There is no prohibition on cell phone use while driving in Illinois except for: (1) while driving in a school zone; (2) while driving in a highway construction zone, (3) if you are a novice driver, or (4) while driving in the City of Chicago. All Illinois drivers are prohibited from texting.

Cell Phone Use

Cell phone use is permitted while driving in Illinois except handheld and hands-free cell phones are prohibited: (1) while driving in a school zone; (2) while driving in a highway construction zone, (3) if you are a novice driver, and (4) while driving in the City of Chicago. Note, novice drivers in Illinois - drivers younger than 19 – are prohibited from using cell phones (handheld or hands-free) while driving.

Texting

All Illinois drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.

Bus Drivers

Bus drivers are prohibited from texting and cell phone use while driving.

How is it Enforced?

Illinois’s cell phone and texting laws are considered “primary” laws. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. That is, the officer sees you texting and issues a citation.  A secondary law refers to the fact that an officer can only pull you over and issue a ticket if the officer has witnessed some other violation – for example, you ran a stop light while texting.

Read more about Illinois’s distracted driving laws.

Information on the Illinois Cell Phone Driving Law For Minors

Information on the Illinois Cell Phone Driving Law for School Bus Drivers

Additional Illinois Information on this Website

Information on Illinois SR22 Auto Insurance

Information on Illinois Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements

Information on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in Illinois