The 10 Unspoken Rules Of Driving In Illinois Everyone Should Know

Illinois drivers follow unique and often unconventional road rules that differ from official laws.

Whether you're new to Illinois or have lived here all your life, you've probably noticed that we live by some unique road rules. There's the law, and then there's the odd things you see Illinoisans doing almost every time you go out.

These 10 rules are best to keep in mind and not follow, though if you do them, no one will be surprised. Scroll on for more details.

1. Turn signals

Somehow this can be tricky for people. There are drivers who wait to turn on their turn signal until they've already got a tire in the next lane or are already making the turn.

2. Or no turn signals

Of course, even worse are those who don't even bother.

3. Bikes rule the road

Technically, bikes are supposed to follow the same road rules as drivers, but that hardly ever happens. Most don't stop at intersections and some even use their phones while riding.

4. Even motorized bikes

Though not exclusive to Illinois, summer is especially a time when bikers think they can do whatever they want on the road. They weave between cars and even drive on shoulders to get ahead.

5. Always speed

You're not going the speed limit in Illinois unless you're going at least five miles faster than listed. It's one of our many road rules to go as fast as possible before another red light or slow down in traffic.

6. Especially through a yellow light

Yellow is technically the sign for "slow down," but Illinoisans take it as a sign to speed through intersections in order to beat the red light. No one will judge you, though, because we've all been there.

7. Weather doesn't ruin our plans

No one in Illinois is going to let rain or snow stop them from driving where they need to drive. Be it the store, work, or to a friend's house, we'll go slow through poor conditions to get there.

8. Tractors take up the entire road

Though this is technically illegal, road rules are different in Illinois. When it comes to this situation, you just have to hope the tractor turns soon or otherwise try to pass it without getting hit by oncoming traffic.

9. Traffic lights

When stopped at a light, some cars creep forward, almost dangerously at times. You might assume they are trying to get ahead and will take off quickly once the light finally changes, but this doesn't always happen.

10. Making right turns from the left lane

Part of the reason this happens is last-minute decisions. All of a sudden, someone realizes they need to turn, and so they do so with no regard to who might be around them.

Not knowing about these rules of the road will alert everyone that you're not really from here. Here are 12 more ways to spot an imposter in Illinois.

What other unique road rules do you see people going by in Illinois? Share your observations with us!

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