Cell Phone Laws: Illinois' Rules For Drivers

Illinois has strict laws regarding the use of cell phones while driving, with the aim of reducing accidents caused by distracted driving. The state's legislation prohibits motorists under 19 from using cell phones while driving, except in emergencies. For all drivers, the use of handheld electronic devices while driving is illegal. This includes mobile phones, tablets, and other devices requiring manual manipulation. The law also prohibits the use of hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth, in certain areas like school and construction zones. Violators of the law can face fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges in the event of an accident. Illinois' cell phone law aims to prioritise road safety and reduce the number of crashes caused by distracted driving.

Illinois cell phone law for underage drivers

Illinois has strict laws regarding distracted driving, with two statutes that cover the use of cell phones and electronic devices while driving. The laws apply to all drivers in the state, but there are specific restrictions for underage drivers.

Illinois law prohibits motorists under 19 years old from using cell phones while driving. This restriction includes hands-free devices, except in emergency situations. Underage drivers are only permitted to use their phones in an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, healthcare provider, or emergency services agency.

Penalties for Cell Phone Violations:

Illinois takes distracted driving violations seriously, and penalties can be severe, especially for underage drivers. The fines for a cell phone ticket are as follows:

• First and second violations: A standard first or second offence is a petty offence and carries a fine of $75 to $1,000. The standard fine for those who opt to pay the ticket without going to court is $164.
• Third violations: A third or subsequent offence is a class C misdemeanour, with a maximum fine of $1,500. The fine is $164 for those who pay without appearing in court.
• Aggravated cell phone violations: If the use of a cell phone while driving results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death, it is considered an "aggravated use of a wireless telephone." Aggravated violations that do not involve a fatality are class A misdemeanours, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. Aggravated violations resulting in death are class 4 felonies, with potential prison time of one to three years and fines up to $25,000.

Illinois's Electronic-Device & Texting Law:

Illinois's second distracted driving statute prohibits all drivers from using electronic communication devices while operating a vehicle. This includes cell phones, tablets, and laptops. The law bans texting, talking on the phone, and watching or streaming videos while driving.

Exceptions to the Electronic-Device Law:

There are some exceptions to the electronic-device law:

• Voice-operated and hands-free device use (for drivers over 18).
• Electronic device use for emergency purposes.
• Law enforcement and emergency vehicles on official duties.
• Commercial drivers reading messages on permanently installed devices with a screen size not exceeding 10 inches squared.
• Drivers stopped due to normal traffic obstructions with their vehicles in neutral or park.

Penalties for Electronic-Device Violations:

The penalties for violating the electronic-device law are as follows:

• Standard violations: Fines range from $75 for a first offence to $150 for a fourth or subsequent offence.
• Aggravated violations: If the use of an electronic device while driving results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death, it is considered an "aggravated use of an electronic communication device." Aggravated violations that do not involve a fatality are class A misdemeanours, with potential jail time of up to a year and a maximum fine of $2,500. Aggravated violations resulting in death are class 4 felonies, with potential prison time of one to three years and fines up to $25,000.

Impact of Violations on Driving Records:

Both cell phone and electronic-device violations are considered moving violations in Illinois. These violations will add 10 to 30 demerit points to a motorist's driving record. Accumulating three moving violations in a year can lead to license suspension.

Cell phone law for all drivers in certain places

Illinois has strict laws regarding the use of cell phones while driving, with the aim of minimising distractions and promoting responsible behaviour. The state has two statutes that cover distracted driving. The first statute bans talking on a cell phone entirely for underage drivers and in certain places for all drivers. The second statute bans all motorists from using an "electronic communication device" while driving.

The cell phone law applies to all drivers in certain places, such as:

• School speed zones
• Construction or maintenance speed zones
• Within 500 feet of an emergency scene

In these designated areas, all drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone, regardless of age. This ban includes hands-free and voice-operated devices, with the exception of single-sided headsets or earpieces for cell phones.

The penalties for cell phone violations in these areas include fines ranging from $75 to $1,000 for the first and second violations. A third violation is considered a Class C misdemeanour, with a maximum fine of $1,500.

Additionally, Illinois has a separate law targeting texting while driving. This law prohibits drivers from composing, sending, or reading text messages, emails, or other electronic communications while operating a vehicle. This law also extends to reading internet content, including social media and webpages.

It is important to note that Illinois takes cell phone and texting while driving offences seriously and enforces strict penalties. For example, if a violation occurs in a construction or school zone, the fine can double. Repeat offenders face more severe consequences, including license suspension and mandatory completion of a distracted driving education course.

By enforcing these laws, Illinois prioritises road safety and aims to reduce the risks associated with distracted driving.

