Issue link: https://adspolicy.uberflip.com/i/1541091
Page 2 of 4 AARP Driver Safety Smart Driver™ Course State-Specific Information D20689 – October 2025 ILLINOIS UNIT 4 – Are We Smart on the Road? How to Avoid Distractions - Participant Guidebook Page 61 • Illinois law prohibits the use of headsets while driving. Headsets are defined as any device, other than a hearing aid, that allows a person to hear or receive electronic communications. The use of a single-sided headset or earpiece with a wireless/cell phone device is permitted while driving. • Texting is illegal for all drivers. • It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in a school zone or in a highway construction zone. Safe Following Distance - Participant Guidebook Page 64 • A safe following distance must be reasonable and prudent. This means adjusting your speed to the surrounding traffic, condition of the road and speed of the vehicle you are following. Illinois recommends a three to four second following distance. Turning at Intersections - Participant Guidebook Page 68 • In a business or residential area drivers must give a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning. In other areas the signal must be given at least 200 feet before turning. • When turning left from a two-way street on to a one-way street (two lanes), drivers must turn into the most extreme left-hand lane available. • It is legal to make right turn on a solid red arrow, unless a sign is prohibiting. • It is illegal to make a left turn from a two-way street to a one-way on a solid red light. U-Turns – Participant Guidebook Page 69 • Drivers may not make a U-turn when the vehicle cannot be seen by a driver from either direction at a distance of 500 feet. Merging – Participant Guidebook Page 70 • Drives must yield the right-of-way to traffic on another roadway that pose an immediate hazard. • Drivers must adjust their speed and vehicle position to merge into new lanes safely. Handicapped Parking – Participant Guidebook Page 74 • The authorized holder of the parking placard or plates must be present and must enter or exit the vehicle at the time the parking privileges are being used. Driving in Rain, Snow, Fog, Smoke, Dust and Other Conditions – Participant Guidebook Page 75-77 • Drivers are required to turn on their headlights if their windshield wipers are on or if visibility falls below 1,000 feet. Sharing the Road with Emergency Vehicles – Participant Guidebook Page 82 • When approaching a stationary emergency/maintenance vehicle using visual signals, Illinois law requires motorists to yield, change to a lane away from the emergency workers when possible, and proceed with caution. If a lane change is not possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution. Illinois law prohibits the use of wireless/cellphones within 500 feet of an emergency scene, except in certain circumstances.