Chapter 71 Rules of Operation

(A) No vehicle may be driven upon any highway of this city at a speed which is greater than is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway, or which endangers the safety of any person or property. The fact that the speed of a vehicle does not exceed the applicable maximum speed limit does not relieve the driver from the duty to decrease speed when approaching and crossing an intersection, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hillcrest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, or when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions. Speed must be decreased as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person or vehicle on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.

(B) No person may drive a vehicle upon any street at a speed which is greater than the applicable statutory maximum speed limit established by divisions (C) and (D) below, by § 71.002, or by a regulation or ordinance made under this chapter.

(C) Unless some other speed restriction is established under this chapter, the maximum speed limit in an urban district (as defined in § 70.01) for all vehicles is:

(1) Thirty miles per hour; and

(2) Fifteen miles per hour in an alley.

(D) Unless some other speed restriction is established under this chapter, the maximum speed limit in a non-urban district is 55 miles per hour.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-601) Penalty, see § 70.99

Statutory reference:

Authority to regulate speed, see ILCS Ch. 65, Act 5, § 11-40-1 and Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-604

71.002 SPECIAL SPEED LIMITS WHILE PASSING SCHOOLS.

(A) (1) For the purpose of this section, a SCHOOL DAY shall begin at 7:00 a.m. and shall conclude at 4:00 p.m.

(2) On a school day when school children are present and so close thereto that a potential hazard exists because of the close proximity of the motorized traffic, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour while passing a school zone, or while traveling upon any public thoroughfare where children pass going to and from school.

(3) This section shall not be applicable unless appropriate signs are posted upon streets wherein the school zone is located. With regards to the special speed limit while passing schools, signs shall give proper due warning that a school zone is being approached, and shall indicate the school zone and the maximum speed limit in effect during school days when school children are present. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the use of electronic speed-detecting devices within 500 feet of signs within a special school speed zone indicating the zone, as defined in this section, nor shall evidence obtained thereby be inadmissible in any prosecution for speed, provided the use of the device shall apply only to the enforcement of the speed limit in the special school speed zone.

(B) Use of electronic surveillance. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the use of electronic speed-detecting devices within 500 feet of signs within a special school speed zone or a construction or maintenance zone indicating the zone, as defined in this section, nor shall evidence obtained thereby be inadmissible in any prosecution for speeding, provided the use of the device shall apply only to the enforcement of the speed limit in the special school speed zone or a construction or maintenance zone.

(C) (1) Definition. For the purpose of this section, a CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE ZONE is an area in which the Department, Toll Highway Authority, or a local agency has determined that the pre-existing established speed limit through a highway or construction or maintenance project is greater than is reasonable or safe with respect to the conditions expected to exist in the construction or maintenance zone and has posted a lower speed limit with a highway or construction or maintenance zone special speed limit sign.

(2) Design. Highway construction or maintenance zone special speed limit signs shall be of a design approved by the Department. The signs shall give proper due warning that a construction of maintenance zone is being approached and shall indicate the maximum speed limit in effect. The signs shall also state the amount of the minimum fine for a violation when workers are present.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-605(a) -(c)) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.003 MAXIMUM ATTAINABLE OPERATING SPEED.

No person shall drive or operate any motor vehicle on any street or highway in this city where the minimum allowable speed on that street or highway, as posted, is greater than the maximum attainable operating speed of the vehicle. Maximum attainable operating speed shall be determined by the manufacturer of the vehicle and clearly published in the manual of specifications and operation, or it shall be determined by applicable rule and regulation promulgated by the Secretary of State.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-611) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.004 MINIMUM SPEED REGULATION.

No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and regular movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation of his vehicle or in compliance with law.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-606(a)) Penalty, see § 70.99

TURNING AND STARTING; SIGNALS

71.020 REQUIRED POSITION AND METHOD OF TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS.

(A) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:

(1) Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

(2) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle, and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

(3) The state Department of Transportation and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause official traffic-control devices to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when such devices are so placed no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an inter-section other than as directed and required by such devices.

(B) Two-way left turn lanes. Where a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been indicated by official traffic-control devices:

(1) A left turn shall not be made from any other lane.

