Car speed limits in Illinois (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The maximum limit is 30 mph in an urban district (15 mph in alleys) and 55 mph outside one, 65 mph on designated four-lane divided highways and 70 mph on interstates. Near schools the limit is 20 mph on school days from 6.30 am to 4 pm when children are present and signs are posted. In signed construction or maintenance zones the posted limit applies, with minimum fines of $250 for a first offence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph (15 mph in alleys) [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 65 mph on designated highways with 4+ lanes and separated roadways [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 70 mph on interstate highways [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph on school days (6.30 am to 4 pm) when school children are present, where signs are posted; minimum fine $150 for a first offence, $300 for a repeat. [2] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | The posted limit in a signed construction or maintenance speed zone applies whether or not workers are present. Minimum fine $250 for a first offence and $750 for a repeat; a second offence within 2 years with workers present brings a 90-day licence suspension. [3] |
Notes
- 'Urban district' does not include interstate highways. Some counties may adopt lower limits by ordinance (11-601(d-1)).
- Includes all highways under the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. Other restrictions under the chapter may apply.
Sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 625 ILCS 5/11-601 General speed restrictions (Internet Archive snapshot of 19 September 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 625 ILCS 5/11-605 Special speed limit while passing schools (Internet Archive snapshot of 27 July 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1 Special limit while traveling through a highway construction or maintenance speed zone (Internet Archive snapshot of 22 January 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Illinois and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 30 mph (15 in alleys) | 55 mph | 65 mph (designated, 4+ lanes) | 70 mph |
| Iowa | 20 mph business, 25 mph residential | 55 mph | 65 mph (divided, multilane) | 70 mph (interstates) |
| Indiana | 30 mph (urban residential) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 60 mph (rural divided) | 70 mph rural, 55 mph urban |
| Kentucky | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph (70 on some) |
| Michigan | 25 mph (business district) | 55 mph | 55 mph | 70 mph |
| Missouri | 25 mph unless posted | 60 mph | 65 mph (rural) | 75 mph (60 in urban areas) |
| Wisconsin | 25 mph; 35 mph outlying | 55 mph | 65 mph expressways | 70 mph |
More rules in Illinois
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+ within limits · Growing at home: No (medical patients only)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (initial licensing phase) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (permit, enrolled in driver education)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permitted displays only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only with intent to use unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned unless FOID holder or trade
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour (age 18+)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed (hands-free or one-button)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.