Planning a travel to Chicago soon? Whether you are going to see a game, meet family, or move here, you’ll want to become familiar with some tricks and tips to get the hang of driving in the city. It will take some practice, but soon you’ll be driving like a local.
Basic Chicago driving laws
Cell phone
If you need your phone to see where you are going, make sure your directions are ready before you start driving, and look at getting hands-free devices for taking phone calls, such as wireless headphones or earpieces, or use your built-in sound system.
One-way streets
There are several one-way streets in Chicago. While the city operates in a grid-like pattern and is pretty easy to navigate, don’t assume you can take any left or right turn. Always check that you can go a certain way on the road and that it isn’t a one-way street.
Always yield
In Chicago, pedestrians and bicyclists always have the right of way. Cars must always yield to pedestrians and bikers, no matter what, so if you are ever unsure whose turn it is, play it safe and yield.
Turn signals
In Illinois, and especially while driving in Chicago, using your turn signals is not just a suggestion, it’s required by law. Use them anytime you are changing lanes or when you are turning. Be sure to use them about 200 feet in advance to give everyone else plenty of time to react.
Red lights
Like in most other cities in the US, you can make a right turn on a red light, only after you have come to a full and complete stop and ensured that it’s safe to complete the turn. If there is a sign saying not to turn on a red light, be sure to follow the signage.
If you roll through a red light, you could be fined, as you didn’t properly stop and look for oncoming traffic.
Driving drunk
Finally, drunk driving. Illinois has a limit of 0.08% for your blood alcohol content before you are considered legally drunk. But if you are stopped while driving and have more than 0.05% blood alcohol level, you could be arrested and face DUI penalties. Play is safe, don’t drink and drive.