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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 5/11-605.2

    (625 ILCS 5/11-605.2)
    Sec. 11-605.2. Delegation of authority to set a special speed limit while traveling through highway construction or maintenance zones.
    (a) A local agency may delegate to its superintendent of highways the authority to set and post a reduced speed limit for a construction or maintenance zone, as defined in Section 11-605.1, under subsection (c) of that Section.
    (b) If a superintendent of highways sets a reduced speed limit for a construction or maintenance zone in accordance with this Section, the local agency must maintain a record that indicates:
        (1) the location of the construction or maintenance
    
zone;
        (2) the reduced speed limit set and posted for the
    
construction or maintenance zone; and
        (3) the dates during which the reduced speed limit
    
was in effect.
(Source: P.A. 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

625 ILCS 5/11-605.3

    (625 ILCS 5/11-605.3)
    Sec. 11-605.3. Special traffic protections while passing parks and recreation facilities and areas.
    (a) As used in this Section:
        (1) "Park district" means the following entities:
            (A) any park district organized under the Park
        
District Code;
            (B) any park district organized under the Chicago
        
Park District Act; and
            (C) any municipality, county, forest district,
        
school district, township, or other unit of local government that operates a public recreation department or public recreation facilities that has recreation facilities that are not on land owned by any park district listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this subdivision (a)(1).
        (2) "Park zone" means the recreation facilities and
    
areas on any land owned or operated by a park district that are used for recreational purposes, including but not limited to: parks; playgrounds; swimming pools; hiking trails; bicycle paths; picnic areas; roads and streets; and parking lots.
        (3) "Park zone street" means that portion of any
    
State or local street or intersection under the control of a local unit of government, adjacent to a park zone, where the local unit of government has, by ordinance or resolution, designated and approved the street or intersection as a park zone street. If, before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, a street already had a posted speed limit lower than 20 miles per hour, then the lower limit may be used for that park zone street.
        (4) "Safety purposes" means the costs associated
    
with: park zone safety education; the purchase, installation, and maintenance of signs, roadway painting, and caution lights mounted on park zone signs; and any other expense associated with park zones and park zone streets.
    (b) On any day when children are present and within 50 feet of motorized traffic, a person may not drive a motor vehicle at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour or any lower posted speed while traveling on a park zone street that has been designated for the posted reduced speed.
    (c) On any day when children are present and within 50 feet of motorized traffic, any driver traveling on a park zone street who fails to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light, including a driver who fails to come to a complete stop at a red light before turning right onto a park zone street, is in violation of this Section.
    (d) This Section does not apply unless appropriate signs are posted upon park zone streets maintained by the Department or by the unit of local government in which the park zone is located. With regard to the special speed limit on park zone streets, the signs must give proper due warning that a park zone is being approached and must indicate the maximum speed limit on the park zone street.
    (e) A first violation of this Section is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $250. A second or subsequent violation of this Section is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $500.
    (f) (Blank).
    (g) The Department shall, within 6 months of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, design a set of standardized traffic signs for park zones and park zone streets, including but not limited to: "park zone", "park zone speed limit", and "warning: approaching a park zone". The design of these signs shall be made available to all units of local government or manufacturers at no charge, except for reproduction and postage.
(Source: P.A. 102-978, eff. 1-1-23.)

625 ILCS 5/11-606

    (625 ILCS 5/11-606) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-606)
    Sec. 11-606. Minimum speed regulation. (a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation of his vehicle or in compliance with law.
    (b) Whenever the Department, The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, or a local authority described in Section 11-604 of this Chapter determines, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation concerning a highway or street under its jurisdiction that slow vehicle speeds along any part or zone of such highway or street consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the Department, the Toll Highway Authority, or local authority (as appropriate) may determine and declare by proper regulation or ordinance a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive except when necessary for safe operation of his vehicle or in compliance with law. A limit so determined and declared becomes effective when appropriate signs giving notice of the limit are erected along such part or zone of the highway or street.
(Source: P.A. 81-840.)

625 ILCS 5/11-608

    (625 ILCS 5/11-608) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-608)
    Sec. 11-608. Special speed limitation on elevated structures. (a) No person shall drive a vehicle over any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure, when such structure is sign posted as provided in this Section.
    (b) The Department upon request from any local authority shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway, and if it shall thereupon find that such structure cannot with safety to itself withstand vehicles traveling at the speed otherwise permissible under this Chapter, the Department shall determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles which such structure can safely withstand, and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating such maximum speed to be erected and maintained before each end of such structure.
    (c) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this Section proof of the determination of the maximum speed by the Department and the existence of such signs is conclusive evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure.
(Source: P.A. 76-1586.)

