CHAPTER 11 - RULES OF THE ROAD

625 ILCS 5/11-309

Sec. 11-309. Flashing Signals.

Illinois Compiled Statute
625 ILCS 5/11-309
Offense Description
Disobeying flashing yellow light/red light
Offense Classification
Petty Offense
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
SAFE-T Act Pretrial Detention Eligibility (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1)
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
SOS Administrative Action: Moving Violation (Point Assessment & Suspension Counter) · Conviction counts toward Illinois SOS license suspension threshold (3 convictions in 12 months for age 21+; 2 convictions in 24 months for under 21).
EXECUTIVE SYNOPSIS · ILLINOIS LEGAL STANDARDS Governing Authority: ILGA & Supreme Court Rules

Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/11-309 (Disobeying flashing yellow light/red light) is classified as a Petty Offense. Statutory sentencing scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000. Court appearance is not mandatory (pre-set bond or notice to appear), and pretrial release is presumptively release-eligible under the SAFE-T Act.

Offense Class & Sentencing Scope Petty Offense

No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000

Court Appearance Mandate Release on Notice (No Mandate)

Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.

Pretrial Fairness Act (SAFE-T Act) Presumptive Pretrial Release

Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.

Secretary of State License Sanction SOS Administrative Action

Moving Violation (Point Assessment & Suspension Counter) · Conviction counts toward Illinois SOS license suspension threshold (3 convictions in 12 months for age 21+; 2 convictions in 24 months for under 21).

Classification Petty Offense
Court Appearance Pre-set Bond / Release on Notice
SAFE-T Act Detention Release Eligible (Conditions Apply)
SOS Reporting Code 8210

Associated Offense Codes & Classifications (1)

Offense Description Class Court Mandate SAFE-T Act Reporting Code Official ILGA
Disobeying flashing yellow light/red light Official ILGA · 625 ILCS 5/11-309 -> Petty Offense Release on Notice Release Eligible 8210 ILGA.gov ->

Illinois General Assembly Statutory Text (Verbatim)

Source: ilga.gov ->

Sec. 11-309. Flashing Signals.

Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in conjunction with a traffic control device it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows:

1. Flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the cross walk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at a point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

2. Flashing yellow (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution.

3. This section does not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossings shall be governed by Section 11-1201 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 76-2162.)

Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis

Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 625 ILCS 5/11-309 in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/11-309 (Disobeying flashing yellow light/red light) is classified as a Petty Offense.

Sentencing Scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000

Is a court appearance mandatory for 625 ILCS 5/11-309 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?

No Mandatory Court Appearance (Pre-Set Bond / Notice to Appear): Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.

Is an individual accused of 625 ILCS 5/11-309 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?

Presumptive Pretrial Release: Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.

What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 625 ILCS 5/11-309?

SOS Administrative Action: Moving Violation (Point Assessment & Suspension Counter) · Conviction counts toward Illinois SOS license suspension threshold (3 convictions in 12 months for age 21+; 2 convictions in 24 months for under 21).

Official Legal Citation Formats

Legal & Academic Reference

Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.

Illinois Supreme Court Citation 625 ILCS 5/11-309 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.) 625 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/11-309 (2026)
Canonical Web Reference https://ilcsindex.com/statutes/625-ilcs-5-11-309
Cross-Referenced ILCS Codes