A Phone Behind the Wheel
625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 — no handheld device while driving, with fines from $75 to $150
A person may not drive on a roadway while using an electronic communication device, including to watch or stream video, join a video conference, or use social media. A device is a handheld phone, tablet, computer or smart glasses, but not a navigation system or a device built into the vehicle.
Who handles this in Illinois: Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Lawyer Finder; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Illinois directory.
| Offense | Maximum fine |
|---|---|
| OffenseFirst | Maximum fine$75 |
| OffenseSecond | Maximum fine$100 |
| OffenseThird | Maximum fine$125 |
| OffenseFourth or later | Maximum fine$150 |
The section does not apply to a driver using a device only to report an emergency, and it lists other exceptions, among them on duty police and emergency vehicle operators.
Sources for this section (1)
- 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 — Electronic communication devices
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Illinois attorney.