I’m a Chicago local and in this guide, I cover what to expect when driving in Chicago, Illinois.
This article explains driving rules, license requirements, and how to get the best deals on a rental car and parking. I also share key tips to boost your confidence and safety. Learn about common hazards and find out what areas to avoid during rush hour so you can spend more time enjoying Chicago’s attractions!
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Table of Contents
Driving Laws and Rules in Chicago
There are tons of distractions when driving around Chicago, but you need to stay focused and aware of your surroundings. Fellow drivers can be impatient so being a defensive driver can go a long way. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
🛣️ Roads – Some roads in Chicago are newly paved and smooth. Others are bumpy with potholes.
🚘 Local Drivers – Local drivers can be impatient and may honk or swerve around you. Be vigilant and don’t take things personally.
➡️ Side of the Road – Drive on the right side of the road in Chicago, as is standard in the United States.
🚙 Basic Rules – Typical road rules apply in Chicago. Abide by the speed limit and flow of traffic, use your turn signals, stop/pull to the side for emergency vehicles, etc.
⚠️ Standard Speed Limit Ranges – The maximum speed on interstates in Illinois is 70 mph. Highways fall between 55-65 mph. The main city and town roads usually have a speed limit of around 30 mph. Go slow when driving through alleys.
📱 Cell Phones & Distracted Driving – Using a cell phone or handheld device while driving is illegal in Illinois. However, you’re allowed to use a hands-free device to make calls.
🍷 Blood Alcohol Limits – It’s illegal to drive in Illinois with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08% or above. However, it’s possible to get a DUI if your BAC is below .08% and your driving is impaired.
🚦 Turning at Red Lights – It’s legal in Illinois to turn at red lights as long as you come to a complete stop before you turn and there is no signage saying otherwise.
🅿️ Parking – Most parking is metered street parking, paid through the ParkChicago app. There are parking garages downtown, but garage parking is expensive.
License Requirements
American travelers can use their U.S. driver’s license to drive in Chicago, as long as it’s valid. International drivers can use a valid driver’s license from their country of residence. However, an international driver’s license isn’t accepted in the state of Illinois.
Where to Rent a Car in Chicago
The easiest way to rent a car is by reserving pick-up from Chicago O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport. However, there are some car rental centers around the city if you’re just looking to do a .
Choose a compact car. This makes parking around the city easier. Selecting a car with good gas mileage is also important because gas prices in Chicago are higher than in surrounding areas.
Discover Cars makes it easy and affordable to rent a car in Chicago. You can compare cars and rates from different rental companies and there are reviews, too.
👉 Need help planning your trip to Chicago? Get your free printable Chicago itinerary here!
Car Insurance Rules
Illinois requires car insurance policies to have liability coverage in the following amounts in the event of a crash:
- $25,000 minimum for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 minimum for injury or death of more than one person
- $20,000 for property damage of another person
Overall, just be sure that your car insurance is current and in compliance with local Illinois law. Chicago driving can be hectic and accidents happen, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Traffic & Construction in Chicago
Traffic jams and construction zones are inevitable in Chicago. I recommend avoiding some areas in Chicago at certain times to help bypass frustration on the road.
Avoid driving through rush hour traffic in general. This includes the morning (6-8 am) and late afternoon (4-6 pm). Downtown Chicago, the Dan Ryan Expressway, North Lake Shore Drive, and the stretch of I-90/I-94 from Clybourn to West Division Street get extra busy during rush hour traffic.
Always check for festivals, sporting events, and other special occasions. Events can seriously impact traffic in downtown Chicago and around sports venues and major music venues. For example, the area around Wrigley Field gets crazy when there’s a Chicago Cubs game.
Construction in Chicago can lead to road closures but usually, it’s just an inconvenience you need to drive around. Still, you should always give yourself extra time when driving around Chicago.
Parking in Chicago
Parking in Chicago is one of the most important things to know about if you drive your own car or rent one. There’s garage parking downtown, but this can get really expensive. Fortunately, you can find affordable meter parking on the streets throughout Chicago.
You’ll want to download the ParkChicago app before you arrive. This is the most commonly used parking app in the city. I recommend downloading it and setting up your payment and car information ahead of time for convenience.
Lastly, always pay attention to signage when you park. Some streets may only allow permit parking while others will have green ParkChicago signs, signifying that you can park there. Be aware of tow zones, bus stops, and what times you’re allowed to park somewhere.
