Illinois Road Signs: Secretary of State Written Exam Guide

What topics are on the Illinois Secretary of State written exam? What are Illinois work-zone speeding fines? What are the rules for cell phones in Illinois work zones? The Illinois Secretary of State at ilsos.gov says the basic written exam requires sign identification by shape, color, or symbol; signals and pavement markings; and traffic-law and safety questions. Posted work-zone speed limits apply 24/7, whether workers are present or not, and work-zone speeding violations carry minimum fines of $250 for a first violation and $750 for a second or subsequent violation. Wireless/cellphone use must be discontinued in work zones unless a hands-free device is used.

1. From Chicago Tollways to the Illinois Prairie: Why the Secretary of State Written Exam Puts Signs at the Core

Illinois roads span Chicago dense expressway network, Springfield capital city grid, the Illinois River Valleys rural routes, and long open prairie highways across the central and southern parts of the state. The Illinois Secretary of State written exam requires applicants to identify traffic signs by shape, color, or symbol. one of the required topics on the basic written exam alongside signals, pavement markings, traffic laws, safety rules, crash prevention, and vehicle equipment. You have 3 attempts to pass each exam within one year from the date the application fee was paid. If you cheat, you are banned from retesting for 30 days. Access study materials, forms, and services at ilsos.gov.

2. Shape, Color, Symbol First: How Illinois Written Exam Tests Sign Recognition Before Anything Else

The Illinois written exam explicitly requires identifying traffic signs by shape, color, or symbol. signals and pavement markings are also required written-exam topics. On Illinois high-speed tollways, fog-prone river valley roads, and busy Chicago intersections, shape and color are your first cue. Master every row in this table before your visit to a Driver Services facility.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Square or rectangular signs may be regulatory or guide signs; use the color, wording, and symbol to determine the meaning
Rectangle (horizontal)		Square or rectangular signs may be regulatory or guide signs; use the color, wording, and symbol to determine the meaning
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone or school crossing; two children indicate a school nearby, and two children with a downward arrow indicate a school crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

Illinois sign color meanings: Fluorescent yellow-green may be used for pedestrian and bicycle crossings, playground areas, school bus stops, and school zones. Pink signs may be used for traffic-incident warnings, including crashes and natural disasters. A round yellow RR sign means a railroad crossing is ahead and, in rural areas, may be posted up to 750 feet before the crossing. A yellow pennant is posted on the left side of a two-lane, two-way road at the beginning of a no-passing zone.

3. Illinois Regulatory Signs: Moving Violations That Go on Your Secretary of State Record

Regulatory signs in Illinois instruct you on what to do and must be obeyed. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are included in the roadway-sign material used to prepare for the Illinois written exam.

STOP Sign

Stop at the stop line; if none, before the crosswalk; if none, before entering the intersection, then yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Stop fully before proceeding; right turns may go after stopping

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

4. Illinois Warning Signs: Hazards on Prairie Highways, River Crossings & Chicago-Area Expressways

Diamond-shaped warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on Illinois roads that means sudden curve warnings on river bluff routes, railroad crossing approaches on rural grade crossings, and lane merge points on Chicago expressway network. Orange signs mark active construction zones where the speed limit must be obeyed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of whether workers are present.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

A new lane is added ahead; stay in your lane and let merging traffic in

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

5. Illinois Guide & Informational Signs: Navigating I-90, I-80, the Illinois Tollway & US-51

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to an exit only; stay if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Illinois Traffic Signals: What the Secretary of State Written Exam Requires You to Know

Flashing red = stop, yield, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution. The Illinois written exam requires applicants to identify signals and pavement markings as part of the basic written exam.

If an Illinois traffic signal is not working, treat the intersection as an all-way stop unless law enforcement directs otherwise. A flashing yellow arrow allows a turn in the arrow direction after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection or crosswalk. A steady red arrow generally prohibits the arrow movement, but Illinois allows a right turn at a red arrow and a left turn at a red arrow from a one-way street onto another one-way street moving left, after a complete stop and yielding.

Illinois lane-control signals: a red X means do not use the lane; a steady yellow X means leave the lane safely before the red X appears; a flashing yellow arrow over a lane means the lane may be used only to approach and make a left turn; and a green arrow means the lane may be used while all other signs and signals are still obeyed.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection; right on red and a one-way-to-one-way left on red may be allowed after a full stop and yielding unless prohibited

Steady Yellow

Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light

Steady Green

Proceed after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection or crosswalk

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Steady Yellow Arrow

The related green-arrow movement is ending or the signal is about to turn red

Red Arrow

Do not make the arrow movement unless an Illinois exception applies: right on red, or one-way left to one-way left, after stopping and yielding

Circular Green (no arrow)

Proceed straight or turn right or left unless a sign prohibits the turn; yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles lawfully in the intersection

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red = stop, yield, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution. A flashing yellow arrow permits the arrow movement only after yielding.

