Drink-driving limits in Illinois (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: Drink-driving limits and penalties in this state are set by state law. They are still being checked.

Rule	What applies
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	A first conviction is a Class A misdemeanor. A second violation carries a mandatory minimum of 5 days' imprisonment or 240 hours' community service. At 0.16 or more on a first violation: at least 100 hours' community service and a fine of at least $500. Transporting a person under 16: 6 months' imprisonment, a fine of at least $1,000 and 25 days' community service. Third or later violations, a crash causing great bodily harm or death, and several other aggravating factors are felonies. ^[2]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.04%: operating a commercial motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of at least 0.04 means disqualification from driving a commercial motor vehicle for not less than 12 months on a first violation. ^[3]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	Under 21: a test showing an alcohol concentration of more than 0.00 leads to a sworn police report and a suspension of the driver's licence, effective on the 46th day after notice. ^[4]

Notes

The state's official statute pages could not be read in this round, so nothing is stated for this field.
Summary of subsection (c) and the main points of (d). Class A misdemeanor limits and the fine ceiling are set in the Unified Code of Corrections, which was not read. Copy read is an Internet Archive snapshot of 24 September 2026.

These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States

Limit for professional or commercial drivers	0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register))

State	Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers	Lower limit for novice or young drivers	Limit for professional or commercial drivers	Random breath tests without suspicion	Maximum penalties
Illinois	0.08%	Zero (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicles)	⚠ Not yet verified	Class A misdemeanor (1st)
Iowa	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial)	⚠ Not yet verified	Min. 48 hours jail; $1,250 fine
Kentucky	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	Any alcohol; 0.04% = DUI	Yes, traffic safety checkpoints	Up to 30 days; $200-$500 fine
Michigan	0.08%	Any alcohol (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 15 yrs / USD 10,000 (death)
Missouri	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	1st: up to 6 months; fine up to $1,000
Wisconsin	0.08%	Zero (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	1st: $150-$300 forfeiture

CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+ within limits · Growing at home: No (medical patients only)
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (15 in alleys) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
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

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.