(2) A vehicle shall not be driven in the lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making a U-turn when otherwise permitted by law.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-801) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.021 LIMITATIONS ON U-TURNS.

(A) The driver of any vehicle shall not turn the vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless the movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic.

(B) No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within 500 feet.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-802) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.022 STARTING PARKED VEHICLE.

No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing, or parked, unless and until the movement can be made with reasonable safety.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-803) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.023 WHEN SIGNAL REQUIRED.

(A) No person may turn a vehicle at an inter-section unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in § 71.020, or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course, or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until the movement can be made with reasonable safety. No person may so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.

(B) A signal of intention to turn right or left when required must be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning within a business or residence district, and the signal must be given continuously during not less than the last 200 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning outside a business or residence district.

(C) No person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give a signal.

(D) The electric turn signal device required in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 12-208 must be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parallel parked position, but must not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle, or flashed as a courtesy or “do pass” signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear. However, signal devices may be flashed simultaneously on both sides of a motor vehicle to indicate the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking, and passing.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-804) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.024 SIGNAL BY HAND AND ARM OR SIGNAL DEVICE.

Any stop or turn signal, when required herein, shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by an electric turn signal device conforming to the requirements provided in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 12-208

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-805) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.025 METHOD OF GIVING HAND AND ARM SIGNALS.

All signals given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and the signals shall indicate as follows:

(A) Left turn. Hand and arm extended horizontally.

(B) Right turn. Hand and arm extended upward, except that a person operating a bicycle may extend the right hand and arm horizontally and to the right side of the bicycle.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-806) Penalty, see § 70.99

OVERTAKING AND PASSING

71.040 DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY; EXCEPTIONS.

(A) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing those movements;

(2) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the roadway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the road-way within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;

(3) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon;

(4) Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic;

(5) Whenever there is a single-track paved road on one side of the public highway and two vehicles meet thereon, the driver on whose right is the wider shoulder shall give the right-of-way on the pavement to the other vehicle.

(B) Upon a two-lane roadway, providing for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(C) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic, and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use the lanes, or except as permitted under division (A)(2). However, this division shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-701(a) -(c)) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.041 PASSING VEHICLES PROCEEDING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS.

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other at least 1/2 of the main traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-702) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.042 OVERTAKING VEHICLES ON THE LEFT.

The following rules govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules otherwise stated in this chapter:

(A) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. In no event shall the movement be made by driving off the pavement or the main traveled portion of the roadway.

(B) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal, and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

(C) The driver of a two-wheeled vehicle may not, in passing upon the left of any vehicle proceeding in the same direction, pass upon the right of any vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless there is an unobstructed lane of traffic available to permit the passing maneuver safely.

(D) The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall leave a safe distance, but not less than three feet, when passing the bicycle or individual and shall maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-703) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.043 WHEN OVERTAKING ON THE RIGHT IS PERMITTED.

(A) The driver of a vehicle with three or more wheels may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

(1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

(2) Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle;

(3) Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

(B) The driver of a two-wheeled vehicle may not pass upon the right of any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the unobstructed pavement to the right of the vehicle being passed is of a width of not less than eight feet.

(C) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting the movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-704) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.044 LIMITATIONS ON OVERTAKING ON THE LEFT.

(A) Passing on the left.

(1) No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless authorized by the provisions of this chapter, and unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, or any vehicle overtaken.

(2) In every event, the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable, and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-705)

(B) Conditions where passing on the left is prohibited.

(1) No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:

(a) When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within a distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.

(b) When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing.

(2) The limitations in division (B)(1) above do not apply upon a one-way roadway, nor upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lanes of moving traffic in each direction, nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road, or driveway when the movements can be made with safety.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-706) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.045 MEETING OR OVERTAKING SCHOOL BUS.

(A) The driver of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle before meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any school bus stopped at any location for the purpose of receiving or discharging pupils. The stop is required before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the visual signals as specified in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, §§ 12-803 and 12-805. The driver of the vehicle shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the driver of the vehicle is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated.

