1
Hand-held cell phone usage is banned under primary enforcement, and hands-free communication devices are prohibited for drivers under age 19 and school bus drivers.
2
Text messaging by any driver is strictly prohibited under primary enforcement laws.
3
Child passengers under 8-years-old must be secured in an approved child restraint system.
4
Children between 8 and 15 years, and who weigh less than 40 pounds must be secured in the rear seat if your vehicle only has lap belts. The fine for failing to properly secure a child passenger is $75 for a first offense and then jumps to $200 for all additional offenses.
5
Under Per Se laws, the state has zero tolerance for drivers with THC or its metabolites in their system while they are operating a vehicle.
6
Drunk driving laws make mandatory a six-month license suspension and ignition interlock devices upon a first offense. Your vehicle can also be impounded or confiscated for driving while intoxicated. Penalties are enhanced for drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .16 or more.
7
The state has implemented a three-stage driver’s licensing program that begins at age 15 and finishes at age 18 with full driving privileges.
8
Mature drivers aged 75 and older must take a road test every four years to renew their license. Driver’s aged 81 to 86 must renew their license every two years, and those aged 87 or older must renew every year.
9
Seat belts must be used by all vehicle occupants in all seats.
10
Illinois conducts several hundred sobriety checks across the state each year.
11
The penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, even if workers are not present.
12
Speed cameras are used in construction zones, and the owner of the vehicle is liable for the penalty of $250 or 25 hours of community service. Red light cameras can be used locally, and the owner of the vehicle is responsible for the $100 ticket or the completion of a traffic course. Cameras may also be used at rail crossings, and if the driver cannot be identified, the penalty of $250 or 25 hours of community service is the responsibility of the owner.