Bicycles — Illinois Permit Test

On most roadways bicyclists, including those on electric or gas bicycles that do not exceed 20 mph, have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users, including the right of way.

A bicycle on the road is traffic with the same claim to the lane. Drivers who treat it as an obstacle are the reason this is written down.

On most roadways, bicyclists (including those on electric bikes or gas driven bicycles that do not exceed 20 mph) have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users, including the right of way.

A vehicle may not drive, park, idle or drop off or pick up passengers in a designated bike lane, even when no bicyclist is present.

A car in a bike lane forces the next cyclist into traffic. The rule holds when the lane looks empty, because that is when it is used.

Vehicles are not allowed to drive, park, idle, or drop off or pick up passengers in these bike lanes even if bicyclists are not present.

Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as vehicles.

A cyclist riding against traffic meets cars head-on at combined speed. Going the same way is what makes them predictable.

Bicyclists are required to travel in the same direction as vehicles.

Bicyclists may ride two abreast where the normal movement of traffic is not impeded, and riding more than two abreast is prohibited except on paths set aside for bicycles.

Two abreast makes a group short enough for a driver to pass in one move. More than two turns it into a rolling roadblock.

Bicyclists may ride side by side on the roadway as long as the normal and reasonable movement of traffic is not impeded. Riding more than two abreast is prohibited except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

A motorist passing a bicyclist must pass slowly and leave at least 3 feet of space from the edge of the vehicle’s side mirror, and must wait where that space is not available.

Three feet is measured from the mirror because that is the part that reaches furthest out. Where the room is not there, the answer is to wait.

When passing a bicyclist, motorists must do so slowly and leave at least 3 feet of passing space from the edge of the vehicle’s side mirror. If there is not 3 feet of passing space, drivers must wait to pass until they can do so safely.

A motorist turning left while a bicyclist enters the intersection from the opposite direction must wait for the bicyclist to pass before turning.

It is the same crash that kills motorcyclists, at lower speed. A driver judging the gap sees the bicycle as slower and further away than it is.

When a motorist is turning left and a bicyclist enters the intersection from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn.

A motorist turning right while a bicyclist is approaching on the right should let the bicyclist go through the intersection first.

A right turn cuts straight across the space a cyclist is riding in. Letting them through first is the only way to see them do it.

If motorists are turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, they should let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn.

High beam headlights should not be used at night when approaching an oncoming bicyclist.

A cyclist dazzled by high beams cannot see the edge of the road in front of them. Dipping the lights is the same courtesy as for a car.

High beam lights should not be used at night when approaching an oncoming bicyclist.

A low-speed electric bicycle is one with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

The wattage is what separates a bicycle from a motor vehicle in Illinois law. Above it, the rules change completely.

fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Low-speed electric bicycles may operate on any authorized highway, street, or roadway, including bicycle lanes and bike paths.

Low-speed electric bicycles may be used on any authorized highway, street, roadway, bicycle lane or bike path, but not on sidewalks.

They move at road speed, which is far too fast for a sidewalk. Local authorities may still close paths to them.

Low-speed electric bicycles may operate on any authorized highway, street, or roadway, including bicycle lanes and bike paths. They may not be operated on sidewalks.

A Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle has a motor that engages only while the rider pedals and assists up to 28 mph, and its operator must be at least 16.

Class 3 is the fastest of the three and the only one with an age limit. Twenty-eight miles an hour is city traffic speed.

Class 3 - Equipped with a motor that engages only when the rider is pedaling and provides assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph. Operators must be at least age 16.

What rights does an Illinois bicyclist have on most roadways?

The same as other roadway users. A bicycle on the road is traffic with the same claim to the lane. Drivers who treat it as an obstacle are the reason this is written down. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.42: “On most roadways, bicyclists (including those on electric bikes or gas driven bicycles that do not exceed 20 mph) have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users, including the right of way.”