Is it legal to drive with your car’s interior light on in Illinois? What state law says
Can Illinois residents lawfully use an interior car light while driving? While some driving distractions are common knowledge, such as texting and driving, others may not be as clear.
Illinois state law has a variety of regulations on distracted driving, such as a requirement that any cell phone usage be hands-free (those younger then 19 cannot lawfully use even hands-free devices), rules on headphone use and a ban on video conferencing while driving.
Here’s what to know about Illinois state law on driving with an interior light on and what the state considers “distracted driving.”
Can you legally drive with an interior light on in Illinois?
Driving with an interior light on is not prohibited by state law, Illinois State Police Trooper Genelle Jones wrote in a Feb. 19 email to the News-Democrat.
“Section 625 ILCS 5/12 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, which is applicable to Lights and Lamps, does not prohibit operation of vehicles with interior lights illuminated,” Jones said.
An Illinois motorist generally cannot be ticketed for driving with an interior light on, Jones continued, unless the light is a contributing factor to a violation, such as cell phone usage or other hands-free requirements.
While driving with an interior light on is not generally considered distracted driving in Illinois, the state does have several traffic safety regulations that outline what’s considered a distraction. Even things that aren’t specifically listed as distractions under state law could potentially lead to a ticket if they cause a driver to swerve or otherwise drive dangerously.
“There’s lots of ways that drivers can be distracted that aren’t captured in the distracted driving law specifically,” Teri Ross, executive director of Illinois Legal Aid Online, said in a recent interview with the BND.
Distracted driving in Illinois
Illinois State Police officials recommend drivers follow best practices to avoid being distracted, such as limiting interactions with passengers, avoiding talking while driving, avoiding taking your eyes off the road and keeping both hands on the wheel.
In addition, ISP advises drivers to avoid the following distractions:
Shaving
Texting or writing emails
Reading or writing
Tuning the radio
Putting on makeup
Eating, drinking or smoking
Talking on the phone
Brushing your hair
Doing your nails
Arguing with a passenger
Reaching for the glove compartment
Breaking up fights between your kids
Putting in contact lenses or using eye drops
Picking something up from the floor or between seats
Illinois drivers may only use a cell phone that’s not hands-free to report an emergency, while parked on the shoulder of a roadway or while stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park, ISP reports. Drivers who are younger than 19 years old may not use cell phones even if they are hands-free.
“Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous. If you must make a phone call, even with hands-free technology, it is recommended that you pull off to the side of the road before making the call,” the Illinois Secretary of State’s office website says.
Drowsy driving can also be a safety hazard, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office reports, and officials recommend making sure you are properly rested before taking a long trip and stopping frequently.
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