
• Check all approaching traffic.
• Point the wheels straight ahead until you actually start to turn.
• Complete the turn into the lane closest to you going in your intended direction.

Changing Lanes

• When moving your vehicle from the right-hand lane to the left-hand lane, turn your head to check traffic behind you and on your left. Give the left turn signal, then carefully move into the left lane.
• When moving your vehicle from the left-hand lane to the right-hand lane, turn your head to check traffic behind you and on your right. Give the right turn signal, then carefully move into the right lane. It is against the law to flash turn signals as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to other drivers.

U-Turns
You must not turn around on curves and hills unless you can see for at least 500 feet in all directions. Municipalities may prohibit U-turns on some roadways.

Hazard Signal
Both turn signals may be flashed at the same time to indicate a disabled or parked vehicle.

Two-Way Left Turn Lanes
The two-way left turn lane provides a safe area for cars making left turns at intersections or for cars turning left into or out of a drive located in the middle of the block.

Turns and Lane Changes in Construction Zones
Pay special attention to signs, barricades and pavement markings when turning or changing lanes.

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Special Stops

School Buses
You must stop before meeting or overtaking a school bus loading or unloading passengers. A warning will be given at least 100 feet (200 feet in rural areas) in advance of a stop. The bus driver will flash amber and red lights on the front and rear of the bus. The stop signal arm will be extended after the school bus has come to a complete stop. You must then come to a complete stop.

You must remain stopped until the stop signal arm is no longer extended and the flashing lights are turned off or the driver signals you to pass.

You do not always need to stop when meeting a stopped school bus on a roadway with four or more lanes. You do not need to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction of the bus, but you should drive cautiously.

Your driver’s license or vehicle registration will be suspended for three months if you are convicted of illegally passing a stopped school bus. If you receive two such convictions within five years, your driving privileges will be suspended for one year. In addition to the suspensions, violators will be fined $150 for a first conviction and $500 for a second or subsequent conviction.

Railroad Crossings
You must always stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail when a STOP sign is posted or a signal is given either electrically or by a flagperson. You must also stop if the crossing gate is lowered or when an approaching train gives a warning signal.

When the train has passed, check all tracks for additional trains. Remain stopped until it is safe to proceed.

Violation of the railroad crossing provision, including driving around lowered crossing gates, will result in a mandatory $500 fine or 50 hours of community service.

Alleys and Driveways
In urban areas, drivers must come to a complete stop before entering the sidewalk area when moving out of an alley, building, private road or driveway. If there is no sidewalk, stop at a point nearest the street or roadway where there is a view of approaching traffic. After stopping, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and all vehicles.

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Parking

When parking, you must stop the engine, lock the ignition, set the brake and remove the key from the ignition. Following are conditions that require special attention.

Hill Parking
If you park on a street with curbing and your vehicle is heading downhill, you must turn the front wheels toward the curb. If you park your vehicle headed uphill, you must turn the front wheels away from the curb. If you park on a street without curbing and your vehicle is heading downhill or uphill, you must turn the wheels toward the side of the road on which you are parked. In either situation, you must set the parking brake or put the gear selector in "Park".

Parallel Pariking
When parking on streets with two-way traffic, you must park so that the right-hand wheels are parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb. On a one-way street or road, park within 12 inches of the right or left curb. Vehicles must be parked in the direction in which traffic is moving.

Accessible Parking
Vehicles that display license plates or parking placards for persons with disabilities may park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. Such vehicles also are exempt from parking meter fees and time limits, except limits of 30 minutes or less. The authorized holder of the parking placard or plates must be present and must enter or exit the vehicle at the time the parking privileges are being used. Striped areas on the pavement are designed as access areas. They are part of the reserved spaces and are not to be parked in by anyone.

Parking in reserved spaces for persons with disabilities will result in a minimum $250 fine. Local municipalities may increase the fine to a maximum of $350 with a local ordinance. Unauthorized use of a parking placard or plates may result in a $500 fine as well as a driver's license suspension and/or revocation of the plates or placard. For more information on the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities, see Chapter 13 or visit our Persons with Disabilities section.

