Sec. 11-905. Merging traffic. Notwithstanding the right-of-way provision in Section 11-901 of this Act, at an intersection where traffic lanes are provided for merging traffic the driver of each vehicle on the converging roadways is required to adjust his vehicular speed and lateral position so as to avoid a collision with another vehicle.
Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/11-905 (Failure to yield – merging traffic) 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.
No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
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.
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.
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).
| Offense Description | Class | Court Mandate | SAFE-T Act | Reporting Code | Official ILGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to yield – merging traffic Official ILGA · 625 ILCS 5/11-905 -> | Petty Offense | Release on Notice | Release Eligible | 8274 | ILGA.gov -> |
(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)
Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/11-905 (Failure to yield – merging traffic) is classified as a Petty Offense.
Sentencing Scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
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.
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.
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).
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
625 ILCS 5/11-905 (West 2026)
625 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/11-905 (2026)
https://ilcsindex.com/statutes/625-ilcs-5-11-905