Your vehicle must be properly equipped and in good working order. It's illegal to drive one that may be a hazard to people or property. Illinois sets exact standards for brakes, lights, mirrors, horn and glass.
Know the rule
Vehicles must have two brake systems and brakes on all wheels. Motor-driven cycles need only one brake.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Brake standards at 20 mph
| Brake | Must stop within |
|---|---|
| Foot brake | 30 feet |
| Emergency/parking brake | 55 feet (and hold the vehicle on a hill) |
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Vehicles must have two headlights, on from sunset to sunrise and whenever rain, snow, fog or other conditions require windshield wipers.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Use headlights when you can't see objects this far away
Handbook p. 95 ↗Know the rule
Dim bright lights 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet before passing one. Tinted or smoked lenses are not allowed on any vehicle.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Know the rule
Motorcycles and mopeds need a headlight that shows objects 500 feet ahead, on whenever the vehicle is driven.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Required lights, mirror and horn
| Equipment | Standard |
|---|---|
| Taillights | Two red, visible 500 feet behind (one on motorcycles/mopeds) |
| Turn signals | Front and rear, visible from 300 feet |
| License plate light | White, plate readable from 50 feet; on with headlights |
| Rearview mirror | See at least 200 feet behind |
| Horn | Heard from 200 feet |
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Turn signals are required on all vehicles except motorcycles, trailers and semitrailers.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Know the rule
Front and rear parking lights are required for any vehicle stopped on a highway at night. Some local communities allow unlighted night parking on streets.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Know the rule
Passenger vehicles must have two sets of safety belts in the front seat. Vehicles made in 1965 or later may not be sold or operated in Illinois without safety belts.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Windows and wipers:
- All window glass must be approved safety glass
- The windshield must be free of snow, ice, moisture and vision-distorting defects
- No obstructions between the driver and the front or rear windows
- No tinting on the front windshield, except a 6-inch strip along the top
- Wipers must clear ice, snow and moisture properly
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Sirens, whistles and bells are allowed only on authorized emergency vehicles.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Know the rule
A muffler is required to prevent excessive noise and smoke. Cutouts, bypasses and changes that increase noise are illegal.
Handbook p. 95 ↗Know the rule
Vehicles weighing 9,000 pounds or less, and all recreational vehicles, must have front and rear bumpers. You may not lift the body more than 3 inches from the chassis, and the front-to-rear line may not vary by more than 3 inches.
Handbook p. 96 ↗Put it into practice
You want tinted film on your windshield. Only a strip up to 6 inches along the top is allowed. The rest of the front windshield must stay untinted.