Illinois driving guide

There’s no better way to explore Illinois than by car. Its vast system of winding lanes and major highways makes for an epic road trip. But before you hit the open road, you’ll need a good handle on the driving rules in Illinois.

From speed limits to toll roads, we explore the laws of the road in Illinois – home to the famous Route 66.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Illinois and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• When approaching an intersection, the driver of the car on the left must give right of way to the car on the right.
• Drivers must turn on their signal at least 100 feet before turning in a business or residential area. In other areas, you must signal at least 200 feet before making a turn.
• All cars and trucks need to have two working headlights, which must be on during nighttime hours. Headlights can also be illuminated during the day when:

1. Weather conditions are snowy, rainy, icy or foggy.
2. Driving through mountainous roads.

• Drivers aged 19 and over can use hands-free kits, but all cellphone use is forbidden for drivers under 19 in Illinois.

Speed limits in Illinois

The speed limit laws in Illinois vary depending on your vehicle type and road type, with some counties setting their own speed limits on certain roads. Make sure to look out for road signs posted along your route.

Toll roads in Illinois

There are five toll roads in Illinois, all located across 12 counties to the north of the state. Prices vary depending on your vehicle type and route exit(s).

Jane Addams Memorial Tollway

This tollway runs from northwest to southeast through the northern part of the state.

From: I-90, South Beloit

To: O'Hare International Airport

Cost for car: $0.36-$1.90

Cost for truck: $1.50-$5.05 in the day, $1.20-$6.20 overnight

Veterans Memorial Tollway

This tollway is located in the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago.

From: I-355

To: I-290, near Itasca and Addison

Cost for car: $0.90-$3.80

Cost for truck: $2.05-$7.95 in the day, $1.60-$6.20 overnight

Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

Also known as the I-88, this tollway runs concurrently with Illinois State Route 110.

From: I-88, SR 56, SR 110

To: Hillside

Cost for car: $0.60-$3.60

Cost for truck: $1.50-$9.45 in the day, $1.20-$7.40 overnight

Tri-state Tollway

This major tollway is located in the northeast of Illinois.

From: I-80, I-94, I-294

To: Newport Township

Cost for car: $0.60-$2.80

Cost for truck: $1.50-$7.50 in the day, $1.20-$5.85 overnight

Illinois Route 390 Tollway

Also known as the Elgin-O'Hare Tollway, this electronic toll highway can also be found in northeast Illinois.

From: IL 390

To: IL 83, Bensenville

Cost for car: $0.40-$1.20

Cost for truck: $0.65-$2.95 in the day, $0.50-$2.25 overnight

How to pay for toll roads in Illinois

You can make payments for all five toll roads in Illinois via the I-PASS website or app. Drivers have up to 14 days to pay the toll.

Driving ages and license requirements in Illinois

• The minimum legal driving age in Illinois is 15 with a learner’s permit. The initial licensing phase begins at 16 but drivers must have consent from a parent/legal guardian.
• Drivers can apply for a full, unrestricted license at 18.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Illinois with Hertz is 20.

Check out our handy guide for drivers under 25.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Illinois

Whether you’re on a solo adventure, traveling with friends or exploring with family, you’ll need to save space in your trunk for some essential car equipment. This should include:

• Spare parts – such as a spare tire, spare fuses and spare bulbs
• Emergency tools – like jumper cables, a gas can, car battery charger, roadside flares and first-aid kit
• Replacement fluids – including oil, antifreeze, washer fluid and brake fluid
• A small tool kit – with screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench and pliers
• Blankets and warm clothing – for cold weather emergencies
• A flashlight – with spare batteries
• A cellphone charger – and/or portable battery pack
• Paper towels – or shop rags.

Illinois speed violations, infractions, and penalties

You may be eager to reach your destination, but reckless driving can result in serious fines. Driving between one and 20mph over the speed limit could lead to a $120 fine. If you’re traveling 25mph over the speed limit in Illinois, you can expect a fine of approximately $140.

Driving 26 to 34mph over the speed limit is a Class B misdemeanor and can leave you facing a fine of up to of $1,500 and approximately six months in prison.

Going 40mph over the speed limit in Illinois is a severe offence. As a Class A misdemeanor, consequences can include up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $2,500.

Driving with children in Illinois

When driving with younger children in Illinois, there are certain car seat requirements to consider and follow. These requirements state:

• Children under the age of two must be rear facing in a car seat.
• Between ages 2-4, children can move to a forward-facing car seat.
• From age four, a child can transition to a booster seat. These must be used with the car’s lap and shoulder belt.
• Between age eight and 12, children should remain in a booster seat until they can fit in an adult lap/shoulder belt.

Gas prices in Illinois

As the state with the 25th largest land area in the US, driving in Illinois requires a full tank to get around. The average gas price in Illinois is $4.20 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Ford Focus, that’s about $0.11 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Nissan Pathfinder, it works out at $0.15 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated November 11, 2022.

Electric car charging in Illinois

Illinois is leading the charge in eco efficiency with around 1,000 publicly accessible EV charging stations. This also includes approximately 93 “Direct Current Fast Charging” stations.

Driving between Illinois and other states

Getting to and from Illinois is easy with Hertz. Our one-way rental service allows you to drive your car rental between states in style. That means you can even veer off to neighboring states like Wisconsin, Missouri and Indiana, and simply drop off your vehicle.

Driving conditions in Illinois

Situated between the Continental Divide and the Atlantic Ocean, Illinois temperatures can drop to average lows of 20°F during winter. The state’s southern tip isn’t far from the Gulf of Mexico either, so you can expect average summer highs in the 80s.

The more moderate temperatures of spring and fall can be more pleasant, so plan your road trip well to accommodate the changing weather.