Rules of the Road

CHAPTER 5: SHARING THE ROAD

Drivers of passenger vehicles must share the road with drivers of trucks, slow-moving vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and snowmobiles, as well as horseback riders, pedestrians and children.

Trucks  |   Slow-Moving Vehicles  |   Pedestrians  |   Children  |   Motorcycles  |   Bicycles  |   Mopeds  |   Snowmobiles  |   Horseback Riders

Trucks

When sharing the road with trucks, buses or other large vehicles, follow these tips:

• When following a large vehicle, stay out of its "blind spots". (See illustration) Position your vehicle so the driver can see it in the side mirrors.
• Pay close attention to turn signals, and give large vehicles plenty of room to maneuver and make turns. Large vehicles make wide right turns and sometimes leave an open space to the right just before the turn.
• Size and weight affect a vehicle’s ability to maneuver and stop. Always allow extra space for large vehicles.
• When following a truck at night, always dim your headlights. Bright lights will blind the driver of the large vehicle when they reflect off of the large side mirrors.
• When passing a truck, let the driver know you are passing by blinking your headlights, especially at night. The driver will make it easier for you by staying to the far side of the lane. Complete your pass as quickly as possible, and don’t stay along side the vehicle.

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Slow-Moving Vehicles

Certain slow-moving farm vehicles, construction equipment and vehicles drawn by animals may share our roadways. Use caution and prepare to slow down when approaching and passing slow-moving vehicles from the rear.

Closing Speeds
Normal speeds for slow-moving vehicles may range from 5 to 20 mph. When a vehicle traveling at normal highway speed approaches a slow-moving vehicle from the rear, the speed deferential will dramatically shorten the time it takes to reach the slow-moving vehicle.

Turns and Passing
Slow-moving vehicles may make wide turns and may turn right or left at any time into unmarked entrances. When approaching from the rear, stay a safe distance behind the vehicle until it is safe to pass, then be certain the driver has seen you and is aware of your intent to pass before you begin.

Emblem
An orange slow-moving vehicle emblem must be on the rear of the vehicle. (See Illustration)

Rear Light
When lights are required, a flashing amber signal must be mounted as high as possible on the rear of the vehicle. It must be visible for 500 feet in sunlight. Other devices to identify slow-moving vehicles may include reflectors, rotating or oscillating amber lights.

Lane Usage
Slower traffic must drive in the right-hand lane. The left lane is for passing and turning. Slow-moving vehicles may be wider than the lane width. It may be necessary for these wide vehicles to temporarily move into an adjoining lane to avoid roadside obstructions.

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Pedestrians

Without a vehicle or protective equipment, pedestrians are most at risk in traffic. Drivers and pedestrians are both responsible for traffic safety. A simple rule is that drivers should always be prepared to yield the right-of way to pedestrians. More information on pedestrian right-of-way.

Traffic Signals, Walklights and Crossings
Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to drivers by obeying traffic signals, observing walk lights and using crosswalks.

Walk (constantly lighted) – Pedestrians facing the signal may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal.

Don't Walk (flashing) – Pedestrians may not start entering the roadway. A pedestrian who has partly completed crossing during the constantly lighted WALK may continue to a sidewalk or safety island.

Don't Walk(constantly lighted) – Pedestrians may not enter the roadway.

Yellow Light (constant) – Pedestrians may not cross unless directed by a pedestrian control sign or police officer.

Crossing a Road
When crossing at any place other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians must give the right-of-way to drivers. This includes between closely-spaced intersections where traffic signals are in operation.

Tunnel and Pedestrian Crossings
A pedestrian tunnel or pedestrian crossing bridge should be used when available.

Roadways
Pedestrians must not walk on a roadway unless there is no sidewalk or shoulder next to it. Under these conditions, pedestrians should always walk as close to the outside edge of the road as possible. In two-way traffic, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic. If a highway does not have a sidewalk but has a shoulder, pedestrians should always walk on the shoulder as far from the roadway as possible. Pedestrians should not walk on a highway when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is standing on the roadway to ask for a ride. It is illegal to hitchhike. If convicted, a pedestrian may be fined up to $2,500 and given a jail sentence of up to one year.

Soliciting
Pedestrians should not stand on or next to a highway to ask drivers or passengers for the following:

• employment or business
• contributions, unless allowed by a permit issued by a city or town.
• money for guarding or watching any vehicle while parked or about to be parked.

If convicted for soliciting, a pedestrian may be fined up to $2,500 and given a jail sentenceof up to one year.

Joggers and Walkers
Joggers and walkers should use jogging paths when provided. On public roads, joggers should try to select wide roads with good shoulders. They should face oncoming traffic and remember to look and listen for cars. At night or anytime visibility is poor, joggers and walkers should be in well-lighted areas and wear reflective clothing.

Moving Vehicles:
Pedestrians must not run or walk into the path of a moving vehicle.

Emergency Vehicles
Pedestrians should always yield to emergency and police vehicles using using visual or audible signals.

Gates and Barriers
Pedestrians must always obey railroad and bridge gates and other barriers.

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Children

Children often forget the dangers of playing near traffic. Some are not old enough to realize the risks of playing in or crossing the streets. Drivers and parents must use care to ensure the safety of children.