Illinois' electronic-communication-device law

Illinois's Electronic-Communication-Device Law prohibits all drivers from using an electronic communication device while operating a vehicle. This includes cell phones, tablets, and laptops. The law also specifically prohibits using a device to watch or stream videos or participate in video conferencing while driving.

The law does not apply to:

• Voice-operated and hands-free device use
• Electronic device use for emergency purposes
• Law enforcement and operators of emergency vehicles performing official duties
• Commercial drivers reading messages displayed on permanently installed communication devices that do not exceed a ten-inch square screen size
• Drivers who are stopped due to normal traffic with their vehicle in neutral or park

Penalties for violating the electronic-communication-device law include:

• Standard violations: $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense
• Aggravated violations: If a violation results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death, it is considered "aggravated use of an electronic communication device." Aggravated violations that do not involve a fatality are Class A misdemeanors and carry up to a year in jail and a maximum of $2,500 in fines. Aggravated violations involving deaths are Class 4 felonies, with convicted motorists facing one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

An electronic device violation is considered a "moving violation" and will add 20 to 30 demerit points to a motorist's driving record. Three moving violations in a year can lead to a license suspension.

Illinois' hands-free law

Illinois's hands-free law allows drivers to use hands-free devices and Bluetooth technology while driving, provided they are over the age of 18. However, headsets are prohibited, even if you can control the connected device hands-free. The only exception to this rule is if you have an earpiece or a single-sided headset connected to a wireless device. Motorcyclists are also permitted to use intercom helmets, allowing them to communicate with passengers.

While the law permits the use of hands-free devices, road safety experts still consider them a distraction. It is generally recommended to avoid using hands-free devices, even if it is not against the law. If you need to use a handheld device, it is best to pull over to the side of the road.

Illinois's laws on distracted driving are in place to minimize distractions and promote responsible behaviour behind the wheel. The use of handheld devices while driving is illegal in Illinois and extends to activities such as texting, making calls, browsing the internet, and using social media. The state also places special emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users, such as schoolchildren and construction workers, by prohibiting the use of mobile devices in school zones and construction zones, regardless of whether they are handheld or hands-free.

Violating Illinois's cell phone and texting while driving laws can result in various penalties, depending on the circumstances, previous offenses, and the harm caused. A first offense is considered a moving violation and can result in a fine ranging from $75 to $1,000. If the violation occurs in a construction or school zone, the fine can double. Repeat offenders face more severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and mandatory completion of a distracted driving education course. If a violation leads to a motor vehicle collision causing great bodily harm or death, the penalties can escalate to felony charges, substantial fines, and lengthy license suspension or revocation.

Penalties for violating cell phone law

Illinois has strict laws in place to curb distracted driving, which is considered an unsafe practice that dramatically increases the chances of accidents. The state has two statutes that cover distracted driving, with one banning talking on a cell phone entirely for underage drivers and in certain places for all drivers. The other statute bans all motorists from using an "electronic communication device" while driving.

First and Second Violations:

A standard first or second cell phone ticket is a petty offense and carries a fine ranging from $75 to $1,000. The standard fine amount for motorists who opt to pay the ticket without going to court is $164.

Third Violations:

A third or subsequent cell phone violation is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $1,500. The fine for motorists who pay their tickets without appearing in court is $164.

Aggravated Cell Phone Violations:

A violation that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or the death of another person is known as "aggravated use of a wireless telephone." Aggravated violations that don't involve a fatality are Class A misdemeanors, carrying up to a year in jail and a maximum of $2,500 in fines. Aggravated violations involving deaths are Class 4 felonies, with convicted motorists facing one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Traffic Violation Points:

A cell phone violation will add ten to 30 demerit points to a motorist's driving record. Accumulating three moving violations in a single 12-month period results in an automatic driving license suspension.

Special Considerations for Commercial Drivers:

Commercial drivers with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) are held to heightened standards. A cell phone ticket, even for a first-time offense, is considered a big deal for CDL holders and could potentially lead to their CDL disqualification.

License Suspensions:

License suspensions depend on the severity of the infraction, the driver's history, and whether cell phone use directly or indirectly led to an accident. A court decides the duration of the license suspension and any additional penalties.

Insurance Implications:

Cell phone violations are considered moving violations, which can increase insurance rates. At-fault laws in Illinois also come into play, and being found fully or partially responsible for an accident could result in reduced or no compensation.

Subsequent Offenses:

Repeat offenders face harsher penalties. A second offense within a year of the first violation can result in a fine, potential license suspension, and mandatory completion of a distracted driving education course. Third and subsequent offenses can lead to steeper fines, longer license suspensions, and even misdemeanor charges.

Accidents and Injuries:

If a cell phone violation leads to a motor vehicle collision causing harm or death, the penalties are severe. Offenders may face felony charges, substantial fines, and lengthy license suspension or revocation periods.

Frequently asked questions