Is It Legal in Illinois To Use Your Phone at a Red Light?
Illinois drivers have strong opinions about many things… potholes, property taxes, the left-lane camper doing 54 on I-90, but nothing fires people up quite like the question: Can you grab your phone at a red light without breaking the law? A national story on Jalopnik sent this question trending, and the answer in Illinois is surprisingly… not surprising.
Illinois’ Distracted Driving Rules at a Glance
Illinois bans physically handling your phone while driving, and yes, that includes at a complete stop at a red light. If your foot is on the brake and the car is in gear, you are still considered “driving” under state law. Touching, tapping, scrolling, typing… all of it lands in the prohibited column.
So What Is Allowed at a Red Light?
Drivers 19 and older can use hands-free tech, like Bluetooth, speakerphone, and voice-activated commands. Mounted GPS is also allowed, as long as it doesn’t block your view of the road. But reaching over to adjust the map with your finger? Still a no.
MORE: Illinois Police Warning For People Who Ride This On Interstate
Illinois Exceptions You Should Know
You can legally touch your phone only when:
- Reporting an emergency
- Your vehicle is safely parked on the shoulder
- Or (rare scenario alert) you’re in neutral or park while stuck in traffic
What Happens If You Ignore the Rule?
Illinois penalties escalate with each violation, and they get steeper in school and construction zones. Cause a crash while on your phone, and things get very expensive very fast.
For full details, the Illinois statutes spell everything out, no scrolling required.
Visit ilsos.gov for more.
MORE: Open Letter to Illinois Drivers Who Do THIS to Others at Red Lights
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Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon