Driving in Chicago
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in Chicago, United States. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in Chicago
IDP Not Required
Illinois accepts valid foreign driver licenses for visitors. An IDP is recommended for non-English licenses and may be requested by rental companies.
Fine without IDP: $75-$500 for driving without a valid license
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country before traveling. AAA offices can issue IDPs for US residents.
Accepted Licenses
Traffic Rules in Chicago
Local Traffic Rules
- 1Right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless posted otherwise
- 2Speed cameras are active near schools and parks - 6+ mph over the limit triggers a ticket
- 3Move over for stopped emergency vehicles - it's the law (Scott's Law)
- 4No phone use while driving - hands-free only
- 5Chicago's grid system means most streets run north-south or east-west
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Not using headlights in rain or snow - required by law
- Blocking intersections during heavy traffic ('blocking the box')
- Ignoring speed camera zones near schools and parks
- Not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Driving in bus-only lanes on Michigan Avenue
Horn Culture
Moderate honking is accepted in traffic. Avoid excessive honking in residential areas. A quick honk to alert distracted drivers is common.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
$120-$500+ depending on speed and zone; speed cameras issue $35-$100 tickets
No Helmet
No helmet law for adults in Illinois (motorcycle or bicycle)
No IDP
$75-$500 for driving without valid license
Red Light
$100 (camera-enforced at many intersections)
Drink Driving
$500+ fine; BAC limit 0.08%; license suspension for first offense; jail time possible
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- A car is useful for suburbs and day trips but not essential for downtown
- Use the CTA (L train and buses) for getting around downtown and nearby neighborhoods
- Keep car doors locked and valuables out of sight
- Be cautious on Lake Shore Drive in winter - wind and ice are serious hazards
- GPS is essential - the grid system is logical but one-way streets are common downtown
Best Time to Drive
Mid-morning (10 AM-12 PM) and early afternoon (1-3 PM) on weekdays
Rainy Season Warning
No specific rainy season. Winter (Dec-Mar) brings heavy snow, ice, and extreme cold. Lake-effect snow can reduce visibility to near zero. Summer thunderstorms can be severe.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- I-90/94 (Kennedy/Dan Ryan) during rush hours
- Lake Shore Drive during evening rush
- The Loop during weekday commute times
- Wacker Drive - the upper/lower level system confuses newcomers
Parking
Average Cost
$15-$45/day in garages; metered parking $2-$6.50/hour in the LoopScooter Parking
Motorcycles may park at regular metered spots. Some dedicated motorcycle parking is available in the Loop area.
Parking Tips
- Use the ParkChicago app for meter payments
- Read signs carefully for winter snow route restrictions
- The 'dibs' system (saving spots with chairs/objects) is a local winter tradition - respect it
- Millennium Park and Grant Park garages are convenient for downtown visits
- Free street parking is available in residential neighborhoods outside the center
FAQ: Driving in Chicago
Do I need a car in Chicago?
For downtown and popular neighborhoods, no - the CTA L train and buses are excellent. A car is useful for visiting suburbs, day trips to Indiana Dunes, or road trips in the Midwest.
How bad is Chicago winter driving?
Challenging. Heavy snow, ice, extreme cold (-20°F wind chills), and lake-effect storms are common Dec-Mar. If you must drive, ensure winter tires or all-weather tires, keep an emergency kit, and allow extra time.
What are speed cameras and how do they work?
Automated cameras near schools and parks issue tickets for driving 6+ mph over the limit. Fines are $35 for 6-10 mph over, $100 for 11+ mph over. They operate year-round, including when school is out.
What is the 'dibs' system?
After heavy snowfall, Chicagoans place chairs, cones, or other objects in parking spots they've shoveled to claim them. It's not legally protected but deeply respected. Removing someone's dibs can result in conflict.
Emergency Contacts
Police
911
Ambulance
911
Tourist Police
311 (Chicago non-emergency services)
Roadside Assistance
AAA: 1-800-222-4357; Illinois State Police: *999
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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