Photo: Raymond Wambsgans, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Unless a sign says otherwise, Illinois speed limits are 70 mph on interstates and tollways, 65 mph on four-lane highways, 55 mph on other highways and rural areas, 30 mph in cities and towns, 15 mph in alleys and 20 mph in a school zone on school days. This guide sets out those numbers and the rules for work zones, emergency vehicles, school zones and funeral processions that appear on the Illinois permit test.
Key facts (Illinois Secretary of State)
- Interstates and tollways: 70 mph. Four-lane highways: 65 mph. Other highways and rural areas: 55 mph.
- Cities and towns: 30 mph. Alleys: 15 mph.
- School zones: 20 mph on school days, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., when children are present and signs are posted.
- In a construction zone the posted limit applies around the clock, whether or not workers are there.
- In a work zone or marked school zone, stop using your phone unless it is hands-free.
Illinois speed limits
| Where | Limit unless posted otherwise |
|---|---|
| Interstates and tollways | 70 mph |
| Highways with four lanes | 65 mph |
| Other highways and rural areas | 55 mph |
| Cities and towns | 30 mph |
| Alleys | 15 mph |
| School zones | 20 mph on school days, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., when children are present and signs are posted. The handbook’s sign chapter adds that hours may vary and some school signs apply when a light is flashing. |
Towns may post different limits. Some roads have a posted minimum; where none is posted, do not go so slowly that you hold up normal traffic. Slow down at intersections, curves, hill crests and narrow, winding roads. In a construction zone the posted limit applies around the clock, whether or not workers are there. For the idea behind all speed limits, including the rule to drive at a speed that suits conditions, see speed limits and the basic speed law in the US.
Work zones, emergency vehicles, school zones and funerals
- Work zones: slow down, stop using your phone unless hands-free, yield to workers and authorized vehicles, move to a lane away from the workers when you can, and keep your speed down until you are past them.
- Siren and lights coming toward you: pull to the right straight away and stop if needed. If you are stopped at an intersection with two-way traffic, stay stopped until the vehicle has gone through. Never drive over a fire hose unless the fire official in charge allows it.
- Stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles: yield, move away and slow down under Scott’s Law. Within 500 feet of an emergency scene, taking photos or using a phone is banned, with limited exceptions.
- Marked school zones: stop phone use unless hands-free, slow to 20 mph, and stop and yield to anyone in the crosswalk.
- Funeral processions: yield to every vehicle in the line. Do not drive between them, join them to get the right of way, or pass them unless a passing lane is provided.
Passing is not allowed in any construction zone or school zone, and you must stop for a stopped school bus. The passing rules are in Illinois right of way, passing and signaling rules and the school bus rules are in Illinois parking, school bus and railroad crossing rules. For the phone rules that apply to everyone and to teens in particular, see Illinois teen phone ban and hands-free law.
Common questions
What is the speed limit in an Illinois school zone?
It is 20 mph on school days, from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., when children are present and signs are posted. The handbook’s sign chapter adds that hours may vary and some school signs apply when a light is flashing, so follow the sign.
Does the work zone speed limit apply when no one is working?
Yes. In a construction zone the posted limit applies around the clock, whether or not workers are there.
What do I do when an ambulance or fire truck comes toward me?
Pull to the right straight away and stop if needed. If you are stopped at an intersection with two-way traffic, stay stopped until the vehicle has gone through.
Should I drive over a fire hose?
No. Never drive over a fire hose unless the fire official in charge allows it.
Where to go next
This guide is part of the Learning to drive in Illinois: complete guide. Related reading: Illinois Scott’s Law explained for new drivers, school bus and railroad crossing rules, right of way, passing and signaling and the Illinois permit test guide.
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State, “2026 Illinois Rules of the Road” (DSD A 112, July 2026), Chapter 4, traffic laws, speed limits, work zones and school zones (ilsos.gov)
- Illinois Secretary of State, “2026 Illinois Rules of the Road” (DSD A 112, July 2026), Chapter 9, roadway signs (ilsos.gov)