A 4-minute lesson from the Illinois course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Keep right is the basic rule on Illinois roads. The exceptions cover passing, blocked lanes, left turns and giving room to stopped emergency vehicles. On interstates, the left lane is for passing.
Drive on the right half of the road, except:
When passing a vehicle going the same way on a two-lane highway, interstate or controlled freeway
When a blockage forces you left of the center line (yield to oncoming traffic first)
On a road divided into three marked lanes
On a one-way street with two or more lanes
When signs or signals direct you to a left lane on a multilane, two-way highway
When crossing the center line to turn left into or from an alley, private road or driveway
When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or disabled vehicle on the side of the highway
When road construction is in or near the right lane or right shoulder
You and your passengers may not open doors on the traffic side unless it's safe and doesn't interfere with vehicles or bicycles. Leave the door open only long enough to load or unload.
Use your right hand to open the door and look for bikes
Street sideshow
An event where one or more vehicles block or impede traffic to perform unauthorized stunts, speed contests or exhibitions of speed. It is illegal to take part.
A truck is broken down in your lane on a two-lane road. You may drive left of the center line to get around it, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When may you legally cross the center line into the opposing lane?
When a blockage requires it, after yielding to oncoming traffic
Whenever your lane has a pothole
Only on divided highways
Anytime traffic is light
Answer: When a blockage requires it, after yielding to oncoming traffic
You may cross the center for a blockage, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
