Lane signals — Illinois Permit Test

Lane signals on the Illinois permit test — 4 rules, each with the reason behind it and a question on it while it is fresh.

The rules

Special lights are sometimes used over each lane on highways and expressways, most often to change the flow of traffic at certain times of day.

A lane can belong to one direction in the morning and the other in the evening. The overhead lights are the only thing that says which.

Lane Signals Special lights are sometimes used over each lane on highways and expressways. They are used most often to change the flow of traffic during certain hours of the day.

Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.78

A red X over a lane means a driver must never drive in that lane.

The lane below it is carrying traffic the other way or is closed. There is no version of this that means proceed with care.

Red “X” - Never drive in this lane when the red “X” is displayed.

Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.78

A yellow X over a lane means the signal is about to change to red, and a driver should leave the lane safely before it does.

It is the lane-signal equivalent of a yellow light. Leaving safely is what it asks, not leaving immediately.

Yellow “X” - This indicates the lane signal is going to change to red. Leave this lane safely before the red “X” appears.

Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.78

A flashing yellow arrow over a lane means that lane may be used to approach and make a left turn.

It marks a shared turning lane from above rather than with paint. The turn is still unprotected.

Flashing Yellow “Arrow” - This indicates the lane may be used for approaching and making a left turn.

Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.78

On the test

Why are Illinois overhead lane signals used?

To change the flow of traffic during certain hours. A lane can belong to one direction in the morning and the other in the evening. The overhead lights are the only thing that says which. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.78: “Lane Signals Special lights are sometimes used over each lane on highways and expressways. They are used most often to change the flow of traffic during certain hours of the day.”

How this works

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Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, published by the Illinois Secretary of State, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-09-21.