Cell and Texting Regulations & Illinois Cell Phone Laws

The rules of the road vary from state to state. In Illinois, state traffic law prohibits texting while driving. In addition, Illinois drivers can't use cell phones when driving in school zones and drivers under the age of 19 can't use cell phones while driving at all.

Beyond this, Illinois allows cities and municipalities to dictate whether drivers can use hand-held cell phones when operating a vehicle. Chicago only allows drivers to use hands-free devices to talk on cell phones while in their vehicle. When you are traveling, it's important to know what the local requirements are so that you don't inadvertently violate the law.

Illinois Cell Phone Laws & Cell Phone Laws across the U.S. 

Illinois is one of several states that allow local cities to enact laws regarding how cell phones can be used by drivers. Among the cities or municipalities that have enacted prohibitions regarding cell phones while driving are:  

• Ÿ Chicago, Illinois
• Ÿ Cheyenne, Wyoming
• Ÿ Brookline, Massachusetts
• Ÿ Oahu, Hawaii
• Ÿ Lebanon, Pennsylvania  

The use of hand-held cell phones is banned in 9 states and the District of Columbia. These states include:  

• Ÿ California
• Ÿ Washington
• Ÿ New York
• Ÿ Oregon
• Ÿ Utah
• Ÿ Connecticut
• Ÿ New Jersey
• Ÿ Delaware
• Ÿ Maryland 

The majority of the states in the United States do not ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

Illinois Cell Phone Laws & Texting 

Illinois is part of the majority of states that have banned texting while driving. 30 states in total including the District of Columbia have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

8 states have age restrictions preventing novice drivers from driving and texting: 

• Alabama
• Indiana
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• West Virginia 

Oklahoma and Texas also have laws banning school bus drivers from text messaging while driving.

The remaining 12 states do not restrict texting while driving at all. These states include: 

• Ÿ Pennsylvania
• Ÿ Ohio
• Ÿ Florida
• Ÿ South Carolina
• Ÿ Arizona
• Ÿ Nevada
• Ÿ New Mexico
• Ÿ Hawaii
• Ÿ Idaho
• Ÿ Montana
• Ÿ North Dakota
• Ÿ South Dakota 

For more information on Illinois Cell Phone Laws, please visit our library. 

When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been in a car accident in Illinois that is a result of violations of Illinois cell phone laws or other types of distracted driving, it's important to consult with a qualified Chicago personal injury lawyer who can explain your legal options. 

The Chicago personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have years of experience representing victims of car accidents in the Chicago area. Contact us today for a FREE case evaluation - 312-263-1080