2005 Illinois 625 ILCS 5/ Illinois Vehicle Code. Article VII - Driving On Right Side Of Roadway; Overtaking And Passing, Etc
(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 11 Art. VII heading) ARTICLE VII. DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY; OVERTAKING AND PASSING, ETC.
(625 ILCS 5/11‑701)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑701) Sec. 11‑701. Drive on right side of roadway ‑ Exceptions. (a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon
the right half of the roadway, except as follows: 1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle
proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movements;
2. When an obstruction exists making it necessary
to drive to the left of the center of the roadway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right‑of‑way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the roadway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;
3. Upon a roadway divided into 3 marked lanes for
traffic under the rules applicable thereon;
4. Upon a roadway restricted to one way traffic; 5. Whenever there is a single track paved road on
one side of the public highway and 2 vehicles meet thereon, the driver on whose right is the wider shoulder shall give the right‑of‑way on such pavement to the other vehicle.
(b) Upon a 2 lane roadway, providing for 2‑way
movement of traffic, a vehicle shall be driven in the right‑hand lane available
for traffic, or
as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway,
except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a
private road or driveway. (c) Upon any roadway having 4 or more lanes for moving traffic and
providing for 2‑way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the
left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official
traffic‑control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the
center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use
such lanes, or except as permitted under Subsection (a) 2. However, this
Subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center
line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway. (d) Upon an Interstate highway or fully access controlled freeway,
a vehicle may not be driven in the left lane, except when overtaking
and passing another vehicle. (e) Subsection (d) of this Section does not apply: (1) when no other vehicle is directly behind the
vehicle in the left lane;
(2) when traffic conditions and congestion make it
impractical to drive in the right lane;
(3) when snow and other inclement weather conditions
make it necessary to drive in the left lane;
(4) when obstructions or hazards exist in the right
lane;
(5) when a vehicle changes lanes to comply with
Sections 11‑907 and 11‑908 of this Code;
(6) when, because of highway design, a vehicle must
be driven in the left lane when preparing to exit;
(7) on toll highways when necessary to use I‑Pass,
and on toll and other highways when driving in the left lane is required to comply with an official traffic control device; or
(8) to law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, and
other emergency vehicles engaged in official duties and vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations.
(Source: P.A. 93‑447, eff. 1‑1‑04.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑702)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑702) Sec. 11‑702. Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite
directions. Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite
directions shall pass
each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for
not more than one line of traffic in each direction each
driver shall give to the other at least one‑half of the
main‑traveled portion of the roadway as nearly
as possible. (Source: P.A. 79‑1069.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑703)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑703) Sec. 11‑703. Overtaking a vehicle on the left. The following rules govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles
proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions,
and special rules otherwise stated in this Chapter: (a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the
same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall
not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the
overtaken vehicle. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off
the pavement or the main traveled portion of the roadway. (b) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the
driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the
overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of
his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. (c) The driver of a 2 wheeled vehicle may not, in passing upon the left
of any vehicle proceeding in the same direction, pass upon the right of any
vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless there is an unobstructed
lane of traffic available to permit such passing maneuver safely. (Source: P.A. 76‑1586.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑704)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑704) Sec. 11‑704. When overtaking on the right is permitted. (a) The driver of a vehicle with 3 or more wheels may overtake and pass
upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: 1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; 2. Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for
two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being
traveled by the overtaking vehicle. 3. Upon a one‑way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is
restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from
obstructions and of sufficient width for 2 or more lines of moving
vehicles. (b) The driver of a 2 wheeled vehicle may not pass upon the right of any
other vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the unobstructed
pavement to the right of the vehicle being passed is of a width of not less
than 8 feet. (c) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon
the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such
movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway. (Source: P.A. 84‑873.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑705)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑705) Sec. 11‑705. Limitations on overtaking on the left. No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway
in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction
unless authorized by the provisions of this Chapter and unless such left
side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient
distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made
without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from
the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the
overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as
practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a
lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction,
before coming within 200 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction. (Source: P.A. 76‑1586.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑706)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑706) Sec. 11‑706. Further limitations on driving to the left of center of roadway.
