CHAPTER 11 - RULES OF THE ROAD

625 ILCS 5/11-703

Sec. 11-703. Overtaking a vehicle on the left. The following rules govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules otherwise stated in this Chapter:

EXECUTIVE SYNOPSIS · ILLINOIS LEGAL STANDARDS Governing Authority: ILGA & Supreme Court Rules
Offense Class & Sentencing Scope Petty Offense, Class 3 Felony

2 to 5 years IDOC (Probation eligible) · Fine up to $25,000

Court Appearance Mandate Rule 551 Mandatory Court

Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.

Pretrial Fairness Act (SAFE-T Act) Presumptive Pretrial Release

Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.

Secretary of State License Sanction SOS Administrative Action

Moving Violation (Point Assessment & Suspension Counter) · Conviction counts toward Illinois SOS license suspension threshold (3 convictions in 12 months for age 21+; 2 convictions in 24 months for under 21).

Classification Petty Offense, Class 3 Felony
Court Appearance Mandatory Court Appearance (Rule 551)
SAFE-T Act Detention Release Eligible (Conditions Apply)
SOS Reporting Code 8242, 8243, 8244
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Associated Offense Codes & Classifications (4)

Offense Description Class Court Mandate SAFE-T Act Reporting Code
Improper overtaking 625 ILCS 5/11-703(a) Petty Offense Release on Notice Release Eligible 8242
Failed to yield to audible signal 625 ILCS 5/11-703(b) Petty Offense Release on Notice Release Eligible 8243
Improper overtaking – two-wheeled vehicle 625 ILCS 5/11-703(c) Petty Offense Release on Notice Release Eligible 8244
Driving recklessly close, toward or near a bicyclist, pedestrian or person riding a horse or driving an animal-drawn vehicle – Class A misdemeanor; (Class 3 felony) if great harm caused 625 ILCS 5/11-703(e) Class 3 Felony Rule 551 Mandate Release Eligible
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Illinois General Assembly Statutory Text (Verbatim)

Source: ilga.gov

Sec. 11-703. Overtaking a vehicle on the left. The following rules govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules otherwise stated in this Chapter:

(a)

(a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or the main traveled portion of the roadway. (b) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. (c) The driver of a 2 wheeled vehicle may not, in passing upon the left of any vehicle proceeding in the same direction, pass upon the right of any vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless there is an unobstructed lane of traffic available to permit such passing maneuver safely. (d) The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall: (1) if another lane of traffic proceeding in the same direction is available, make a lane change into another available lane with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law, before overtaking or passing the bicycle or individual; and (2) leave a safe distance, but not less than 3 feet, when passing the bicycle or individual and shall maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual. (d-5) A driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway may, subject to the provisions in paragraph (d) of this Section and Section 11-706 of this Code, pass to the left of the bicycle on a portion of the highway designated as a no-passing zone under Section 11-707 of this Code if the driver is able to overtake and pass the bicycle when: (1) the bicycle is traveling at a speed of less than half of the posted speed limit of the highway; (2) the driver is able to overtake and pass the bicycle without exceeding the posted speed limit of the highway; and (3) there is sufficient distance to the left of the centerline of the highway for the motor vehicle to meet the overtaking and passing requirements under this Section. (e) A person driving a motor vehicle shall not, in a reckless manner, drive the motor vehicle unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist, pedestrian, or a person riding a horse or driving an animal drawn vehicle. (f) Every person convicted of paragraph (e) of this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if the violation does not result in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another. If the violation results in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another, the person shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony. (Source: P.A. 104-260, eff. 8-15-25.)

Cross-Referenced ILCS Codes