Staying on the right side of the law keeps more than your record clean and protects lives. Every day, Illinois roads see thousands of drivers who speed through lights, glance at their phones, or forget their seatbelts.
These moments may seem small, but they often have significant consequences. Knowing the traffic laws Illinois drivers break most often can help you drive smarter, stay safer, and avoid costly penalties.
Why Knowing Traffic Laws Matters for Illinois Drivers
Driving in Illinois means understanding more than just the basics. The Illinois Vehicle Code outlines hundreds of regulations, yet many drivers still fall into habits that violate the law.
Awareness is your best defense against violations that could cost you points, fines, or your license. Below are the five traffic laws Illinois drivers break most often and how they impact everyone on the road.
1. Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign or Running a Red Light
Both failing to stop at a stop sign and running a red light are large offenses in the state of Illinois. Both of these actions of neglect can put lives at risk. The penalties for failing to stop at a stop sign or running a red light can range, but it’s most commonly a fine or a low number of points added to your license.
2. Driving without Wearing a Seatbelt
One of the most common broken laws across the United States is the failure to wear a seatbelt while driving. All drivers in the state of Illinois must wear a seatbelt at all times, with no exceptions. According to the Child Passenger Protection Act, children under eight years old must also be secured in a law-approved restraint
3. Speeding
Speeding not only puts your life at risk, but it also puts the people around you at risk. When drivers make the decision to drive above the speed limit, they are making a conscious decision to put lives at risk. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, there is a range of points that apply to your license after you break a speed limit.
- 11-601(b)(01) 1-10 mph above limit – 5 points
- 11-601(b)(03) 11-14 mph above limit – 15 points
- 11-601(b)(05) 15-25 mph above limit – 20 points
- 11-601(b)(07) More than 25 mph above limit – 50 points
- 11-601.5(a) 50 26-34 mph above limit – 50 points
- 11-601.5(b) 50 35 mph or more above limit – 50 points
4. Operating a Vehicle Without a License or Insurance
To operate a vehicle in the state of Illinois, as well as in every other U.S. state, drivers are required to have a valid license and auto insurance. Drivers must also keep copies of both on them while driving, or else they could face a penalty ranging from license suspension to revocation.
5. Distracted Driving
Distraction behind the wheel is one of the fastest-growing causes of accidents in Illinois. Texting, scrolling, eating, or even adjusting your GPS takes focus off the road.
Illinois Vehicle Code 6-527(a) prohibits the use of cellphones while driving a commercial vehicle and adds 20 points to a driver’s license for violations. The use of handheld phones is banned unless it’s hands-free or Bluetooth-enabled. Staying present keeps you and others safe.
Drive Smarter and Stay Safe in Illinois
Understanding the traffic laws Illinois drivers break most frequently is about more than avoiding tickets—it’s about building safer habits that protect everyone. Small decisions like wearing a seatbelt or setting your phone aside can make the difference between a safe trip and a serious accident. Driving responsibly benefits you, your passengers, and your community.
Partner with Costa Ivone to Protect Your Rights After a Violation
At Costa Ivone, we help Illinois drivers who face challenges after traffic violations, accidents, or injuries. We focus on real solutions that help people recover and move forward with confidence.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a traffic ticket, accident, or workplace injury, reach out to us today. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer or workers’ compensation lawyer from our team for trusted legal support.
Do you need assistance with a traffic law violation? Send us an email here.