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Car Travel

Chicago's network of buses and rapid transit rail is extensive, and taxis and limousines are readily available (the latter often priced competitively with metered cabs), so rent a car only to visit the outlying suburbs that are not accessible by public transportation. Chicago traffic is often heavy, on-street parking is nearly impossible to find, parking lots are expensive, congestion creates frustrating delays, and other drivers may be impatient with those who are unfamiliar with the city and its roads. Expect snarled traffic during rush hours. In these circumstances you may find a car to be a liability rather than an asset. The Illinois Department of Transportation gives information on expressway congestion, travel times, and lane closures and directions on state roadways.

The Illinois tollways snake around the outskirts of the city. I-294 runs north and south between Wisconsin and Indiana. I-90 runs northwest to western Wisconsin, including Madison and Wisconsin Dells. I-88 runs east-west and goes from Eisenhower to I-55. Traffic on all is sometimes just as congested as on the regular expressways. Most toll gates are unmanned, so bring lots of change if you don't have an I-Pass, which are sometimes included with rental cars. Even though tolls are double without the I-Pass, it's not cost effective to purchase one for a couple of days.

Parking

Most of Chicago's streets have metered parking, but during peak hours it's hard to find a spot. Most meters take quarters, buying as little as 5 minutes in high-traffic areas, up to an hour in less crowded neighborhoods. Parking lots and garages are plentiful downtown, but they're expensive. You could pay anywhere from $13 for the day in a municipal lot to $24 for three hours in a private lot. Some neighborhoods, such as the area of Lake View known as Wrigleyville, enforce restricted parking and will tow cars without permits. You won't really find parking lots in the neighborhoods. Many major thoroughfares restrict parking during peak travel hours, generally 9-11 AM heading toward downtown and 4-6 PM heading away. Read street signs carefully to determine whether a parking spot is legal. During the winter snow days, cars parked in designated "snow route areas" will be towed. There's a $30 fine plus the cost of towing the car. In sum, Chicago isn't the most car-friendly place for visitors. Unless it's a necessity, it's best to forget renting a car and use public transportation.

Road Conditions

Chicago drivers can be reckless, zipping through red lights and breaking posted speed limits. Check both ways after a light turns green to make sure that the cross traffic has stopped.

Rush hours are 6:30-9:30 AM and 4-7 PM. There are always bottlenecks on the expressways, particularly where the Edens and Kennedy merge, and downtown on the Dan Ryan from 22nd Street into the Loop. Sometimes anything around the airport is rough. There are electronic signs on the expressways that post updates on the congestion. Additionally, summertime is high time for construction on highways and inner-city roads. Drive with patience.

Rules of the Road

Speed limits in Chicago vary, but on most city roads it's 35 mph. Most interstate highways, except in congested areas, have a speed limit of 65 mph. In Chicago, you may turn right at a red light after stopping if there's no oncoming traffic and no posted restrictions. When in doubt, wait for the green. Cameras have been installed at certain intersections in the city to catch drivers who run red lights. There are many one-way streets in Chicago, particularly in and around the Loop, so be alert to signs and other cars. Illinois drunk-driving laws are quite strict. Anyone caught driving with a blood-alcohol content of.08 will automatically have his or her license seized and be issued a ticket, and authorities in home states will be notified. Those with Illinois drivers' licenses can have their licenses suspended for three months on the very first offense.

Passengers are required to wear seat belts. Always strap children under age eight into approved child-safety seats.

It's illegal to use hand-held cellular phones in the city, but there aren't any restrictions in the suburbs. Headlights are compulsory if you're using windshield wipers. Radar detectors are legal in Illinois.