Driving in Winter in Chicago
Roads in Chicago are paved reasonably fast during the winter. Plus, the roads are salted once it gets snowy. This is just a testament to how cold weather doesn’t stop Chicago from moving. This being said, the roads are more hazardous during the winter and you should exercise extra caution when driving.
Watch out for patches of snow and black ice on the road. And drive slowly if you need to. Winter in Chicago is when I definitely recommend public transportation over driving. It just makes things easier and oftentimes safer.
Regardless, be sure to carry necessities like a phone, phone charger, and ice scraper in your car. A flashlight and blanket are good items, too, just in case.
📚 Related Reading: Chicago Packing List
8 Tips for Driving in Chicago
Tip #1 – Be Defensive, But Decisive
All the typical rules of the road apply in Chicago, but you’ll find that local drivers bend the rules a little bit. For example, don’t be surprised if you get cut off in traffic, people skirt around you, and drivers make lane changes unexpectedly.
These are just things to be mindful of if you’re not used to city driving. Practice good, defensive driving when you’re here, but be quick and decisive when you need to be.
Tip #2 – Prepare for Impatient Drivers
Chicago’s a big city so prepare for the inevitable: impatient drivers. Other drivers will honk unnecessarily (especially during rush hour) and things like sporting events will create traffic and impatience on the road. Don’t take it personally. Just use your turn signals and be patient.
Tip #3 – Always be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Chicago driving comes with a lot of distractions. You have to be mindful of other cars and emergency vehicles, plus cyclists and people walking. Chicago is a really walkable city and there are bike lanes everywhere.
Adhere to all the typical rules of the road, but be extra vigilant. Always use your turn signals and check your mirrors for pedestrians, especially during rush hour times.
Tip #4 – Know How to Parallel Park
You need to know how to parallel park in Chicago. There are parking garages here and there, but the majority of parking is street parking. I recommend brushing up on your parallel parking skills if you’re not used to doing it. This is also why I recommend getting a compact vehicle if you plan on renting a car.
Tip #5 – Read Signage
Always read the street signs and parking signs in Chicago. Don’t park on streets with signs that read “permit parking only” and be careful with one-way streets; there are quite a few here.
Adhere to time limits on your meter parking and pay attention to parking signs that say you can or can’t park during certain hours. I’ve seen people get towed and it’s not pretty.
Tip #6 – Don’t Leave Your Belongings Out
Safety in Chicago is a realistic concern. Car break-ins are unfortunately common. Don’t leave valuable items in your car or hide them, at least. It’s not a bad idea to tuck away things like cords, either.
Additionally, always have the windows rolled up and the car locked if you leave your car, even to go grab something like take-out from a local restaurant. You just never know, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tip #7 – Utilize Public Transportation When Possible
I recommend public transportation options over driving, especially for visitors and people going into downtown Chicago. This just makes things easier if you’re not used to city driving. Plus, public transit bypasses traffic and is great for those visiting Chicago on a budget.
You’ll need a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) pass to use public transportation. Read our guide on getting around Chicago for more helpful information. There are also bicycle rentals around Chicago if that’s more your speed.
Tip #8 – Be Prepared for Tolls
You won’t encounter any tolls when driving within Chicago and its main neighborhoods. However, prepare for toll roads if you leave Chicago to explore Illinois and other places in the Midwest.
The main tolls around Chicago are on the Indiana Toll Road and Chicago Skyway. It’s smart to purchase an E-ZPass/I-PASS if you live in Chicago but otherwise, keep a credit card handy as well as cash, just to be safe. One toll fee is usually around $1-$3 for a standard-sized car.
FAQs About Driving in Chicago
How are the roads in Chicago?
The roads in Chicago are mixed. Some are new and smooth while others are bumpy with potholes and cracks. Being mindful of road conditions is one of my top tips for driving in Chicago.
What are the requirements and rules for driving in Chicago?
The requirements and rules for driving in Chicago include having a valid U.S. driver’s license or a valid license from another country. An international driver’s license isn’t accepted.
How is driving in Chicago in the winter?
Driving in Chicago in the winter is doable, but requires extra caution. Roads are plowed and salted throughout the winter when there’s snow, but you should still be mindful of black ice and other winter hazards.
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That’s it for this guide to driving guide! I hope it was useful and makes you feel more confident about driving in the Windy City. Read our list of Chicago travel tips for more helpful travel information!
