Safe Passing Zones and Illinois Passing Laws | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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Safe Passing Zones and Illinois Passing Laws

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents


In the world of vehicle safety, passing is one of the most dangerous activities. Although it is legal to pass another vehicle in Illinois, it must be done with extreme caution. There are a number of scenarios in which passing can lead to a major roadway accident. You may not see a fast-approaching vehicle that is oncoming, or perhaps the driver being passed has anger management issues. In any case, understanding the passing laws of Illinois can protect your safety.

The accident attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. have spent years helping good people seek the compensation they need for their injuries. If you have been hurt in a car crash, you may be able to obtain funds through a personal injury lawsuit. With the help of our dedicated legal team, you can hold the person responsible for your accident accountable.

Call (312) 236-2900 now to see if you qualify.

General Passing Rules

Whenever you are passing another vehicle, you must use extreme caution. According to state law, you are only allowed to pass on a two-lane roadway when the left lane is free of oncoming traffic, or when oncoming traffic is far enough away to make passing possible. After you have completed the pass, you may only re-enter the right lane once the vehicle you passed is fully visible in your rearview mirror. If you decide to pass with an oncoming vehicle coming towards you in the left lane, you must re-enter the right lane within 200 feet of the approaching vehicle.

There are also requirements that must be adhered to by the vehicle being passed. For example, if a vehicle in the right-hand lane is being passed, the driver is not allowed to increase their speed until the pass has been completed. The laws that govern vehicle passing are meant to prevent accidents that would otherwise arise from reckless behavior. They also ensure that passing is fair for all parties.

When Passing is Not Allowed

Regardless of where two vehicles are driving, passing off of the road, on the shoulder, or on the sidewalk is strictly prohibited. These areas are often occupied by pedestrians, making driving on them extremely dangerous. There are also many situations in which passing on a two-lane, two-way roadway is not allowed. If the area is marked for no passing by a solid yellow line on your side of the roadway, for example, passing is not allowed. Passing on this type of road or highway is also forbidden on curves, where it is difficult to see oncoming vehicles. Other areas in which passing is forbidden include within 100 feet of a railroad crossing or intersection, within 100 feet of a bridge, and in construction zones.

How Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can Protect Your Rights

Improper passing techniques are responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries every year. If you have been harmed as a result of another person’s recklessness on the road, you may qualify for filing a personal injury lawsuit. With the help of the attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., you will only have to worry about recovering from your injuries. We will handle all of the technical aspects of your case, from filing a petition to crafting the strongest possible argument on your behalf.

Our personal injury lawyers serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. To find out how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve, call (312) 236-2900 today.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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