What Traffic Rules Must Drivers of Recreational Vehicles in Illinois Follow?

 Posted on October 28, 2022 in Recreational Vehicle Accidents

Recreational vehicles (RVs) can be an enjoyable way to travel and see the country. During the pandemic, many families turned to RV travel as a safer way to take a vacation. However, these large vehicles come with an additional set of safety concerns that do not necessarily pertain to drivers of smaller personal vehicles. Although there is some debate regarding whether a special license should be required to operate such a massive vehicle on public streets, in Illinois, only requires those operating very large RVs or towing excessive weight to obtain a special license. For all other RVs, only a regular driver’s license is required. RV accidents can be every bit as serious and destructive as commercial truck accidents due to the heaviness of the vehicle and the strong forces involved in these collisions. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a recreational vehicle, an attorney may be able to help you obtain financial compensation.

Rules Pertaining to the Operation of Recreational Vehicles in the State of Illinois

While not all RVs are of sufficient size or weight to trigger the need for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), it is important for those who drive them to act in compliance with all relevant Illinois state road rules. As large vehicles can rapidly cause extreme harm to others, those driving an RV bear a special responsibility to drive safely. Illinois sets out the following road rules pertaining to RV drivers:

• Obey posted size limits - Many roads are unsafe for RVs and other vehicles of a similar size and weight for a variety of reasons. Drivers may encounter posted traffic signs directing them to refrain from using a road if their vehicle is over a certain size, weight, or height. It may be unsafe for a driver to disregard such a sign. Anything from a road collapse to striking the top of a bridge may occur should an RV driver choose to use a road despite posted warnings.
• Special lighting - If an RV is of a certain size, special lighting equipment may be required if the vehicle is operated outside of settled areas after sunset or before sunrise. The lighting requirements are critical for visibility purposes. In more rural areas at night, other drivers may struggle to spot an RV without the required lighting. This raises the risk of an accident.
• Additional caution - Drivers of large RVs must take special care around tight turns, on hills, in inclement weather, or where pedestrians are present. Failing to use an appropriate level of caution in these circumstances can increase the risk of an RV driver crashing.

If you have been injured by a careless RV driver, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call a Lake County RV Accident Lawyer

Salvi & Maher, LLP is skilled in investigating RV accidents to collect needed evidence. Our experienced Waukegan RV accident attorneys will strive to ensure that you recover the compensation you deserve. Call 847-662-3303 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x142.pdf