625 ILCS 5/11-610

    (625 ILCS 5/11-610) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-610)
    Sec. 11-610. Charging violations and rule in civil actions.
    (a) In every charge of violation of any speed regulation in this Article the complaint, and also the summons or notice to appear, shall specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven and the maximum speed applicable within the district or at the location.
    (b) The provision of this Article declaring maximum speed limitations shall not be construed to relieve the plaintiff in any action from the burden of proving negligence on the part of the defendant as the proximate cause of a crash.
(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

625 ILCS 5/11-611

    (625 ILCS 5/11-611) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-611)
    Sec. 11-611. No person shall drive or operate any motor vehicle on any street or highway in this State where the minimum allowable speed on that street or highway, as posted, is greater than the maximum attainable operating speed of the vehicle. Maximum attainable operating speed shall be determined by the manufacturer of the vehicle and clearly published in the manual of specifications and operation, or it shall be determined by applicable rule and regulation promulgated by the Secretary of State.
(Source: P.A. 79-700.)

625 ILCS 5/11-612

    (625 ILCS 5/11-612)
    Sec. 11-612. Certain systems to record vehicle speeds prohibited. Except as authorized in the Automated Traffic Control Systems in Highway Construction or Maintenance Zones Act and Section 11-208.8 of this Code, no photographic, video, or other imaging system may be used in this State to record vehicle speeds for the purpose of enforcing any law or ordinance regarding a maximum or minimum speed limit unless a law enforcement officer is present at the scene and witnesses the event. No State or local governmental entity, including a home rule county or municipality, may use such a system in a way that is prohibited by this Section. The regulation of the use of such systems is an exclusive power and function of the State. This Section is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.
(Source: P.A. 97-672, eff. 7-1-12.)

625 ILCS 5/Ch. 11 Art. VII

 
    (625 ILCS 5/Ch. 11 Art. VII heading)
ARTICLE VII. DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF
ROADWAY; OVERTAKING AND PASSING, ETC.

625 ILCS 5/11-701

    (625 ILCS 5/11-701) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-701)
    Sec. 11-701. Drive on right side of roadway - exceptions.
    (a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
        1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle
    
proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movements;
        2. When an obstruction exists making it necessary to
    
drive to the left of the center of the roadway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the roadway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;
        3. Upon a roadway divided into 3 marked lanes for
    
traffic under the rules applicable thereon;
        4. Upon a roadway restricted to one way traffic;
        5. Whenever there is a single track paved road on one
    
side of the public highway and 2 vehicles meet thereon, the driver on whose right is the wider shoulder shall give the right-of-way on such pavement to the other vehicle.
    (b) Upon a 2 lane roadway, providing for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
    (c) Upon any roadway having 4 or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for 2-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under Subsection (a) 2. However, this Subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.
    (d) Upon an Interstate highway or fully access controlled freeway, a vehicle may not be driven in the left lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle.
    (e) Subsection (d) of this Section does not apply:
        (1) when no other vehicle is directly behind the
    
vehicle in the left lane;
        (2) when traffic conditions and congestion make it
    
impractical to drive in the right lane;
        (3) when snow and other inclement weather conditions
    
make it necessary to drive in the left lane;
        (4) when obstructions or hazards exist in the right
    
lane;
        (5) when a vehicle changes lanes to comply with
    
Sections 11-907, 11-907.5, and 11-908 of this Code;
        (6) when, because of highway design, a vehicle must
    
be driven in the left lane when preparing to exit;
        (7) on toll highways when necessary to use I-Pass,
    
and on toll and other highways when driving in the left lane is required to comply with an official traffic control device; or
        (8) to law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, and
    
other emergency vehicles engaged in official duties and vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations.
(Source: P.A. 99-681, eff. 1-1-17.)

625 ILCS 5/11-702

    (625 ILCS 5/11-702) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-702)
    Sec. 11-702. Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions. Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.
(Source: P.A. 79-1069.)

625 ILCS 5/11-703

    (625 ILCS 5/11-703) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-703)
    Sec. 11-703. Overtaking a vehicle on the left. The following rules govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules otherwise stated in this Chapter:
        (a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another
    
vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or the main traveled portion of the roadway.
        (b) Except when overtaking and passing on the right
    
is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
        (c) The driver of a 2 wheeled vehicle may not, in
    
passing upon the left of any vehicle proceeding in the same direction, pass upon the right of any vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless there is an unobstructed lane of traffic available to permit such passing maneuver safely.
        (d) The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a
    
bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall leave a safe distance, but not less than 3 feet, when passing the bicycle or individual and shall maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.
        (d-5) A driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a
    
bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway may, subject to the provisions in paragraph (d) of this Section and Section 11-706 of this Code, pass to the left of the bicycle on a portion of the highway designated as a no-passing zone under Section 11-707 of this Code if the driver is able to overtake and pass the bicycle when:
            (1) the bicycle is traveling at a speed of less
        
than half of the posted speed limit of the highway;
            (2) the driver is able to overtake and pass the
        
bicycle without exceeding the posted speed limit of the highway; and
            (3) there is sufficient distance to the left of
        
the centerline of the highway for the motor vehicle to meet the overtaking and passing requirements under this Section.
        (e) A person driving a motor vehicle shall not, in a
    
reckless manner, drive the motor vehicle unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist, pedestrian, or a person riding a horse or driving an animal drawn vehicle.
        (f) Every person convicted of paragraph (e) of this
    
Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if the violation does not result in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another. If the violation results in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another, the person shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.
(Source: P.A. 100-359, eff. 1-1-18.)

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.)