Illinois Truck Driver Phone Law
You're already under the federal hand-held ban in Illinois — 392.82 applies the moment you're behind the wheel. Illinois then bans hand-held use for every driver too (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2), primary enforcement, and every ticket is a moving violation: $75 first, climbing to $150. A crash causing injury or death jumps to a $1,000 minimum fine and a criminal charge. Go hands-free, or park to touch the phone.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Illinois’s rule for all drivers
You're already under the federal hand-held ban in Illinois — 392.82 applies the moment you're behind the wheel. Illinois then bans hand-held use for every driver too (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2), primary enforcement, and every ticket is a moving violation: $75 first, climbing to $150. A crash causing injury or death jumps to a $1,000 minimum fine and a criminal charge. Go hands-free, or park to touch the phone.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Hand-held use and texting banned for all drivers (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 and 12-610.1), primary enforcement.
- Fine: $75 first, $100 second, $125 third, $150 fourth or later — each is a moving violation. A crash causing injury or death carries a $1,000 minimum fine plus a criminal charge.
- Points: Every offense is a moving violation on your Illinois record; three moving violations in 12 months can suspend your license. Federally the same conduct is also a CSA serious violation for you and your carrier.
Illinois Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Illinois?
What is the phone fine in Illinois?
Is texting while driving illegal in Illinois?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K12-610.2.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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