(B) The stop signal arm required by ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 12-803 shall be extended after the school bus has come to a complete stop for the purpose of loading or discharging pupils and shall be closed before the school bus is placed in motion again. The stop signal arm shall not be extended at any other time.

(C) The alternately flashing red signal lamps of an eight-lamp flashing signal system required by ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 12-805 shall be actuated after the school bus has come to a complete stop for the purpose of loading or discharging pupils and shall be turned off before the school bus is placed in motion again. The red signal lamps shall not be actuated at any other time except as provided in division (D) below.

(D) The alternately flashing amber signal lamps of an eight-lamp flashing signal system required by ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 12-805 shall be actuated continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the school bus before stopping for the purpose of loading or discharging pupils within an urban area, and during not less than the last 200 feet traveled by the school bus outside an urban area. The amber signal lamps shall remain actuated until the school bus is stopped. The amber signal lamps shall not be actuated at any other time.

(E) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway having four or more lanes which permits at least two lanes of traffic to travel in opposite directions need not stop the vehicle upon meeting a school bus which is stopped in the opposing roadway; and need not stop the vehicle when driving upon a controlled access highway when passing a school bus traveling in either direction that is stopped in a loading zone adjacent to the surfaced or improved part of the controlled access highway where pedestrians are not permitted to cross.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1414(a) - (e)) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.046 ONE-WAY ROADWAYS AND ROTARY TRAFFIC ISLANDS.

(A) Upon a roadway designated for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic-control devices.

(B) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island must be driven only to the right of the island.

(C) Whenever any highway has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or a clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle must be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic-control devices or police officers. No vehicle may be driven over, across, or within any dividing space, barrier, or section except through an opening in the physical barrier, or dividing section, or space, or at a cross-over or intersection as established by public authority.

(D) The driver of a vehicle may turn left across a paved non-curbed dividing space unless prohibited by an official traffic-control device.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-708) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.047 NO-PASSING ZONES.

(A) The City Council is authorized to determine those portions of any highway within the city where overtaking and passing or driving on the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous, and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of the zones, and when signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.

(B) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone as set forth in division (A) no driver may at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within the no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark the no-passing zone throughout its length.

(C) This section does not apply under the conditions described in § 71.040 (A)(2), nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road, or driveway. The pavement striping designed to mark the no-passing zone may be crossed from the left-hand lane for the purpose of completing a pass that was begun prior to the beginning of the zone in the driver’s direction of travel.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-707) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.048 DRIVING ON ROADWAYS LANED FOR TRAFFIC.

Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply.

(A) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.

(B) Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for making a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated by official traffic-control devices.

(C) Official traffic-control devices may be erected directing specific traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device. Drivers must obey lane designation signing except when it is necessary to use a different lane to make a turning maneuver.

(D) Official traffic-control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-709) Penalty, see § 70.99

RIGHT-OF-WAY

71.060 VEHICLES APPROACHING OR ENTERING INTERSECTION.

When two vehicles approach or enter an inter-section from different roadways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. This rule may be modified at through highways or streets and where otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this traffic code.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-901) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.061 VEHICLE TURNING LEFT.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard, but the driver, having so yielded, may proceed as soon as a safe interval occurs.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-902) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.062 VEHICLES ENTERING STOP CROSSWALK.

Where stop signs or flashing red signals are in place at an intersection, or flashing red signals are in place at a plainly marked crosswalk between intersections, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk, and pedestrians within or entering the crosswalk at either edge of the roadway shall have the right-of-way over vehicles so stopped. Drivers of vehicles having so yielded the right-of-way to pedestrians entering or within the nearest crosswalk at an intersection shall also yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within any other crosswalk at the inter-section.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-903) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.063 VEHICLE ENTERING STOP OR YIELD INTERSECTION.

(A) Preferential right-of-way at an intersection may be indicated by stop or yield signs.

(B) Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another roadway, or which is approaching so closely on the roadway as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when the driver is moving across or within the intersection, but the driver, having so yielded, may proceed as soon as a safe interval occurs.

(C) The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall, in obedience to the sign, slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions, and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. After slowing or stopping, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection.

