Safety Laws

It is the responsibility of every driver to help keep roads within the state of Illinois as safe as possible.

Drunk Driving

Illinois law enforcement officers consider driving while intoxicated to be a serious criminal offense. The penalty for a first time DUI offender includes:

• Fine of up to $1,000

• Minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges

• Possible imprisonment for up to one year

Possible signs a driver has been drinking include:

• Following too closely

• Drifting into opposing traffic

• Driving outside designated roadways

• Weaving across the road

• Improper signaling

• Erratic braking

If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, call 911 and provide the exact location of the vehicle, a description of the vehicle including the license plate number, and a brief report of specific behaviors you have witnessed that may indicate a potential problem.

Child Safety Laws

In Illinois, the Child Passenger Protection Act states:

• A child under eight years old must be secured in a child safety seat. However, if the vehicle is equipped with lap belts only in the back seat, a child weighing more than 40 pounds may be transported in the back seat wearing a lap belt only.

• A child between the ages of 8 and 17 must be secured in a seat belt or child safety seat.

• Children between the ages of 16 and 17 must wear seat belts when they are riding in vehicles driven by people under the age of 18.

Failure to comply with the provisions of the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act is considered a petty offense. First time offenders are subject to a fine of up to $50, waived upon proof of possession of an approved child passenger restraint system.

Parents may also want to think twice before leaving their children in unattended motor vehicles; they could be charged with neglect. Leaving a child (or a pet) in a vehicle could subject them to kidnapping, accidents, or death, especially during inclement weather. If you see a child or pet in a car that you believe is endangered, call 911 and stay with the vehicle until authorities arrive.

Headlights

Illinois law states that motorists must use their headlights from sunset to sunrise and when rain, snow, fog, or poor weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers. Headlights are legally required when objects 1,000 feet away from your vehicle are not visible. Your lights must be dimmed 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle, or 300 feet before you plan to pass another vehicle.

Motorcycles must be equipped with one headlight that shows objects 500 feet ahead. However, the motorcycle's headlight must remain on whenever the vehicle is in operation.

Bike Lights

Illinois law also requires that bicycles must have headlights if they are to be used at night. It must also have a red reflector on the back; you can also use a red light on the rear.

Cell Phone Usage

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, driving in Illinois while using a cell phone is illegal for:

• Learner's permit holders

• Drivers younger than 19

• School bus drivers

Illinois is also one of six states in which localities are allowed to ban cell phone use for all drivers. Currently, Chicago is the only major city in Illinois in which driving while using a cell phone is illegal under any circumstances.

Regardless of whether or not it is illegal for you to use a cell phone while driving, it's important to be cautious when making calls. Distracted driving can be a significant safety hazard, especially when you're traveling in heavy traffic or under poor weather conditions.

Helmet Laws

In Illinois, the following areas require bicycle helmets:

• Barrington (for bicyclists under 17)

• Chicago (for messengers of all ages)

• Cicero (for bicyclists under 16)

• Inverness (for bicyclists under 16)

• Skokie (for bicyclists under 16)

Motorcycle helmets, although highly recommended, are not legally required in any part of Illinois.