Illinois Phone & Distracted Driving Laws
Whether handheld phone use and texting are banned for all drivers, additional restrictions on minors, and first-offense fines.
- Handheld phone: banned for all drivers?
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yes
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, Chapter 4: Distracted Driving, p. 22 Verified Sep 2026
- Texting: banned for all drivers?
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yes
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, Chapter 4: Distracted Driving, p. 22 Verified Sep 2026
- Hands-free also banned for minors?
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Illinois prohibits any wireless or cellphone use while driving, hands-free devices included, for a driver under 19. The only exception is an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider or emergency services agency.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, Chapter 4: Distracted Driving, p. 22; Chapter 3: Graduated Driver Licensing Program, pp. 18-19 Verified Sep 2026
- Phone First Offense Fine
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A first violation of the electronic-communication-device ban carries a fine of up to $75, rising to $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third and $150 for a fourth or later one. The figure is a ceiling rather than a set amount, so a court may impose less. A violation that causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement or death is a separate and far heavier offense: a minimum $1,000 fine, and a Class A misdemeanor or, where someone dies, a Class 4 felony.
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