(D) If a driver is involved in a collision at an intersection or interferes with the movement of other vehicles after driving past a yield right-of-way sign, the collision or interference shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-904) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.064 MERGING TRAFFIC.

Notwithstanding the right-of-way provision in § 71.060, at an intersection where traffic lanes are provided for merging traffic, the driver of each vehicle on the converging roadways is required to adjust his vehicular speed and lateral position so as to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-905) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.065 VEHICLE ENTERING HIGHWAY FROM PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY.

The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, building, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the highway to be entered.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-906) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.066 OPERATION OF VEHICLES ON APPROACH OF AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

(A) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of this chapter, or a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible or visual signal, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection, and shall, if necessary to permit the safe passage of the emergency vehicle, stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

(B) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-907(a), (b)) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.067 FUNERAL PROCESSIONS.

(A) Funeral processions have the right-of-way at intersections when vehicles comprising the procession have their headlights lighted, subject to the following conditions and exceptions:

(1) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle giving an audible or visible signal;

(2) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way when directed to do so by a traffic officer;

(3) The operator of the leading vehicle in a funeral procession shall comply with stop signs and traffic-control signals but when the leading vehicle has proceeded across an intersection in accordance with the signal or after stopping as required by the stop sign, all vehicles in the procession may proceed without stopping, regardless of the sign or signal, and the leading vehicle and the vehicles in procession shall proceed with due caution.

(B) The operator of a vehicle not in the funeral procession shall not drive his vehicle in the funeral procession except when authorized to do so by a traffic officer or when such vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle giving audible or visible signal.

(C) Operators of vehicles not a part of a funeral procession may not form a procession or convoy and have their headlights lighted for the purpose of securing the right-of-way granted by this section to funeral processions.

(D) The operator of a vehicle not in a funeral procession may overtake and pass the vehicles in such procession if such overtaking and passing can be accomplished without causing a traffic hazard or interfering with such procession.

(E) The lead vehicle in the funeral procession may be equipped with a flashing amber light which may be used only when such vehicle is used as a lead vehicle in such procession. Vehicles comprising a funeral procession may utilize funeral pennants or flags or windshield stickers or flashing hazard warning signal flashers to identify the individual vehicles in such a procession.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1420) Penalty, see § 70.99

SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED

71.080 OBEDIENCE TO SIGNAL INDICATING APPROACH OF TRAIN.

(A) (1) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing where the driver is not always required to stop, the person must exercise due care and caution as the existence of a railroad track across a highway is a warning of danger, and under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall not proceed until the tracks are clear and he or she can do so safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when:

(a) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train;

(b) A crossing gate is lowered or a human flagger gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train;

(c) A railroad train approaching a highway crossing emits a warning signal and the train, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard;

(d) An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing;

(e) A railroad train is approaching so closely that an immediate hazard is created.

(2) Whenever a person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing where the driver is not always required to stop but must slow down, the person must exercise due care and caution as the existence of a railroad track across a highway is a warning of danger, and under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver shall slow down within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he or she checks that the tracks are clear of an approaching train.

(B) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.

(C) When stop signs are erected at railroad grade crossings, the driver of any vehicle shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall proceed only upon exercising due care.

(D) (1) At any railroad grade crossing provided with railroad crossbuck signs, without automatic, electric, or mechanical signal devices, crossing gates, or a human flagger giving a signal of the approach or passage of a train, the driver of a vehicle shall in obedience to the railroad crossbuck sign, yield the right-of-way and slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and shall stop, if required for safety, at a clearly marked stopped line, or if no stop line, within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely. If a driver is involved in a collision at a railroad crossing or interferes with the movement of a train after driving past the railroad crossbuck sign, the collision or interference is prima facie evidence of the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way.

(2) No person shall, while driving a commercial motor vehicle, fail to negotiate a railroad-highway grade railroad crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1201(a) -(d)) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.081 CERTAIN VEHICLES MUST STOP AT ALL RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS.

