High winds — Illinois Permit Test

In high winds a driver should reduce speed and make steering corrections when moving from a protected area into an open one, and when meeting large vehicles such as trucks and buses.

The gust arrives the moment the shelter ends, which is why the correction has to be ready before it. A passing truck does the same thing.

Reduce your speed and make steering corrections when going from a protected area to an open area and meeting large vehicles such as trucks and buses.

Heavy rain or sleet often comes with high winds, so a driver should be alert to wet or slippery areas and plan for those conditions.

Wind rarely arrives on its own. Whatever it is carrying reaches the road at the same time.

Heavy rain or sleet often accompanies high winds. Be alert to wet or slippery areas and plan for those conditions.

The Illinois Tollway System bans the hauling of house trailers in high winds.

A trailer is a sail with wheels. The ban exists because the wind can put it across two lanes.

The Illinois Tollway System bans the hauling of house trailers in high winds.

When should an Illinois driver expect a sudden push from the wind?

Moving from a sheltered area into the open. The gust arrives the moment the shelter ends, which is why the correction has to be ready before it. A passing truck does the same thing. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.85: “Reduce your speed and make steering corrections when going from a protected area to an open area and meeting large vehicles such as trucks and buses.”