Using a mobile phone while driving in Illinois (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Illinois bans using a hand-held electronic communication device while driving on a roadway, including video, video conferencing and social media. Hands-free or voice-operated use and pressing a single button for a voice call are exempt. The fine is a maximum of USD 75 for a first offence, rising to USD 150 for a fourth or later.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers: you may not use an electronic communication device while driving unless it is in hands-free or voice-operated mode. Watching or streaming video, video calls and social media are banned even hands-free. [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- An electronic communication device includes a hand-held wireless telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant, tablet or portable computer, but not a GPS or navigation system or a device integrated into the vehicle. Exemptions include emergency reporting, use while parked on the shoulder, and use when stopped due to obstructed traffic with the transmission in neutral or park. Watching or streaming video, video conferencing and social media are not exempt in hands-free or single-button use.
- Exempt: use in hands-free or voice-operated mode, which may include a headset, and pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication.
- The section states no licence points; it is an offence against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles.
- Maximum fines are USD 75 for a first offence, USD 100 for a second, USD 125 for a third and USD 150 for later offences. Causing a crash with serious injury or death carries a minimum fine of USD 1,000.
Sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 Electronic communication devices (Internet Archive snapshot of 14 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Illinois and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Banned | Allowed (hands-free or one-button) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Indiana | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kentucky | No (texting banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 25 | 3 points |
| Michigan | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 (or 16 hours community service) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wisconsin | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Illinois
- 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+)
- 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.