How-to guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
Illinois Cell Phone Driving Law: What Is Allowed
Illinois law prohibits using a handheld cellphone, texting or other electronic communications while you drive, the Illinois State Police says. Here is what the law allows, the few times a handheld phone is permitted, and the ISP's tips for staying focused on the road around Peoria.
The short answer
In Illinois you may not hold a phone, text or use other electronic communications while driving. Hands-free devices or Bluetooth are allowed for drivers age 19 and older. A handheld phone is allowed only to report an emergency, while parked on the shoulder, or while stopped in obstructed traffic with the vehicle in neutral or park.
What Illinois law says about phones while driving
Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones, texting or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle, the Illinois State Police Distracted Driving brochure says.
A driver who is in a crash resulting from distracted driving may face criminal penalties and incarceration, the brochure adds. For the exact wording of the law, read the Illinois Vehicle Code on the Illinois General Assembly website.
From the Illinois State Police Distracted Driving brochure, read October 27, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
Hands-free, speakerphone and headsets
The ISP brochure covers these common questions:
| Situation | What the ISP brochure says |
|---|---|
| Holding the phone to talk, text or browse | Not allowed: Illinois law prohibits handheld cellphones, texting and other electronic communications while driving |
| Hands-free device or Bluetooth | Allowed for persons age 19 and older |
| Holding the phone on speakerphone | Not considered hands free; a violation of Illinois law |
| Headsets | Prohibited while driving (any device, other than a hearing aid, that lets a person hear or receive electronic communications) |
| Single-sided headset or earpiece | Permitted with a wireless or cellphone device |
| Motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped operators | May use intercom helmets that let the driver and passengers speak to one another |
From the Illinois State Police Distracted Driving brochure, read October 27, 2026.
When a handheld phone is allowed
The ISP brochure says the only time an Illinois driver can use a cellphone that is not hands free is:
To report an emergency
Reporting an emergency situation is an exception.
Parked on the shoulder
While parked on the shoulder of a roadway.
Stopped in obstructed traffic
While stopped because normal traffic is obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.
From the Illinois State Police Distracted Driving brochure, read October 27, 2026.
Why it matters
Every time someone takes their eyes or focus off the road, even for a few seconds, they put their lives and the lives of others in danger, the Illinois State Police says. The ISP says using a cell phone while driving increases your chance of getting into a crash by 400%, and its brochure says texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to crash.
Sending or receiving a text message takes the driver's eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the brochure says. At 55 miles per hour, that is like driving the entire length of a football field blind. Even with hands-free technology, the ISP recommends pulling off to the side of the road before making a call.
From the Illinois State Police Distracted Driving page and brochure, read October 27, 2026.
Tips from the Illinois State Police
The ISP offers these tips to avoid distracted driving:
Pull over to use your phone
Pull over to a safe place to talk on the phone, text message or email. Turn your phone off before you drive so you won't be tempted to answer.
Set controls before you go
Adjust seat positions, climate controls, sound systems and other devices before you leave or when you stop. Use presets, or have your passenger help.
Don't multi-task
Don't use the mirrors for personal grooming while moving, and don't try to read or write behind the wheel.
Stop for kids and meals
Pull over in a safe place to care for children, and stop to eat or drink.
From the Illinois State Police Distracted Driving page, read October 27, 2026.
Routine checks at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. It is a general vehicle checkup; book it any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Illinois cell phone driving law FAQ
Is it illegal to hold your phone while driving in Illinois?
Yes. The Illinois State Police brochure says Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones, texting or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle.
Can I use Bluetooth or a hands-free device in Illinois?
The ISP brochure says hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology is allowed for persons age 19 and older. The ISP still calls hands-free calling a distraction and recommends pulling off to the side of the road before making a call.
Is holding my phone on speakerphone hands-free?
No. The ISP brochure says using a cellphone while holding the device and using the speaker phone is not considered hands free and is a violation of Illinois law.
Can I wear headphones or a headset while driving in Illinois?
The ISP brochure says Illinois law prohibits headsets while driving, but a single-sided headset or earpiece with a wireless or cellphone device is permitted. Motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped operators may use intercom helmets.
When can I use a handheld phone while driving in Illinois?
Per the ISP brochure, only to report an emergency situation, while parked on the shoulder of a roadway, or while stopped because normal traffic is obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.
How dangerous is texting while driving?
The ISP says using a cell phone while driving increases your chance of a crash by 400%, and its brochure says texting makes you 23 times more likely to crash. Sending or receiving a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, which at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blind.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
Law details and tips are from the Illinois State Police Distracted Driving page and brochure, read October 27, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Distracted Driving (brochure PDF: Illinois law, hands-free, headsets, exceptions), Illinois State Police, read October 27, 2026
- Traffic and Safety: Distracted Driving (tips, crash risk), Illinois State Police, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 27, 2026