Passing, turning, roundabouts and parking

Key points

1. You must return to your lane before getting within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “You must return to your lane before getting within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 28

2. When passing a bicyclist, even on the shoulder or in a bike lane, keep at least 3 feet away.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “When passing a bicyclist on any road, including a bicyclist on the road shoulder or in a dedicated bicycle lane, keep a minimum distance of 3 feet from the bicyclist.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 28

3. On a two-lane road, do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “Within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 29

4. Signal continuously for at least 100 feet in business or residential areas, and 200 feet elsewhere.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “In a business or residential area, you must give a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning. In other areas, the signal must be given at least 200 feet before turning.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 30

5. Do not make a U-turn on a curve or hill unless you can see 500 feet in all directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “You must not turn around on curves and hills unless you can see for at least 500 feet in all directions.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 32

6. Vehicles entering or leaving a roundabout must yield to all traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Vehicles entering or exiting a roundabout must yield to all traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 32

7. Normal speeds for slow-moving vehicles are only 5 to 20 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “Normal speeds for slow-moving vehicles range from 5-20 mph.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 46

8. Never sound your horn near a horse or other livestock.

   Source: Handbook p. 47

   “Never sound a horn when near a horse or other livestock, as the sound may frighten it and cause a crash.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 47

9. On a street with two-way traffic, park with the right wheels parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “When parking on streets with two-way traffic, park so the right-hand wheels are parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 35

10. Do not park within 30 feet of a STOP sign, YIELD sign or traffic control signal.

    Source: Handbook p. 36

    “Within 30 feet of a STOP sign, YIELD sign, or traffic control signal.”
    Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 36

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Illinois practice test

1. 1. When entering a roundabout, whom must a driver yield to?

   1. Only vehicles approaching from the left
   2. All traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles
   3. No one, because entering traffic has priority
   4. Only vehicles already stopped outside the circle
   Show answer

   All traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles. Vehicles entering or exiting an Illinois roundabout must yield to all traffic, and the manual specifically includes pedestrians and bicycles. Entering drivers should slow down, read the signs and pavement markings, and wait for a safe opening before turning right into the circle. Priority does not belong automatically to a vehicle entering, and the rule is broader than watching one side or only stopped vehicles. Look for users already circulating and for people crossing near the entry or exit.

2. 2. On a curve or hill in Illinois, how far must you be able to see in all directions before making a U-turn?

   1. At least 100 feet
   2. At least 200 feet
   3. At least 500 feet
   4. At least 1,000 feet
   Show answer

   At least 500 feet. Illinois bars turning around on curves and hills unless you can see at least 500 feet in all directions. One hundred and 200 feet fall short of that distance, and 1,000 feet is more than the manual requires. Municipalities may also prohibit U turns on some roads, so check for signs. Remember that 200 feet is the passing return distance, a different rule: you must be back in your lane before getting within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

3. 3. When passing on an Illinois two-lane road, before getting within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you return to your lane?

   1. 50 feet
   2. 100 feet
   3. 1,000 feet
   4. 200 feet
   Show answer

   200 feet. Illinois requires a passing driver to be back in the lane before getting within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and not to cut back until the whole passed vehicle shows in the rearview mirror. Fifty and 100 feet are too close to oncoming traffic. One thousand feet is not the rule. The driver being passed must not speed up until you finish, and flashing turn signals as a courtesy pass signal is illegal.

Source: the Illinois Rules of the Road, Chapter 4: Traffic Laws. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.