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. Park with the right wheels parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “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. How should a driver approach a slow-moving vehicle from the rear?

   1. Follow closely until the operator notices
   2. Pass immediately because the vehicle cannot turn
   3. Prepare to slow down and pass only when it is safe
   4. Use the shoulder to avoid waiting
   Show answer

   Prepare to slow down and pass only when it is safe. Farm vehicles, construction equipment, and animal-drawn vehicles may share Illinois roads, and drivers approaching from behind should use caution and prepare to slow down. A slow-moving vehicle may be wide and may turn right or left into an unmarked entrance, so following closely or assuming it cannot turn is unsafe. The shoulder is not a substitute for a legal passing movement. Stay a safe distance back, make sure the operator knows your presence and intent, and pass only with adequate space and visibility.

3. 3. What should a driver do when meeting or passing a horseback rider?

   1. Sound the horn repeatedly before passing
   2. Accelerate past the animal with little clearance
   3. Pass cautiously and be prepared to stop
   4. Drive onto the shoulder to pass immediately
   Show answer

   Pass cautiously and be prepared to stop. A horse may react unpredictably to noise or a close vehicle. Illinois says to pass a horseback rider with caution and be prepared to stop, while separately warning drivers never to sound a horn near a horse or other livestock. Repeated honking can frighten the animal and cause a crash. Slow down, leave useful clearance, and wait when the rider’s movement or road width makes passing uncertain.

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.