(A) The driver of any of the following vehicles shall, before crossing a railroad track or tracks at grade, stop that vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail, and while so stopped, shall listen and look for the approach of a train, and shall not proceed until that movement can be made with safety:

(1) Any second division vehicle carrying passengers for hire;

(2) Any school bus carrying a school child. The driver of the bus, in addition to complying with all other applicable requirements of this division (A), must also turn off all noise producing accessories, including heater blowers, defroster fans, auxiliary fans, and radios, before crossing a railroad track or tracks;

(3) Any other vehicle which is required by federal or state law to be placarded when carrying as a cargo or part of a cargo “hazardous material” as defined in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 6-500. After stopping as required in this section, the driver shall proceed only in a gear not requiring a change of gears during the crossing, and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.

(B) This section shall not apply:

(1) At any railroad grade crossing where traffic is controlled by a police officer or a human flagger;

(2) At any railroad grade crossing controlled by a functioning traffic-control signal transmitting a green indication which under law, permits the vehicle to proceed across the railroad tracks without slowing or stopping;

(3) At any streetcar grade crossing within a business or residence district; or

(4) At any abandoned industrial or spur track railroad grade crossing designated as exempt by the Illinois Commerce Commission and marked with an official sign as authorized in the state Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1202) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.082 EMERGING FROM ALLEY, BUILDING, PRIVATE ROAD, OR DRIVEWAY.

The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, building, private road, or driveway within an urban area shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving into the sidewalk area extending across the alley, building entrance, road, or driveway, or in the event there is no sidewalk area, shall stop at the point nearest the street to be entered where the driver has a view of approaching traffic thereon, and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians as may be necessary to avoid collision, and upon entering the roadway, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1205) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.083 STOP WHEN TRAFFIC OBSTRUCTED.

No driver shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk, or drive onto any railroad grade crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection, crosswalk, or railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle he is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, pedestrians, or railroad trains, notwithstanding any traffic-control signal indication to proceed.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1425) Penalty, see § 70.99

PROHIBITIONS

71.095 BACKING.

(A) The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same unless the movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic.

(B) The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same upon any shoulder or roadway of any controlled access highway.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1402) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.096 FOLLOWING VEHICLE TOO CLOSELY.

The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and conditions of the street or highway.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-710) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.097 OBSTRUCTION OF DRIVER’S VIEW OR DRIVING MECHANISM.

(A) No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such number of persons, exceeding three, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle, or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(B) No passenger in a vehicle or streetcar shall ride in a position as to interfere with the driver’s or motorman’s view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with his control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle or streetcar.

(C) No passenger on a school bus may ride or stand in a position as to interfere with the driver’s view ahead or to the side or to the rear, or to interfere with his control of the driving mechanism of the bus. (ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1406) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.098 OPENING VEHICLE DOORS.

No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1407) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.099 COASTING.

(A) The driver of any motor vehicle when traveling upon a down grade shall not coast with the gears or transmission of the vehicle in neutral.

(B) The driver of a truck or bus when traveling upon a down grade shall not coast with the clutch disengaged.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1410) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.100 FOLLOWING FIRE APPARATUS; DRIVING OVER FIRE HOSE.

(A) The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet or stop the vehicle within 500 feet of any fire apparatus stopped in answer to a fire alarm. (ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1411)

(B) No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of the Fire Department when laid down on any street, private road, or driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the Fire Department official in command. (ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1412)

Penalty, see § 70.99

71.101 DRIVING UPON SIDEWALK.

(A) No person shall drive any vehicle upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.

(B) This section does not apply to any vehicle moved exclusively by human power, to any electric personal assistive mobility device, nor to any motorized wheelchair.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1412.1) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.102 USE OF ROLLER SKATES, COASTERS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES.

No person upon roller skates or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, skateboard, or similar device shall go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk and except upon streets set aside as play streets when authorized by the traffic authority.

71.103 PUTTING GLASS OR OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON HIGHWAY PROHIBITED.

(A) No person shall throw, spill or deposit upon any highway any bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, or any litter, as defined in the Litter Control Act, ILCS Ch. 415, Act 105, § 3.

(B) Any person who violates division (A) upon any highway shall immediately remove the material or cause it to be removed.

