Home
Rafting
Traveling
Guidebook
Helmet Law Map
Biker Articles
Moto Photos
Illinois has no helmet law

Illinois Motorcycle Laws & Helmet Requirements

Join my Facebook travel group Frugal and Solo Travel Tips

Illinois has no helmet law

Illinois's current motorcycle laws:

(625 ILCS 35/) Cycle Rider Safety Training Act.

(625 ILCS 35/1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 801)
Sec. 1. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Cycle Rider Safety Training Act". It is the policy of this State to promote safety for persons and property connected with the use and operation of motorcycles, motor driven cycles and motorized pedalcycles.
(Source: P.A. 86-1005.)

(625 ILCS 35/2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 802)
Sec. 2. As used in this Act, the terms specified in Sections 2.01 through 2.06 have the meanings ascribed to them in those Sections unless the context clearly requires a different meaning.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

(625 ILCS 35/2.01) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 802.01)
Sec. 2.01. "Cycle" means a motorcycle, motor driven cycle or motorized pedalcycle, as defined in The Illinois Vehicle Code.
(Source: P.A. 86-1005.)

(625 ILCS 35/2.02) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 802.02)
Sec. 2.02. "Cycle Rider" means every person who rides and is in actual physical control of a cycle.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

(625 ILCS 35/2.03) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 802.03)
Sec. 2.03. "Cycle Rider Safety Training Courses" and "Courses" mean courses of instruction in the use and operation of cycles, including instruction in the safe on-road operation of cycles, the rules of the road and the laws of this State relating to motor vehicles, which courses meet the minimum requirements of this Act and the rules and regulations issued hereunder by the Department and which have been approved by the Department as meeting such requirements.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

(625 ILCS 35/2.04) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 802.04)
Sec. 2.04. "Department" means the Illinois Department of Transportation.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

(625 ILCS 35/2.05) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 802.05)
Sec. 2.05. "Driver's License" means any license or permit to operate a motor vehicle under the laws of this State.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

(625 ILCS 35/2.06) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 802.06)
Sec. 2.06. "Person" means every person, firm, partnership or corporation.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

(625 ILCS 35/3) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 803)
Sec. 3. The Department shall have the power, duty and authority to administer this Act.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

(625 ILCS 35/4) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 804)
Sec. 4. Any State or community college, State university or community agency designated by the Department may organize a Regional Cycle Rider Safety Training Center and may offer cycle rider safety training courses through such Training Centers which it operates. The curriculum and accreditation for the courses, and the geographic areas in which each Training Center may offer the courses, shall be provided for by rules and regulations of the Department. Instructors of such courses shall meet the qualification and certification requirements of the regulations of the Department and the college, university or community agency offering the program and may be employed on a calendar year rather than a school year basis. Such courses shall be open to all residents of the State who hold a currently valid driver's license and who have reached their 16th birthday without regard to whether such person is enrolled in any other course offered by said State or community college, State university or community agency. Such courses may be offered throughout the calendar year. The courses may be offered as credit or noncredit courses, but no fee shall be charged except for a nominal registration fee which shall be refunded upon completion of the course.
(Source: P.A. 86-1005.)

(625 ILCS 35/5) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 805)
Sec. 5. The Department may promulgate rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of the Cycle Rider Safety Training Act for the administration of the Cycle Rider Safety Training Act.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

(625 ILCS 35/6) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 806)
Sec. 6. To finance the Cycle Rider Safety Training program and to pay the costs thereof, the Secretary of State will hereafter deposit with the State Treasurer an amount equal to each annual fee and each reduced fee, for the registration of each motorcycle, motor driven cycle and motorized pedalcycle processed by the Office of the Secretary of State during the preceding quarter as required in subsection (d) of Section 2-119 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, which amount the State Comptroller shall transfer quarterly to a trust fund outside of the State treasury to be known as the Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund, which is hereby created. In addition, the Department may accept any federal, State, or private moneys for deposit into the Fund and shall be used by the Department only for the expenses of the Department in administering the provisions of this Act, for funding of contracts with approved Regional Cycle Rider Safety Training Centers for the conduct of courses, or for any purpose related or incident thereto and connected therewith.
(Source: P.A. 86-1005; 87-838; 87-1217.)

(625 ILCS 35/7) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 807)
Sec. 7. The Department is authorized to and shall award contracts out of appropriations to the Department from "The Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund" to qualifying Regional Cycle Rider Safety Training Centers for the conduct of approved Cycle Rider Safety Training courses.
(Source: P.A. 82-649.)

Illinois ABATE

Mission Summary: Works with state and local legislators to protect the rights and freedoms of motorcyclists, promotes motorcycle use, safety, and education, and is actively involved in tracking relevant legislation.

Fast Fred Ruddock with a Helmet Ticket in Polk County North Carolina

About Fast Fred

My life has been a dedicated blend of open road adventure and relentless advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights. I'm "Fast Fred" Ruddock, and my journey on two wheels began as a teenager. Over the years, I’ve owned 13 Harleys and several other motorcycles, machines that were far more than just transportation. They represented a freedom that I have fought to protect. Recognizing the power of information, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, skills I immediately put to use for the movement.

My commitment to advocacy led me to a complete immersion in ABATE of South Carolina (ABATE of SC). I quickly moved through the ranks, starting by developing the ABATE of SC website in 2001 and serving as the Berkeley/Dorchester Chapter Coordinator. This progressed to serving as Lowcountry Area Coordinator, where I successfully shifted our local focus decisively toward rights and rapidly increased membership. From 2003 to 2007, I served as the State Coordinator, where I helped coordinate several key legislative victories, including the passage of the Purple Heart license tag bill and the successful repeal of unnecessary handlebar height restrictions. My primary strategic goal was always to achieve widespread political influence by organizing a chapter in every single county.

On the national front, I extended my influence by serving as the State Representative on the board of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) for several years during the 2000s. This role ensured that the concerns of South Carolina riders were directly represented in critical federal legislative discussions. Crucially, I also worked to shape public opinion: I wrote articles related to motorcycle rights for various magazines and had a small column in Easyriders magazine for several years, using media to educate riders nationwide on the issues impacting their freedom.

My activism was not only about lobbying but also direct action and constitutional challenges. I participated in the Myrtle Beach civil disobedience against local helmet laws, contributing to the legal groundwork for the eventual overturning of that restrictive law through a landmark SC Supreme Court case. I also challenged helmet laws personally, fighting three tickets in court as an act of civil disobedience in several states. I lobbied in multiple state capitols with me friends across the country. My dedication continued after my ABATE leadership, as I served as the Director of Bikers Of Less Tolerance (BOLT) of South Carolina.

Today, while I also enjoy working as a river guide and sharing my travel adventures, my legacy remains rooted in the fight for motorcycle freedom. I have spent decades on the front lines, utilizing both political strategy, legal challenges, and national media to protect the rights of every person on two wheels.

My Other Adventures

I'm a professional whitewater guide and kayak instructor. I grew up rafting, sailing, and surfing, and I spend my North American summers guiding on world-class whitewater. I have spent much of my adult life riding motorcycles and paddling kayaks.

Raft with me: Check out Fast Fred Rafts for details.

Questions & Connect

Got questions about solo travel, Latin America, or budgeting? I'd be happy to give you honest answers!

Gear & Support

My Travel & Video Gear: Curious how I travel so light? Dig into my Amazon Shop for an inside look at the gear I carry. (Purchases via this shop provide a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Tip Jar: Your support helps fund the next adventure of cup of coffee!