Illinois General Assembly

  Bills & Resolutions  
  Compiled Statutes  
  Public Acts  
  Legislative Reports  
  IL Constitution  
  Legislative Guide  
  Legislative Glossary  

 Search By Number
 (example: HB0001)
Search Tips

Search By Keyword

Illinois Compiled Statutes

Information maintained by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Updating the database of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) is an ongoing process. Recent laws may not yet be included in the ILCS database, but they are found on this site as Public Acts soon after they become law. For information concerning the relationship between statutes and Public Acts, refer to the Guide.

Because the statute database is maintained primarily for legislative drafting purposes, statutory changes are sometimes included in the statute database before they take effect. If the source note at the end of a Section of the statutes includes a Public Act that has not yet taken effect, the version of the law that is currently in effect may have already been removed from the database and you should refer to that Public Act to see the changes made to the current law.

VEHICLES
(625 ILCS 5/) Illinois Vehicle Code.

625 ILCS 5/11-704

    (625 ILCS 5/11-704) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-704)
    Sec. 11-704. When overtaking on the right is permitted.
    (a) The driver of a vehicle with 3 or more wheels may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
        1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to
    
make a left turn.
        2. Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of
    
sufficient width for 2 or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle.
        3. Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on
    
which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for 2 or more lines of moving vehicles.
    (b) The driver of a 2-wheeled vehicle may not pass upon the right of any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the unobstructed pavement to the right of the vehicle being passed is of a width of not less than 8 feet. This subsection does not apply to devices propelled by human power.
    (c) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway.
(Source: P.A. 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

625 ILCS 5/11-705

    (625 ILCS 5/11-705) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-705)
    Sec. 11-705. Limitations on overtaking on the left.
    No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless authorized by the provisions of this Chapter and unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
(Source: P.A. 76-1586.)

625 ILCS 5/11-706

    (625 ILCS 5/11-706) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-706)
    Sec. 11-706. Further limitations on driving to the left of center of roadway. (a) No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
    1. When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
    2. When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing.
    3. When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
    (b) The limitations in sub-paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 do not apply upon a one-way roadway nor upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for 2 or more lanes of moving traffic in each direction nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway when such movements can be made with safety.
(Source: P.A. 79-1069.)

625 ILCS 5/11-707

    (625 ILCS 5/11-707) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-707)
    Sec. 11-707. No-passing zones.
    (a) The Department and local authorities are authorized to determine those portions of any highway under their respective jurisdictions where overtaking and passing or driving on the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones. Upon request of a local school board, the Department or local authority which has jurisdiction over the roadway in question, shall determine whether a hazardous situation exists at a particular location and warrants a no-passing zone. If the Department or local authority determines that a no-passing zone is warranted, the school board and the Department or local authority shall share equally the cost of designating the no-passing zone by signs and markings. When such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.
    (b) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone as set forth in paragraph (a) no driver may at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within the no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark such no-passing zone throughout its length.
    (c) This Section does not apply under the conditions described in Section 11-701 (a) 2, subsection (d-5) of Section 11-703, nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway. The pavement striping designed to mark the no-passing zone may be crossed from the left hand lane for the purpose of completing a pass that was begun prior to the beginning of the zone in the driver's direction of travel.
    (d) Special speed limit areas required under Section 11-605 of this Code in unincorporated areas only shall also be no-passing zones.
(Source: P.A. 100-359, eff. 1-1-18.)

625 ILCS 5/11-708

    (625 ILCS 5/11-708) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-708)
    Sec. 11-708. One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands. (a) The Department and local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may designate any highway, roadway, part of a roadway or specific lanes upon which vehicular traffic shall proceed in one direction at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices.
    (b) Upon a roadway so designated for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices.
    (c) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island must be driven only to the right of such island.
    (d) Whenever any highway has been divided into 2 or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or a clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle must be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic-control devices or police officers. No vehicle may be driven over, across, or within any such dividing space, barrier, or section, except through an opening in the physical barrier, or dividing section, or space, or at a cross-over or intersection as established by public authority.
    (e) The driver of a vehicle may turn left across a paved noncurbed dividing space unless prohibited by an official traffic-control device.
(Source: P.A. 84-873.)

625 ILCS 5/11-709

    (625 ILCS 5/11-709) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-709)
    Sec. 11-709. Driving on roadways laned for traffic. Whenever any roadway has been divided into 2 or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply.
    (a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
    (b) Upon a roadway which is divided into 3 lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for making a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated by official traffic control devices.
    (c) Official traffic control devices may be erected directing specific traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device. On multi-lane controlled access highways with 3 or more lanes in one direction or on any multi-laned highway with 2 or more lanes in one direction, the Department may designate lanes of traffic to be used by different types of motor vehicles. Drivers must obey lane designation signing except when it is necessary to use a different lane to make a turning maneuver.
    (d) Official traffic control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.
    (e) A person is not in violation of this Section if he or she is complying with Section 11-907, 11-907.5, or 11-908.
(Source: P.A. 101-173, eff. 1-1-20.)

625 ILCS 5/11-709.1

    (625 ILCS 5/11-709.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-709.1)
    Sec. 11-709.1. Driving on the shoulder.
    (a) Vehicles shall be driven on a roadway, and shall only be driven on the shoulder for the purpose of stopping or accelerating from a stop while merging into traffic. It shall be a violation of this Section if while merging into traffic and while on the shoulder, the vehicle passes any other vehicle on the roadway adjacent to it.
    (b) This Section shall not apply to any authorized emergency vehicle, to any authorized transit bus, to any bicycle, to any farm tractor or implement of husbandry, to any service vehicle while engaged in maintenance of the highway or related work, or to any authorized vehicle within a designated construction zone.
(Source: P.A. 100-359, eff. 1-1-18.)