(C) Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove any glass or other debris, except any hazardous substance as defined in ILCS Ch. 415, Act 5, § 3.215, hazardous waste as defined in ILCS Ch. 415, Act 5, § 3.220, and potentially infectious medical waste as defined in ILCS Ch. 415, Act 5, § 3.360, dropped upon the highway from such vehicle.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1413) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.104 OBSTRUCTING PERSON IN HIGHWAYS.

No person shall willfully and unnecessarily hinder, obstruct, or delay, or willfully and unnecessarily attempt to delay, hinder, or obstruct any other person in lawfully driving or traveling along or upon any highway within this city, or offer for barter or sale merchandise on the highway so as to interfere with the effective movement of traffic.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1416) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.105 FARM TRACTOR OPERATION.

(A) No person shall operate a farm tractor on a highway in this city unless the tractor is being used as an implement of husbandry in connection with farming operations.

(B) For the purpose of this section, the use of a farm tractor as an implement of husbandry in connection with farming operations shall be deemed to include use of the tractor in connection with the transportation of agricultural products and of farm machinery, equipment, and supplies, as well as the transportation of the implement of husbandry from its place of purchase to its place of storage, in connection with the obtaining of repairs of the implement of husbandry, and the towing of a registered truck of not more than 8,000 pounds for use as return transportation after the tractor is left at the place of work or repair.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1418) Penalty, see § 70.99

71.106 DRIVING ON CONTROLLED-ACCESS HIGHWAY.

No person may drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access highway except at entrances and exits established by public authority.

(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-711) Penalty, see § 70.99

PARADES

71.120 DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this subchapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

CRUISING. The repeated operation of two or more vehicles in a continuous or nearly continuous flow through a parking lot.

PARADE. Any parade, march, ceremony, show, exhibition, pageant, or procession of any kind, or any similar display in or on any street, sidewalk, park, or other public place in the city, or CRUISING as defined above.

PARADE PERMIT. A permit required by this subchapter.

PARKING LOT. Any paved or unpaved area used by a place of business or shopping center for the parking of vehicles of their customers, but shall not include those operated for hire.

71.121 PERMIT REQUIRED.

(A) No person or persons shall engage or participate in, aid, form, or start any parade unless a parade permit has been obtained from the Chief of Police or other authorized city official.

(B) This subchapter shall not apply to:

(1) Funeral processions;

(2) Students going to and from school classes or participating in educational activities, provided the conduct is under the immediate direction and supervision of the proper school authorities;

(3) A governmental agency acting within the scope of its functions.

Penalty, see § 70.99

71.122 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT.

A person seeking issuance of a parade permit shall file an application with the Chief of Police or other authorized city official on forms provided by such officer.

(A) Filing period. The application for a parade permit shall be filed not less than five days or not more than 60 days before the date on which it is proposed to conduct the parade.

(B) Application information. The application for a parade permit shall set forth the following information:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person seeking to conduct the parade;

(2) If the parade is proposed to be conducted for, on behalf of, or by an organization, the name, address, and telephone number of the headquarters of the organization and of the authorized and responsible heads of the organization;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the person who will be the parade chairperson and who will be responsible for its conduct;

(4) The date when the parade is to be conducted;

(5) The route to be traveled, the starting point, and the termination point;

(6) The approximate number of persons, animals, and vehicles which will constitute the parade, the type of animals, if any, and the description of the vehicles;

(7) The hours when the parade will start and terminate;

(8) A statement as to whether the parade will occupy all or only a portion of the width of the streets, sidewalk, park, or other public place proposed to be traversed;

(9) The location by street of any assembly area for the parade;

(10) The time at which units of the parade will begin to assemble at any such assembly area or areas;

(11) The interval of space to be maintained between units of the parade;

(12) If the parade is designed to be held by, and on behalf of or for, any person other than the applicant, the applicant for the permit shall file a communication in writing from the person authorizing the applicant to apply for the permit on his behalf;

(13) Any additional information reasonably necessary to a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued.

(C) There shall be paid at the time of filing an application for a parade permit a fee in an amount as established by the City Council from time to time.

