Sharing the Road
Illinois Rules of the Road
Drivers of cars and trucks share the road with others.
They must know the laws that apply to other roadway users, including pedestrians and bicyclists.
Without a vehicle or protective equipment,
pedestrians are the roadway user most at risk
in traffic. Drivers and pedestrians are both
responsible for traffic safety. A simple rule is
that drivers should always be prepared to yield
the right of- way to pedestrians. Important laws
and safety tips pedestrians should know are:
- TRAFFIC SIGNALS, WALKLIGHTS and
CROSSINGS: Pedestrians must yield the
right-of-way to drivers by obeying traffic
signals, observing walk lights and using
- CROSSING A ROAD: When crossing at
any place other than a marked or unmarked
crosswalk, pedestrians must give the right-ofway
to drivers. This includes between closely
spaced intersections where traffic signals are
- ROADWAYS: Pedestrians must not walk
on a roadway unless there is no sidewalk or
shoulder next to it. Under these conditions,
pedestrians should always walk as close to
the outside edge of the road as possible.
In two-way traffic, pedestrians should walk
facing oncoming traffic.
- JOGGERS and WALKERS: Joggers and
walkers should use jogging paths when
provided. On public roads, joggers should try
to select wide roads with good shoulders. They
should face oncoming traffic and remember
to look and listen for cars. At night or anytime
visibility is poor, joggers and walkers should be
in well-lighted areas and wear reflective clothing.
- MOVING VEHICLES: Pedestrians must not
run or walk into the path of a moving vehicle.
- EMERGENCY VEHICLES: Pedestrians
should always yield to emergency and police
vehicles using sirens and or flashing lights.
- GATES and BARRIERS: Pedestrians must
always obey railroad and bridge gates and
On most roadways, bicyclists have the same
rights and responsibilities as other roadway
users. Bicyclists are prohibited on limited-access
highways, expressways and certain other
marked roadways. You may obtain the “Bicycle
Rules of the Road” at your local driver services
facility. The following laws and safety tips should
be kept in mind:
- Bicyclists travel in the same direction
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a
bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
- When traveling slower than traffic, bicyclists
should ride as near the right edge of the
roadway as conditions permit. However, certain
hazards, such as rough surfaces or drainage
grates, may require moving toward the center
of the lane.
- Bicyclists may make unexpected moves.
Give them plenty of room and be prepared to
- Bicyclists are often hard to see in traffic.
Almost any type of crash will result in injury or
death to the bicyclist.
- The most dangerous hours are during times
of poor visibility.
- If a driver is turning right when a bicyclist
is on the roadway, pass the bicyclist before
reaching the turn or wait until the bicyclist has
passed the corner, then turn. Remember to
signal your turn.
- To turn left, a bicyclist may choose to turn
as a vehicle does. If there is a left turn lane,
the bicyclist should ride on the right edge of
the turn lane. The bicyclist may also choose a
pedestrian-type, box left turn, in which he or she
will proceed through the intersection and then
cross the roadway in the new direction.
On the Web:
The complete Illinois Rules of the Road
Walking and biking in the Chicago area