llinois Safety Laws

As an Illinois motorist, it is your responsibility to be a safe driver.  You must be aware of each road rule and law and know how to drive defensively.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious traffic offense.  If you are pulled over for suspicion of being under the influence you will face some very stiff fines and penalties which include possible jail time.  If you are cited for a DUI you should immediately contact a traffic attorney that specializes in DUI cases.

For your first DUI Offense you will face:

  • A fine of up to $1,000
  • Your driving privileges suspended for a minimum of a one year period
  • Possible imprisonment for up to a term of a year
Illinois law enforcement will suspect that you are driving under the influence if you:

  • Are following another vehicle too closely
  • If you are drifting into the opposite lane of traffic
  • If you drive outside the designated roadways
  • If you weave across the road
  • If you use the wrong signal when changing lanes
  • If your braking is erratic
If you are traveling on an Illinois roadway and suspect that another motorist is drinking, call 911 and provide all the necessary information including a description of the vehicle, the location of the vehicle and the license plate number.  You will also be asked what is suspicious about the driver’s abilities to operate their vehicle on the road.

Child Car Seat Safety

Child car seat laws are enforced in the state of Illinois and if you are transporting a minor, you must abide by the laws or you will be cited.  The Child Passenger Pro Act states:

  • A minor traveling in your vehicle that is under the age of eight years must be securely fastened in a child safety seat.  There are exemptions to this rule and they are as follows:  if a child weighs more than 40 pounds they may be transported in the back seat of the vehicle provided there is a lap strap.
  • A minor traveling in your vehicle that is between the ages of eight to 17 years must be secured in a seat belt or child safety seat.
  • A minor traveling in your car that is between the ages of 16 to 17 years must wear a seat belt provided that they are riding in vehicles driven by a licensed driver that is under the age of 18.
If you are an Illinois driver that is transporting a minor and not complying with the above regulations, then you will face penalties should you be caught.  First time offenders can expect a $50 penalty.   If you can provide proof of possession of an approved child passenger restrain system the fine will be waived.

If you are in the market or would like to know exactly what the approved safety restraint systems are 4DMV.com can help as we direct you through specially designated pages that will bring you the information and the vendors you need.

If you are considering leaving your minor child in the vehicle could be charged with neglect if they do so.  Consider the many circumstances that may occur:  kidnapping, death (especially when left in the vehicle during hot weather), and accidents.  This also pertains to pets.  If you happen to see a child or pet in a car that may be endangered, it is your responsibility to dial 911 and report your findings.

Headlights

Illinois does have a headlight law that motorists must abide to.  If you are driving from sunset to sunrise and when in poor weather conditions, fog, snow or rain, you are required by law to use your windshield wipers.  You also are required to keep your headlights turned on when you are traveling and are unable to see objects that are 1,000 feet away from your vehicle.

When traveling with your bright lights on, you are required to dim the lights 500 feet prior to meeting oncoming traffic or 300 feet before you pass another vehicle on the roadways.

Motorcycle Lights

If you are a motorcycle driver, your motorcycle must be equipped with one headlight that makes objects visible 500 feet ahead.  All motorcycle drivers must keep the motorcycle’s headlight on at all times while it is in operation on the Illinois roadways.

Bike Lights

In Illinois those that ride bicycles also must have headlights when riding at night.  Bikes also must have a red reflector on the back of the bike.

Cell Phones and Texting

If you are a motorist that owns a cell phone then you need to be aware that there are restrictions for talking on your phone while driving if you are:

  • An Illinois driver that holds a learner’s permit
  • An Illinois driver that is younger than 19 years of age
  • An Illinois school bus driver
  • All motorists that are operating their vehicles in a school or construction zone
All Illinois motorists are restricted from texting while driving.

As an Illinois motorist you need to be responsible when using your cell phone and driving.  Extra precaution must be taken to ensure that your focus remains on the road.

Helmet Laws

If you are an Illinois motorcyclist you are not legally required to wear a helmet.  However, 4DMV.com greatly recommends that as a motorcyclist you wear a helmet to ensure your safety.

If you are a bicycle rider there are helmet laws if you live in the following counties, which read:

  • Barrington (all bicyclists the are under the age of 17 years)
  • Skokie (all bicyclists that are under the age of 16 years)
  • Ivernes (all bicyclists that are under the age of 16 years)
  • Cicero (all bicyclists that are under the age of 16 years)
  • Chicago (all messengers, regardless of age, riding bicycles)