Illinois Driving Laws
Updated: November, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in Illinois – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Illinois Division of Traffic Safety website.
Speed Limits
In Illinois, the maximum speed limit for cars is 70 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 70 mph. These are maximum speeds. Speeds may be lower on highway passing through urban areas. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
Illinois allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 15. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 9 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16. An Intermediate License imposes restricts on when you are allowed to drive and how many passengers are allowed in the car, but allows you to drive yourself without an instructor in the car.
In Illinois, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 18.
License Renewal
Illinois requires you to renew your license every 4 years. If you are over a certain age, additional license renewal rules apply:
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of Illinois enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Work Zone Enhancements can be enforced even if workers are not present as long as road work signs are posted. In Illinois, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. States often enforce more strict mandatory penalties for drivers above a certain BAC. In Illinois, driving with a BAC above 0.16% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Texting while driving is illegal in most but not all states. In Illinois, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned for all drivers, regardless of age. Handheld devices bans prohibit talking on the phone without a hands-free system.
Texting while driving is banned in Illinois. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Illinois, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
Illinois requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Illinois is $25.00. Seatbelt laws very by state. Many states require passengers to wear seatbelts as well.
Data Source
Illinois Division of Traffic Safety
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
