Illinois (IL) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

There are more than 400,000 car crashes each year involving young drivers ages 16-20. More than 5,000 of the 400,000 teen car crashes are fatal, making teen car accidents the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. In the state of Illinois, teen drunk driving is a leading cause of teen car crashes as well as distracted driving and inexperienced driving. In response to the high number of teen car crashes across the state, Illinois has enacted several laws to combat the problem and it has also adopted the Graduated Driver Licensing program. Thanks to the Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, the state experienced a 40% drop in teen driving fatality rates within the first year of the program The Illinois GDL program became effective in January 2008.

Continue reading to learn more about Illinois teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Illinois Graduated Licensing (GDL) has three phases which apply to teens aged 15 (permit phase), 16-17 (initial licensing phase), and 18-20 (full licensing phase). Teens that hold a permit must obtain the consent of a legal parent or guardian. They must also enroll in an approved driver education course and practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours of nighttime driving. The permit is valid for two years.

To enter the initial licensing phase, teens must have certified proof that they have completed a minimum 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, with 10 hours at night. They must show proof of completion of a state-approved driver education course. In addition, the parent must accompany the teen to provide written consent to obtain the initial license, or complete an affidavit/consent for minor to drive form. Once all requirements of the first two phases have been successfully completed and the licensee has maintained a clean driving record, he will enter the full licensing phase.

When it’s time to transition to a full license, if you are under the age of 18, you must take your instruction permit and two forms of ID to the DMV. You will also be required to fill out several certification forms which will be provide at the DMV or you may obtain them from any high school driver education office or commercial driving school.

To obtain a driver’s permit, you must be at least 15 years of age and pass a vision and written test. You must also provide the following documentation to the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles:

•    Proof of age and identity (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport)
•    Social security card
•    Proof of Illinois residency
•    Proof of enrollment in a driver education course
•    Affidavit/consent for minor to drive

Illinois Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of Illinois, each licensing phase carries a set of restrictions that must be adhered to in order to obtain your full driver’s license. During the permit phase driver’s:

•    Cannot drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. Friday-Saturday
•    Must not acquire any driving convictions
•    Must make sure all passengers under 19 wear a seatbelt
•    Are only allowed to have one passenger in the front seat (licensed driver age 21 or older, parent, or guardian) plus the number of seatbelts in the back seat
•    Must not use a cell phone in any capacity, unless there is an emergency
•    Carry the instruction permit at all times

Violation of any of these laws will result in a moving violation conviction with a nine month waiting period before applying for a driver’s license. It could also result in court supervision and traffic safety school. If you get caught without your permit, you will become ineligible to apply for your driver’s license until you turn 18. You will not be able to apply for a hardship permit if you lose your driving privileges.

During the initial licensing phase, driver’s:

•    Cannot drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. Friday-Saturday
•    Must maintain a conviction free driving record for six months prior to turning 18
•    Must make sure all passengers under 19 wear a seatbelt
•    Are not allowed to have more than one person under the age of 20 in the car unless that person is a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild of the driver (these rules apply for the first 12 months of licensing or until the licensees 18th birthday
•    Are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving, unless there is an emergency (applies to drivers under age 18)

Violation of any of the laws listed above will result in any of the following:

•    Court supervision
•    Attendance in a traffic safety program
•    A warning letter addressed to the parent
•    A 6 month extension of passenger limitation
•    30-day driver’s license suspension
•    Attendance in a remedial education course
•    Possible $70 fee

Under the full licensing phase there are no age restrictions and curfews except in the case of cell phone use. You must be 19 or older to use a cell phone while driving – with a hands free accessory. Violation of any traffic law under the full licensing phase will result in license suspension, fees, and possible court supervision.

Illinois Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of Illinois, it is against the law for teens under the age of 19 to use a cell phone while driving. If you are over the age of 19, you must use a hands-free accessory while talking on your cell phone. Texting has been banned as well. If you get caught talking on a cell phone while driving in the state of Illinois or texting, you will receive a citation and you will have to pay a fine.

Illinois Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Illinois, the minimum blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) for teens is zero. If you get caught driving with even trace amounts of alcohol in your system, you will be considered legally drunk. In addition to license suspension and fines, if you get convicted of DUI you will have to participate in the state’s “Youthful Intoxicated Drivers Visitation Program.” Fines can reach up to $2,500 for DUI and you could also end up spending time in a juvenile detention center or doing 100-480 hours of community service. Additional penalties exist for a BAC of 0.04-0.07%, 0.08-0.14% and 0.16% or more.

Illinois Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Illinois, driving without auto insurance is against the law. Teens are no exception. In the state of Illinois, all drivers must carry minimum liability auto insurance in the amount of 20/40/15, that’s $20,000 injury or death of one person in an accident, $40,000 injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $15,000 damage to someone else’s property. Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Illinois auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year.

Although auto insurance premiums will increase if you add a teen to your policy or purchasing teen auto insurance will always be pricier than other policies, there are ways to qualify for discounts on teen auto insurance. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).