Penalty, see § 70.99

71.123 STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE OF PERMIT.

The Chief of Police or other authorized city official shall issue a permit when, from a consideration of the application and from other information obtained, he finds that:

(A) The conduct of the parade will not substantially interrupt the safe and orderly movement of other traffic contiguous to its route;

(B) The conduct of the parade will not require the diversion of so great a number of police officers of the city to properly police the line of movement and the areas contiguous thereto as to prevent normal police protection to the city;

(C) The conduct of the parade will not require the diversion of so great a number of ambulances as to prevent normal ambulance service to portions of the city other than that to be occupied by the proposed line of march and areas contiguous thereto;

(D) The concentration of persons, animals, and vehicles at assembly points of the parade will not unduly interfere with proper fire and police protection of, or ambulance service to, areas contiguous to the assembly areas;

(E) The conduct of the parade will not interfere with the movement of firefighting equipment en route to a fire;

(F) The parade is scheduled to move from its point of origin to its point of termination expeditiously and without unreasonable delays en route;

(G) The parade is not to be held for the sole purpose of advertising any product, goods, or event, and is not designated to be held purely for private profit;

(H) The parade, if it takes the form of cruising, has the approval in writing of the owner or an authorized agent of the owner for the use of the parking lot which is the site of the parade.

Penalty, see § 70.99

71.124 NOTICE OF REJECTION OF PERMIT APPLICATION.

The Chief of Police or other authorized city official shall act on the application for a parade permit within three days, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, after filing thereof. If he disapproves the application, he shall mail to the applicant within the three days, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, after the date on which the application was filed, a notice of his action stating the reasons for his denial of the permit.

71.125 APPEAL PROCEDURE WHEN PERMIT DENIED.

Any person aggrieved shall have the right to appeal the denial of a parade permit to the City Council. The appeal shall be taken within 30 days after notice of denial. The City Council shall act on the appeal within 30 days after its receipt.

71.126 ALTERNATIVE PERMIT.

The Chief of Police or other authorized city official, in denying an application for a parade permit, shall be empowered to authorize the conduct of the parade on a date, at a time, or over a route different than that named by the applicant. An applicant desiring to accept an alternate permit shall file a written notice of his acceptance. An alternate parade permit shall conform to the requirements of, and shall have the effect of, a parade permit under this subchapter.

71.127 NOTICE TO CITY AND OTHER OFFICIALS WHEN PERMIT ISSUED.

Immediately on the issuance of a parade permit, a copy thereof shall be sent to the Mayor and the Fire Chief.

71.128 CONTENTS OF PERMIT.

Each parade permit shall state the following information:

(A) Starting time;

(B) Minimum speed;

(D) Maximum interval of space to be maintained between the units of the parade;

(E) The portions of the street, sidewalk, park, or other public place to be traversed that may be occupied by the parade;

(F) The maximum length of the parade in miles or fractions thereof;

(G) Such other information as is reasonably necessary to the enforcement of this subchapter.

Penalty, see § 70.99

71.129 DUTIES OF PERMITTEE.

A permittee hereunder shall comply with all permit directions and conditions and with all applicable laws and ordinances. The parade chairperson or other person heading or leading the activity shall carry the parade permit on his person during the conduct of the parade.

Penalty, see § 70.99

71.130 PUBLIC CONDUCT DURING PARADES.

(A) Interference. No person shall unreasonably hamper, obstruct, impede, or interfere with any parade or parade assembly or with any person, vehicle, or animal participating or used in a parade.

(B) Driving through parades. No driver of a vehicle except a police car or other emergency vehicle shall drive between the vehicles or persons comprising a parade when such vehicles or persons are in motion and are conspicuously designated as a parade.

(C) Parking on parade route. The Chief of Police or other authorized city official shall have the authority, when reasonably necessary, to prohibit or restrict the parking of vehicles along a street or other public thoroughfare or part thereof constituting a part of the route of a parade. Signs shall be posted to such effect, and it shall be unlawful for any person to park or leave unattended any vehicle in violation thereof. No person shall be liable for parking on a street or other public thoroughfare unless signs have been posted in accordance with this section.

Penalty, see § 70.99

71.131 REVOCATION OF PERMIT.

The city shall have the authority to revoke a parade permit issued hereunder on application of the standards for issuance as herein set forth.