7. Illinois Pavement Markings: Yellow Lines, White Lines, Turn Lanes & Crosswalks

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic, while white lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. Edge lines are different: solid white marks the right edge of the roadway, and solid yellow marks the left edge of divided streets or roadways. The Illinois written exam specifically requires applicants to identify signals and pavement markings.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic; a solid yellow line generally marks a no-passing zone, subject to limited turn and pass-completion exceptions

White lines

Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is not allowed in either direction, but the lines may be crossed to make a left turn to or from an alley, private road, driveway, or street

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

When separating same-direction lanes, crossing requires special care and is discouraged; solid white also marks the right roadway edge

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely before this line; in an urban area it is usually about 4 feet before the crosswalk

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing zone; obey traffic signals and stop or yield to pedestrians as required by Illinois crosswalk rules

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

When separating same-direction lanes, crossing requires special care and is discouraged; solid white also marks the right roadway edge

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Diagonal yellow or white stripes may mark fixed obstructions; follow the channelizing lines around the hazard

Bicycle lane marking

Reserved for cyclists only; do not drive or park in this lane

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Use this lane only if you have the required number of occupants

The Illinois manual notes that curb markings, fire lanes, and pavement markings may be designated as No Parking areas by local authorities; follow posted local signs and markings rather than assuming one statewide meaning for every curb color.

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic and white lane lines separate same-direction traffic. Edge lines use solid white on the right edge and solid yellow on the left edge of divided roadways.

8. Illinois Work Zone Laws: 24/7 Speed Enforcement, No Cellphones & Lane Change Requirements

Orange signs with black lettering mark active construction and maintenance zones on Illinois roads. Illinois law requires motorists to obey the posted construction zone speed limit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of whether workers are present. Drivers must also discontinue wireless/cellphone use (unless using a hands-free device), yield to workers, and change lanes away from workers when possible.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
• Illinois law requires obeying the posted construction zone speed limit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even when no workers are present. Speeding violations in a construction or maintenance speed zone carry a minimum fine of $250 for a first violation and $750 for a second or subsequent violation.
• Wireless/cellphone use is prohibited in work zones unless using a hands-free device that may include a single-sided headset.
• When possible, change to a lane away from workers. if a lane change is not possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution.
• Standard speed limits may be reduced in construction zones due to narrow lanes, drop-offs, lane closures, or construction equipment near open traffic lanes. The speed limit may be further reduced when workers are actually present.
• All Illinois construction zones are no-passing zones. Follow flaggers, arrow boards, cones, drums, barricades, and portable changeable message signs.

Key test point: Orange is used for warning signs, usually in construction or maintenance zones. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Illinois Railroad Crossings: Stop Within 15-50 Feet and Always Check for a Second Train

When a posted stop sign, electric signal, or lowered crossing gate requires stopping at an Illinois railroad crossing, a driver must stop within 15-50 feet from the nearest rail. If a vehicle becomes disabled on the tracks, everyone must exit immediately, call 9-1-1, and move away at a 45-degree angle in the direction the train is coming from. to avoid forward flying debris.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead.
• Stop within 15-50 feet from the nearest rail when required by a posted stop sign, flashing electric signal, lowered gate, flaggers signal, or approaching train.
• Proceed only after the gate is all the way up, the lights have stopped flashing, or the flagger has signaled traffic to proceed.
• After one train passes, always visually check all tracks for a second train before proceeding.
• Never enter a railroad crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side to accommodate your vehicle without obstructing the tracks.
• If a vehicle stalls on the tracks, exit immediately, call 9-1-1, and move away at a 45-degree angle in the direction of the oncoming train to avoid flying debris.
• The blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign provides the emergency phone number and crossing-identification information needed to contact the railroad responsible for that crossing.
• Vehicles carrying people for hire, school buses, and hazardous materials vehicles must stop at most railroad crossings.

Key test point: Illinois requires stopping within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail when a stop is required. Always check for a second train after one passes before proceeding.

