Expressway driving — Illinois Permit Test

Expressways, interstates, toll roads, turnpikes and freeways are fast multiple-lane roads with maximum speed limits of 55, 65 or 70 mph.

Those are the only three numbers you will meet on them. Speed and traffic volume are what make them different from other roads.

Expressways, interstates, toll roads, turnpikes, and freeways are fast, multiple-lane roads with maximum speed limits of 55, 65, or 70 mph.

A driver entering an expressway usually finds a speed-change lane, and should signal, look for an opening, match the speed of traffic and merge when it is safe.

Merging below the traffic speed forces everybody else to brake. The acceleration lane exists so you do not have to.

When entering an expressway, you will usually find a speed-change lane. This lane allows you to gain the speed necessary before merging. Signal and look for an opening in the traffic, match traffic speed, and merge with traffic when safe.

On an expressway the right lane is for slower traffic and the left lane is for faster traffic and passing, and a driver should not drive continuously in the left lane.

It is the lane-usage rule again, on the road where it matters most. Sitting in the left lane is what creates undertaking.

The right lane is for slower traffic. The left lane is for faster traffic and passing. Do not drive continuously in the left lane.

A driver must not stop on the expressway, and should pull off the road, lift the hood and turn on the hazard flashers where there is a problem, never walking along the expressway.

Walking on an expressway shoulder is standing in the fastest traffic in the state. The raised hood says the car is not going anywhere.

Do not stop on the expressway. Pull off the road if you are experiencing a problem. Lift your vehicle’s hood and turn on your hazard flashers. Never walk along the expressway.

A driver who misses an expressway exit must go on to the next available exit, because backing up on an expressway is against the law.

Reversing on a freeway meets traffic doing 70 mph with no warning. The extra miles to the next exit are the cheap option.

If you miss an exit, go to the next available exit. Backing up on an expressway is against the law.

Where lanes are reduced by construction a driver should merge early into the open lane if the road is not heavily congested, but in dense slow-moving traffic should use both lanes up to the merge point and take turns, which is known as the zipper merge.

Two different rules for two different traffic conditions. Using both lanes in slow traffic is not cutting in, it is what the manual asks for.

If lanes are reduced due to construction or maintenance, merge early into the open lane if the road is not heavily congested. However, in dense, slow-moving traffic, it is advised that you use both lanes to advance to the lane reduction point and merge at that location, alternating turns.

Which maximum speed limits does Illinois name for expressways?

55, 65 or 70 mph. Those are the only three numbers you will meet on them. Speed and traffic volume are what make them different from other roads. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.86: “Expressways, interstates, toll roads, turnpikes, and freeways are fast, multiple-lane roads with maximum speed limits of 55, 65, or 70 mph.”