(a) No vehicle shall be driven
on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: 1. When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the
highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to
create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the
opposite direction. 2. When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or
railroad grade crossing. 3. When the view is obstructed upon approaching within
100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel. (b) The limitations in sub‑paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 do not apply upon a
one‑way roadway nor upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient
width for 2 or more lanes of moving traffic in each direction nor to the
driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or
driveway when such movements can be made with safety. (Source: P.A. 79‑1069.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑707)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑707) Sec. 11‑707. No‑passing zones. (a) The Department and local authorities
are authorized to determine those portions of any highway under their
respective jurisdictions where overtaking and passing or driving on the
left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate
signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such
zones. Upon request of a local school board, the Department or local
authority which has jurisdiction over the roadway in question, shall
determine whether a hazardous situation exists at a particular location and
warrants a no‑passing zone. If the Department or local authority
determines that a no‑passing zone is warranted, the school board and the
Department or local authority shall share equally the cost of designating
the no‑passing zone by signs and markings. When such signs or markings are
in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver
of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof. (b) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no‑passing zone as
set forth in paragraph (a) no driver may at any time drive on the left side
of the roadway within the no‑passing zone or on the left side of any pavement
striping designed to mark such no‑passing zone throughout its length. (c) This Section does not apply under the conditions described in
Section 11‑701 (a) 2, nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from
an alley, private road or driveway. The pavement striping designed to mark
the no‑passing zone may be crossed from the left hand lane for the
purpose of completing a pass that was begun prior to the beginning of the
zone in the driver's direction of travel. (d) Special speed limit areas required under Section 11‑605 of this Code
in unincorporated areas only shall also be no‑passing zones. (Source: P.A. 86‑471.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑708)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑708) Sec. 11‑708. One‑way roadways and rotary traffic islands. (a) The Department and local authorities, with respect to highways under
their respective jurisdictions, may designate any highway, roadway, part of
a roadway or specific lanes upon which vehicular traffic shall proceed in
one direction at all or such times as shall be indicated by official
traffic control devices. (b) Upon a roadway so designated for one‑way traffic, a vehicle shall be
driven only in the direction designated at all or such times as shall be
indicated by official traffic control devices. (c) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island must be driven only
to the right of such island. (d) Whenever any highway has been divided into 2 or more roadways by
leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or a clearly
indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic,
every vehicle must be driven only upon the right‑hand roadway unless
directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic‑control
devices or police officers. No vehicle may be driven over, across, or
within any such dividing space, barrier, or section, except through an
opening in the physical barrier, or dividing section, or space, or at a
cross‑over or intersection as established by public authority. (e) The driver of a vehicle may turn left across a paved noncurbed
dividing space unless prohibited by an official traffic‑control device. (Source: P.A. 84‑873.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑709)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑709) Sec. 11‑709. Driving on roadways laned for traffic. Whenever any roadway has been divided into 2 or more clearly marked
lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent
herewith shall apply. (a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a
single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has
first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. (b) Upon a roadway which is divided into 3 lanes and provides for
two‑way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center
lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the
same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe
distance, or in preparation for making a left turn or where such center
lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same
direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated
by official traffic control devices. (c) Official traffic control devices may be erected directing specific
traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by
traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the
roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such
device. On multi‑lane controlled access
highways with 3 or more lanes in one
direction or on any multi‑laned highway with 2 or more lanes in one
direction, the Department may designate lanes of traffic to be used by
different types of motor vehicles.
Drivers must obey lane designation signing except when it is necessary to
use a different lane to make a turning maneuver. (d) Official traffic control devices may be installed prohibiting the
changing of lanes on sections of roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey
the directions of every such device. (Source: P.A. 84‑1311.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑709.1)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑709.1) Sec. 11‑709.1. (a) Vehicles shall be driven on a roadway, and shall only
be driven on the shoulder for the purpose of stopping or accelerating from
a stop while merging into traffic. It shall be a violation of this Section
if while merging into traffic and while on the shoulder, the vehicle passes
any other vehicle on the roadway adjacent to it. (b) This Section shall not apply to any authorized emergency vehicle, or
to any service vehicle while engaged in maintenance of the highway or
related work. (Source: P.A. 86‑664.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑710)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑710) Sec. 11‑710. Following too closely. (a) The driver of
a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely
than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the
speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. (b) The driver of any truck or motor vehicle
drawing another vehicle
when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or
residence district and which is following another truck or
motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall,
whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that
an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without
danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor
vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing
any vehicle or combination of vehicles. (c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside
of a business or residence district in a caravan or
motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so
operated as to allow sufficient space between each such
vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other
vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This
provision shall not apply to funeral processions. (Source: P.A. 79‑1069.)
(625 ILCS 5/11‑711)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑711) Sec. 11‑711. Restrictions on use of controlled access highway. (a) No person may drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled access
highway except at entrances and exits established by public authority. (b) The Department with respect to any controlled access highway under
its jurisdiction may prohibit the use of any such highways by pedestrians
(except in authorized areas or facilities), bicycles, farm tractors,
implements of husbandry, funeral processions, and any vehicle unable to
maintain the minimum speed for which the highway is posted, or other
non‑motorized traffic or by any person operating a motor driven cycle. The
Department may also prohibit the use of such highway to school buses
picking up and discharging children and mail delivery vehicles picking up
or delivering mail. The Department shall erect and maintain official signs
on the controlled access highway on which such prohibitions are applicable
and when so erected no person may disobey the restrictions stated on such
sign. (Source: P.A. 76‑1586.)
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