• Watch for signs that mark special hazard areas such as school zones, bus stops, playgrounds, parks and schools.
• Be watchful and ready to reduce speed in residential areas, school areas and places where children are most likely to be.
• Be extremely watchful when backing in or out of a driveway when children are near.
• Teach children the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians at an early age.
• Assign play areas for children. Make sure children do not play in or near streets, driveways or other dangerous areas.

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Motorcycles

Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. There is an increasing number of motorcycle riders on our roadways. Because of their size and vulnerability in a crash, it is important to pay special attention to motorcycles.

Intersections
More than 50 percent of all motorcycle collisions occur at intersections. The most common situation occurs when an oncoming automobile makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle. Watch for motorcycles before turning and yield the right-of-way. Be particularly careful when making a left turn across lanes of oncoming traffic. Always use your signals and look in all directions before making the turn. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-cancelling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.

Visibility
The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of motorcycle collisions. Include motorcycles in your visual search pattern. Due to their small size, motorcycles may be difficult to see, and motorists tend to underestimate their speed. Expect to see motorcycles in traffic at any time, not just in the spring and summer. Drivers involved in collisions often report not seeing the motorcycle or seeing it too late to avoid a collision.

Lane Sharing
Traffic conditions and road surfaces will determine the area within the lane that the motorcyclist will use. Oil spills, potholes, gravel or debris may require the motorcyclist to adjust positions within the lane. Although there may be enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcyclist, remember that the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely and is entitled to the entire lane. Do not share the lane.

Passing
When your automobile is being passed by a motorcycle, you should maintain your lane position and speed. Allow the motorcycle to complete the maneuver and assume proper lane position as quickly as possible.

Following Distance
Allow at least three to four seconds following distance when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car. Dim headlights when following all vehicles, including motorcycles.

Stopping Distance
Motorcycles can stop in a shorter distance than a car. A motorcyclist's ability to stop quickly may also depend on the rider's experience and training.

Road Conditions
Motorcycles react differently to traffic, weather and road conditions than cars. Thus, riders often respond in ways drivers do not expect. Weather presents hazards by changing the conditions of a road. Wet or icy roads impair a motorcyclist's ability to brake and maneuver. Wind gusts, both natural and those created by large passing vehicles, can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider is not prepared. Road conditions, such as potholes or railroad tracks often require motorcyclists to change positions within their lane. Gravel roads decrease traction and may cause a rider to slow down or brake where a car would not.

In Case of a Collision
Motorcyclists are only protected by their helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves and durable clothing. In the event of a collision, use extreme caution and seek emergency medical assistance.

For more information, go to your local Driver Services Facility or download the Illinois Motorcycle Operators Manual.

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Bicycles

On most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. Bicyclists are prohibited on limited-access highways, expressways and certain other marked roadways.

Following are laws and safety tips you should know:

• Bicyclists are required to travel in the same direction as vehicles.
• Bicyclists should travel just to the right of faster moving traffic. However, certain hazards, such as rough surfaces, debris, drainage grates or a narrow traffic lane, may require bike riders to move toward the center of the lane.
• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
• When passing a bicyclist do so slowly and leave at least 3 feet of passing space.
• A motorist should not park or drive in marked bike lanes.
• When following bicyclists, give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly. Use extra caution during rainy and icy weather. At night do not use high beams when you see an oncoming bicycle rider.
• After parking and before opening vehicle doors, a motorist should first check for bicyclists.
• When a motorist is turning left and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn. Also, if a motorist is sharing the left turn lane with a bicyclist, stay behind them until they have safely completed their turn.
• If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn. Remember to always signal your turns.

For more information, go to your local Driver Services Facility or download the Bicycle Rules of the Road booklet.

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Mopeds

Motorized pedalcycles, often called mopeds, are low-speed, two-wheeled vehicles. They can be pedaled like a bicycle or driven like a motorcycle. Mopeds are intended for limited use on public roadways.

The following four criteria must be met in order to be considered a moped; otherwise it is a motor-driven cycle and requires a Class L license. If all four criteria are met, the operator of a moped may drive it with any valid driver’s license of any classification.

• A motorized pedalcycle is a motor-driven cycle with speed attainable in one mile of 30 mph or less.
• Equipped with a motor that produces 2-brake horsepower or less.
• If an internal combustion engine is used, displacement shall not exceed 50cc.
• Power drive system shall not require the operator to shift gears.

Following are some of the laws and responsibilities of moped drivers:

• Must obey all signs, signals and traffic laws and most bicycle laws.
• Drivers may carry a passenger only when the moped is made for two people. Equipment must include a passenger seat and a passenger footrest.
• If a moped is driven at night, it must have a headlight visible from at least 500 feet, and have a red reflector on the rear visible from at least 100 to 600 feet.

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Snowmobiles

During the winter, drivers may share the roadway with snowmobiles. Use care when driving in areas with snowmobile warning signs. For information on snowmobile registration and operating requirements, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-382-1696 or 217-557-0180.

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Horseback Riders

Horseback riders may use public roadways. Exceptions are limited access highways and most expressways. Horseback riders must ride with traffic and as far to the right as possible. Never sound a horn when you are near a horse. The sound may frighten it and cause an accident. When meeting or passing a horseback rider, do so with caution and be prepared to stop.

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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.