10. Illinois School Zone Speed Limits: 20 mph, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on School Days: and License Suspension for School Bus Violations

Five-sided school signs are yellow or yellow-green with black symbols and indicate a school zone or school crossing. Illinois sets the school zone speed limit at 20 mph between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on school days when children are present and appropriate signs are posted. Wireless/cellphone use is prohibited in school zones unless using a hands-free device. A conviction for passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop arm results in license suspension.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Follow the posted school-zone speed sign; Illinois law sets 20 mph on school days from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. when children are present and appropriate signs are posted

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Illinois school zone speed limit is 20 mph between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on school days when children are present and appropriate signs are posted. School-zone speeding violations carry a minimum fine of $150 for a first violation and $300 for a second or subsequent violation, plus community service in an amount set by the court.
• When approaching a marked school zone in this time window, drivers must discontinue wireless/cellphone use (hands-free device permitted), reduce speed to 20 mph, and stop and yield the right of way to any children or adults in the crosswalk area.
• You must stop for a school bus that has stopped to load or unload passengers. this applies on any two-lane roadway, any roadway or highway, private roads, and school parking lots.
• You are not required to stop when both vehicles are on a four-lane roadway and the bus is stopped in the opposing roadway. Illinois law also has a controlled-access-highway exception when the bus is stopped in a loading zone adjacent to the roadway where pedestrians are not permitted to cross.
• A warning will be given by the school bus at least 100 feet in advance of a stop (200 feet in rural areas), flashing lights will activate, then the stop arm extends after the bus has fully stopped.
• A conviction for passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights and the extended stop arm results in license suspension. If the vehicle owner was not driving, they must provide the States Attorney the drivers name or face a 3-month vehicle registration suspension.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Illinois: Crosswalk Right-of-Way & the 3-Foot Passing Rule

In Illinois, when traffic-control signals are not present or are not operating, drivers must stop and yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the drivers half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger. Pedestrians may not suddenly enter the path of a vehicle that is so close as to create an immediate hazard. Illinois requires at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a pedestrian walking on the road or shoulder and when passing a bicyclist, including a bicyclist in a dedicated bike lane. Fluorescent yellow-green may be used for pedestrian and bicycle crossing warnings.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; slow down and stop or yield to pedestrians as required

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• When traffic-control signals are not present or are not operating, a driver must stop and yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the drivers half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger. On school days, drivers must also stop and yield when children are in close proximity to a school zone crosswalk as required by Illinois law.
• Illinois law requires a minimum of 3 feet of clearance when passing a pedestrian walking on the road or shoulder and a minimum of 3 feet when passing a bicyclist, including a bicyclist in a dedicated bike lane.
• Stopping, standing, or parking in a marked, buffered, or barrel-protected bike lane is prohibited under Illinois law.
• A driver must yield to a person with disabilities. including physical, hearing, and visual disabilities. at all times.
• Fluorescent yellow-green may be used for pedestrian and bicycle crossings, playground areas, school bus stops, and school zones.

Key test point: At marked crosswalks, Illinois drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians as required by law. At unmarked crosswalks, the exact duty depends on the traffic-control situation; when signals are absent, drivers must yield when the pedestrian is on the drivers half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger.

12. How to Prepare for the Illinois Secretary of State Written Exam

• Know all required written-exam topics. The basic Illinois written exam requires you to identify traffic signs by shape, color, or symbol; identify signals and pavement markings; and answer multiple-choice and true-or-false questions about traffic laws, safety rules, crash prevention, and vehicle equipment.
• Three attempts within one year. You are allowed three attempts to pass each exam within one year from the date your application fee was paid. If you cheat, you are banned from retesting for 30 days.
• Know Illinois speed limits cold. Interstates/tollways: 70 mph. Four-lane highways: 65 mph. Other highways/rural: 55 mph. City/town: 30 mph. Alleys: 15 mph. School zones: 20 mph (school days, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m., children present and signs posted).
• Work zone speed limits apply 24/7. Illinois law enforces construction zone speed limits around the clock. no workers required for the limit to be in effect. No cellphone use unless hands-free.
• School bus exceptions are limited. You generally must stop for a school bus displaying its visual stop signals. You need not stop for a bus in the opposing roadway on a four-or-more-lane highway with at least two lanes in each direction; Illinois also has a controlled-access-highway loading-zone exception where pedestrians are not permitted to cross. Passing a stopped bus with its visual signals operating can result in license suspension.
• Railroad: 15-50 feet from the nearest rail. Stop within this range when required. Always check all tracks for a second train before proceeding. If stalled on tracks, exit at a 45-degree angle in the direction the train is coming.
• 3-foot passing clearance. Keep at least 3 feet when passing a pedestrian walking on the road or shoulder and when passing a bicyclist; when another same-direction lane is available, current Illinois law also requires a lane change before passing a bicycle or other individual when practicable and legal.
• Cellphone rules span multiple zones. Wireless/cellphone use (without hands-free) is prohibited in both school zones and work zones under Illinois law.
• Know flashing and arrow signals. Flashing red = full stop, yield, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution. Flashing yellow arrow = turn only after yielding.
• Visit ilsos.gov. The Secretary of States website has forms, study materials, and Driver Services facility information.