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Prohibited Stopping, Standing and Parking

Stopping, standing or parking is prohibited in specified places. Local stopping, standing and parking regulations may be posted on signs. There are, however, statewide regulations that are not always indicated by signs.

Stopping, standing or parking is prohibited:

• on the roadway side of any parked vehicle (double parking).
• on a sidewalk, crosswalk or within an intersection
• between a safety zone and the adjacent curb.
• beside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction if your vehicle would block traffic.
• on any bridge, overpass, railroad track or within a highway tunnel.
• on any controlled access highway. A controlled access highway is one you may enter or exit only at certain points.
• in the area between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers.
• on a paved roadway or highway outside business or residential districts when it is practical to stop or park off the roadway. In an emergency, you may stop and park only if there is a clear view for 200 feet in each direction. Turn on your emergency flashers and make sure there is enough space for other vehicles to pass.
• at any place where official signs prohibit stopping, standing or parking.

Standing or parking a vehicle, whether occupied or not, is prohibited:

• in front of a public or private driveway.
• within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
• within 20 feet of a fire station driveway or crosswalk at an intersection.
• within 30 feet of a STOP sign, YIELD sign or traffic control signal.

Parking a vehicle, whether occupied or not, is prohibited:

• within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
• on a highway between sunset and sunrise unless parking lights are displayed in front and rear or you are within an urban district where lights are not required. Headlights on parked vehicles must be dimmed.

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Additional Laws

Motorists should familiarize themselves with local laws as there may be a variance between municipalities. Illinois law states that you may not:

• drive on a sidewalk except when it is part of a driveway.
• back up on any shoulder or roadway of any controlled access highway.
• back up on other roadways unless it is done safely and does not interfere with other vehicles.
• open doors on the side of a vehicle on which traffic is moving unless it can be done safely and without interfering with traffic. The door may remain open only long enough to load or unload passengers.
• wear a headset while driving. Headsets are defined as any device, other than a hearing aid, that allows the wearer to hear or receive electronic communications. (The use of a single-sided headset or earpiece with a cellular or other mobile telephone is permitted.) Motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped operators may use intercom helmets that permit drivers and/or passengers to speak to one another.
• drive onto a railroad crossing, enter an intersection or drive within a marked crosswalk unless there is enough space to allow passage of other vehicles, pedestrians or railroad trains.
• drive over fire hoses unless permitted by the fire official in command.
• push a vehicle on a rural highway unless there is an emergency and it should be removed to avoid a hazard.
• tow one vehicle with another except by a drawbar. In most cases, the distance between the two cars should not exceed 15 feet. A towed vehicle also should be coupled to the towing vehicle with two chains or cables.
• remove a wrecked or damaged vehicle from the roadway without removing all glass and other debris.
• overload a vehicle with passengers or freight so that the driver’s view is obstructed. No more than three persons should ride in the front seat of a vehicle.
• ride in a house trailer while it is being moved on a street or highway.
• operate or permit to be operated any sound system (radio, tape player, disc player) at a volume that can be heard 75 feet or more from a vehicle being driven on a highway.
• use a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle if under age 19, unless in the case of an emergency.

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Vehicle Emission Testing

In compliance with the Clean Air Act, certain vehicles in various areas of Illinois must pass an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) emissions test in order for the Secretary of State’s office to renew the vehicle’s license plates. The IEPA is required by law to notify owners of the scheduled test month and year for their vehicle. Vehicle emissions testing is required in the following counties: all of Cook, DuPage, Lake and parts of Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair. If you move from the area in which testing is required, you must notify the IEPA. For more information, please call the IEPA: Chicago Metro area, 847-758-3400; East St. Louis Metro area, 800-635-2380.

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This edition of the Illinois Rules of the Road is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. The manual gives drivers information on obtaining a driver’s license, driver’s license laws, traffic safety issues and general information regarding Illinois traffic laws and ordinances. The language of the Illinois Compiled Statutes is condensed and paraphrased and does not cover every law or explain every possible situation that motorists may face while operating a motor vehicle. The manual also provides highway safety information not in the law. It is intended as a tool for drivers and should not be cited as a legal authority in court.