The Illinois legislature continues to pass laws aimed at public safety. Effective January 1, 2014, the state updated regulations on non-highway vehicles used on streets, roads, and highways.

A “non-highway vehicle” is any motor vehicle not specifically designed for highway use, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, off-highway motorcycles, and recreational off-highway vehicles. A “highway” is defined as the entire width between boundary lines of a publicly maintained road open to public travel, including those on public school property.

In general, it is unlawful to operate a non-highway vehicle on any street, road, or highway in Illinois. The only exception is that drivers may cross a road with a posted speed limit over 35 mph, but only at an intersection. The law makes clear that crossing toll roads, interstates, or controlled-access highways in a non-highway vehicle is strictly prohibited.

Anyone driving a non-highway vehicle on Illinois roads must hold a valid driver’s license, carry insurance, and ensure the vehicle meets specific safety standards. These include brakes, steering, tires, rearview mirrors, reflectorized warning devices, a slow-moving emblem, headlights visible from 500 feet, taillights visible from 100 feet, brake lights, and turn signals. Additionally, DUI laws apply to non-highway vehicles both on and off the road.

Local governments may create exceptions by ordinance or resolution, allowing non-highway vehicles on certain roads if public safety is not jeopardized. Factors such as traffic volume, speed, and character must be considered, and exceptions can only apply to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.

Farm vehicles remain exempt, so drivers can still expect to encounter them on rural roads.

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