625 ILCS 5/11-709.2

    (625 ILCS 5/11-709.2)
    Sec. 11-709.2. Bus on shoulder program.
    (a) The use of specifically designated shoulders of roadways by transit buses may be authorized by the Department in cooperation with the Regional Transportation Authority and the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority. The Department shall prescribe by rule which transit buses are authorized to operate on shoulders, as well as times and locations. The Department may erect signage to indicate times and locations of designated shoulder usage.
    (b) (Blank).
    (c) (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 98-756, eff. 7-16-14; 98-871, eff. 8-11-14; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)

625 ILCS 5/11-709.3

    (625 ILCS 5/11-709.3)
    Sec. 11-709.3. Transit buses on shoulders - toll highways. The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority may allow transit buses to use the shoulders of highways under its jurisdiction.
(Source: P.A. 97-292, eff. 8-11-11; 98-871, eff. 8-11-14.)

625 ILCS 5/11-710

    (625 ILCS 5/11-710) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-710)
    Sec. 11-710. Following too closely. (a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
    (b) The driver of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles.
    (c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.
(Source: P.A. 79-1069.)

625 ILCS 5/11-711

    (625 ILCS 5/11-711) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-711)
    Sec. 11-711. Restrictions on use of controlled access highway.
    (a) No person may drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled access highway except at entrances and exits established by public authority.
    (b) The Department with respect to any controlled access highway under its jurisdiction may prohibit the use of any such highways by pedestrians (except in authorized areas or facilities), bicycles, farm tractors, implements of husbandry, funeral processions, and any vehicle unable to maintain the minimum speed for which the highway is posted, or other non-motorized traffic or by any person operating a motor driven cycle. The Department may also prohibit the use of such highway to school buses picking up and discharging children and mail delivery vehicles picking up or delivering mail. The Department shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlled access highway on which such prohibitions are applicable and when so erected no person may disobey the restrictions stated on such sign.
(Source: P.A. 76-1586.)

625 ILCS 5/Ch. 11 Art. VIII

 
    (625 ILCS 5/Ch. 11 Art. VIII heading)
ARTICLE VIII. TURNING AND STARTING
AND SIGNALS ON STOPPING AND TURNING

625 ILCS 5/11-801

    (625 ILCS 5/11-801) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-801)
    Sec. 11-801. Required position and method of turning. (a) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:
    (1) Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
    (2) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle, and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.
    (3) The Department and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause official traffic control devices to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this Section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when such devices are so placed no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by such devices.
    (b) Two-way left turn lanes. Where a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been indicated by official traffic-control devices:
    (1) A left turn shall not be made from any other lane.
    (2) A vehicle shall not be driven in the lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making a U turn when otherwise permitted by law.
    (c) When a motor vehicle and a mass transit bus are traveling in the same direction on the same multi-laned highway, street or road, the operator of the motor vehicle overtaking such bus, which is stopped at an intersection on the right side of the roadway to receive or discharge passengers, shall pass to the left of the bus at a safe distance and shall not turn to the right in front of the bus at that intersection.
(Source: P.A. 85-786.)

625 ILCS 5/11-802

    (625 ILCS 5/11-802) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-802)
    Sec. 11-802. Limitations on U turns. (a) The driver of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic.
    (b) No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within 500 feet.
(Source: P.A. 82-783.)

625 ILCS 5/11-803

    (625 ILCS 5/11-803) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-803)
    Sec. 11-803. Starting parked vehicle.
    No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing, or parked unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
(Source: P.A. 76-1586.)

625 ILCS 5/11-804

    (625 ILCS 5/11-804) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-804)
    Sec. 11-804. When signal required.
    (a) No person may turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the highway as required in Section 11-801 or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. No person may so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.
    (b) A signal of intention to turn right or left, change lanes, otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course, move right or left upon a highway, or when required must be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle within a business or residence district, and such signal must be given continuously during not less than the last 200 feet traveled by the vehicle outside a business or residence district.
    (c) No person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this Chapter to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such a signal.
    (d) The electric turn signal device required in Section 12-208 of this Act must be used and operated as prescribed in subsection (b) of this Section to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, turn a vehicle from a direct course, move right or left upon a highway, or start from a parallel parked position. Unless the conditions of subsection (b) of this Section are met, an electric turn signal device required in Section 12-208 shall not be left in the on position and must not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle or flashed as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear. However, such signal devices may be flashed simultaneously on both sides of a motor vehicle to indicate the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking and passing.
(Source: P.A. 102-508, eff. 8-20-21.)

625 ILCS 5/11-805

    (625 ILCS 5/11-805) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-805)
    Sec. 11-805. Signal by hand or arm or signal device. Any stop or turn signal when required herein shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by an electric turn signal device conforming to the requirements provided in Section 12-208 of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 79-1069.)

625 ILCS 5/11-806

    (625 ILCS 5/11-806) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-806)
    Sec. 11-806. Method of giving hand and arm signals. All signals herein required given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and such signals shall indicate as follows:
        1. Left turn - Hand and arm extended horizontally.
        2. Right turn - Hand and arm extended upward, except
    
that a person operating a bicycle may extend the right hand and arm horizontally and to the right side of the bicycle.
        3. Stop or decrease of speed - Hand and arm extended
    
downward.
(Source: P.A. 95-231, eff. 1-1-08.)