Stranded motorists — Illinois Permit Test

A driver stranded on a higher-capacity road should pull over to the right shoulder or another safe place, stay in the vehicle with the seatbelt on, put on the hazard lights, call 911 and wait for a responder.

On a fast road the car is the safest place there is, which is the opposite of the advice for a quiet one. That is the whole of the distinction.

Remain in your vehicle and keep your seatbelt on • Activate your hazard lights.

A driver stranded on a lower-capacity road should pull over safely and, where it is necessary and safe, leave the vehicle from the side away from oncoming traffic and move away from it, standing on a sidewalk, behind a guard rail or by the edge of a field.

On a slower road the shoulder is narrow and being hit in the car is likelier than being hit outside it. The advice reverses.

If it is necessary and safe to do so, exit your vehicle from the opposite side of oncoming traffic and move away from your vehicle (stand on a sidewalk, behind a guard rail, or by the edge of a field).

A driver stranded on the Illinois Tollway should pull over to the right shoulder as far as possible, stay in the vehicle with the seatbelt on, put on the hazard lights and call *999 or 911.

The tollway has its own maintenance patrol reachable on a short number. Calling it brings somebody who is already on that road.

Call *999 or 911 for assistance.

A high-capacity roadway is one built for a large volume of traffic, often with several lanes and controlled intersections, while a low-capacity roadway carries less traffic with fewer lanes and a lower speed limit.

The safety advice depends on which one you are on, so the definitions are worth reading. Residential and rural roads are the low-capacity ones.

In contrast, a low-capacity roadway is designed for lower traffic volumes and may have fewer lanes, fewer traffic control features, and a lower speed limit. These roads are typically found in residential areas, rural regions, or secondary routes with less traffic.

Where should a driver stranded on an Illinois expressway wait?

Inside the vehicle with the seatbelt on. On a fast road the car is the safest place there is, which is the opposite of the advice for a quiet one. That is the whole of the distinction. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.90: “Remain in your vehicle and keep your seatbelt on • Activate your hazard lights.”