Illinois, It’s Illegal To Warn Other Drivers About Deer On The Road

Spring is here and the wildlife in Illinois is starting to wake up from a long winter nap. Deer, squirrels, raccoons, groundhogs, and other animals are all over the place and crossing busy roads.

Typically, when you spot an animal on the side of the road or in the middle of it, we all try to warn fellow motorists by flashing our high beams. Doing that is actually very illegal.

Normally, when we talk about flashing your high beams or your "brights" at someone, we're talking about warning other drivers about a police speed trap. No matter if it's police, deer, or other wildlife, you can get in trouble for trying to help out your fellow Illinois drivers.

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You Can't Warn Illinois Drivers About Deer

I highly doubt that state troopers, sheriff's officers, or police in Illinois will pull you over for this. Depends if someone is having a bad day or not, I guess. But if you want to warn fellow drivers about a deer up ahead, you're possibly flirting with getting a ticket.

Illinois Vehicle Code says, "...flashing lights are prohibited on motor vehicles except as expressly authorized in this Chapter or as a means for indicating a right or left turn, lane change, or a maneuver of a vehicle from a direct course of travel...Unless otherwise expressly authorized by this Code, all other lighting or combination of lighting on any vehicle shall be prohibited."

Bright lights must be dimmed 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet before passing a vehicle, accoridng to Illinois Car Laws. If you're further than 500 feet in front and start flashing your lights, you're all good.

Any closer means no you can't warn other drivers of deer on the road.

Unfortunately, you sometimes can't help yourself and you're trying to be a good person. If you feel like it's appropriate to warn fellow drivers, I'm sure they won't hate you for it. If that car you warned is a cop and pulls you over, let the officer know and if they aren't cool about it, just remember that you tried to help.