Everything You Need to Know About Illinois’ Texting and Driving Laws

Distracted driving in Illinois can lead to fines of up to $25,000 and possibly 4 years in prison.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Texting and driving in Illinois is considered a primary offense under the state’s distracted driving law and is punishable by fines of up to $25,000 and potentially four years in jail, depending on the severity of any injuries caused, or if fatalities are involved. 
Along with the ban on distracted driving, drivers are not allowed to send and receive text messages, or surf the internet while driving. 
In
Illinois
, distracted driving is a problem—in 2018 alone, Illinois police issued more than 15,000 tickets for distracted driving. Making matters worse, distracted driving, and texting, in particular, is a growing problem—58% of crashes involving teen drivers were caused by distracted driving.
To help curb distracted driving incidents, Illinois has strict laws on the books to punish drivers who focus their attention on things other than the road. 
It is vital that Illinois drivers are aware of the state’s distracted driving law—that’s why the
car insurance
broker and comparison shopping app
Jerry
has put together everything you need to know about these laws in the Land of Lincoln. We’ll break down the rules for distracted driving, any exceptions, and penalties you can face if you’re caught texting and driving.

What are the texting and driving laws in Illinois?

In Illinois, using a handheld device and texting and driving are both considered primary offenses. This means that if the police spot you texting and driving or holding your phone in your hand while driving, they can pull you over and issue a citation for exactly those reasons.
As well, all cell phone use—including using hands-free mode—is prohibited for all drivers going through school or construction zones in Illinois.
Texting and driving is a serious offense in Illinois. It takes into account all three aspects of distracted driving that are recognized in the state:
  • Visual distraction: by taking your eyes off the road
  • Manual distraction: taking your hands off the steering wheel 
  • Cognitive distraction: focusing your mind on something other than driving
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What are the penalties for texting and driving in Illinois?

In Illinois, the penalties for texting and driving under the state’s distracted driving law are fines, points, and potentially jail time, depending on the severity of the violation.
Here’s how it all breaks down:
Offense
Type of violation
Fine
Points on license
1st and 2nd offenses
Petty offense
Up to $1,000
10-30 points
3rd offense
Class C Misdemeanor
Up to $1,500
10-30 points
Aggravated cell phone violation*
Class A Misdemeanor
Up to $2,500, up to 1 year in prison
10-30 points
Aggravated cell phone violation with fatality
Class 4 Felony
Up to $25,000, up to 1-3 years in prison
10-30 points
An aggravated cell phone violation is one that results in great bodily harm, disfigurement, or permanent disability of another person.
If you incur three distracted driving violations involving cell phones within one year,  your driver’s license will be suspended.

Are there exceptions to Illinois’ texting and driving law? 

Yes. Illinois’ ban on texting and driving and using a handheld device apply to all drivers in the state except for the following groups:
  • Law enforcement, first responders on official duties
  • Commercial drivers reading messages displayed on a permanently affixed communication device
Drivers are allowed to use a cellphone in the following manner:
  • To call 911
  • If parked on a highway shoulder
  • To use GPS if it is mounted and the phone is not being touched (except to turn the device on)

Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers?

Yes. In Illinois, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use a cell phone for any reason, including the use of hands-free functions. 
Key Takeaway: Texting and driving in Illinois is against the law, but you can use your phone in an emergency to call 911.

Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?

Yes. If you’re convicted under Illinois’
distracted driving
laws, your insurance premium will likely rise. With a clean record, an Illinois driver pays on average $1231 for insurance coverage. However, after a violation for texting and driving, a driver can expect to pay an average of $1554, an increase of 26%, or $323.
The best way to ensure your premium stays low is to keep your eyes on the road and avoid touching your phone while driving. Not only do you risk rising premiums, texting and driving can also put the lives of your passengers, other drivers, and yourself at risk.

How to save money on car insurance in Illinois

Violating Illinois’ texting and driving laws can be expensive, especially if you’re already paying a hefty
car insurance
premium every month. But even if you are cited for a texting and driving citation, this does not mean your car insurance rates need to go through the roof.
On the contrary,
Jerry
, the
trustworthy insurance comparison app
, can ensure your rates stay right where you want them. Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and this car super app compares more than 50 top quotes from the country’s best insurers to get you a great policy at an affordable rate. 
And once you pick your policy, Jerry does all the work—we’ll sign you up for your new policy and cancel your old one for you. Jerry even automatically searches for better rates before each renewal period on your behalf.
Best of all, Jerry users save an average of $887 per year on car insurance!
Jerry
had a super simple app that was easy to navigate. And their terrific customer service made everything even easier. Plus I saved $700 in a single year.” —Lucia M.
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

FAQs

It is unlikely that you’ll go to jail in Illinois for texting and driving. However, if your violation causes serious injury to another person, or a fatality occurs, you can face up to four years in prison.
Texting and driving is very serious. While seemingly innocuous, it can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. When you’re behind the wheel, not touching your phone at all until you are safely parked is always the safest way to drive.
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