Sec. 18-3. Vehicular hijacking.
Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/18-3 (Vehicular hijacking) is classified as a Class 1 Felony. Statutory sentencing scope: 4 to 15 years IDOC (Probation eligible unless aggravated) · Fine up to $25,000. Court appearance is mandatory under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, and pretrial release is subject to detention eligibility under the SAFE-T Act (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1).
4 to 15 years IDOC (Probation eligible unless aggravated) · Fine up to $25,000
Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.
Detention Eligible: The State's Attorney may petition the court for denial of pretrial release under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 (Forcible Felony). Standard: Real and present threat to physical safety.
No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
| Offense Description | Class | Court Mandate | SAFE-T Act | Reporting Code | Official ILGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicular hijacking Official ILGA · 720 ILCS 5/18-3 -> | Class 1 Felony | Rule 551 Mandate | Detainable | — | ILGA.gov -> |
(a) A person commits vehicular hijacking when he or she knowingly takes a motor vehicle from the person or the immediate presence of another by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force.
(b) Sentence. Vehicular hijacking is a Class 1 felony.
(Source: P.A. 97-1108, eff. 1-1-13.)
Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/18-3 (Vehicular hijacking) is classified as a Class 1 Felony.
Sentencing Scope: 4 to 15 years IDOC (Probation eligible unless aggravated) · Fine up to $25,000
Mandatory Personal Appearance Required: Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.
Detention Eligible: Detention Eligible: The State's Attorney may petition the court for denial of pretrial release under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 (Forcible Felony). Standard: Real and present threat to physical safety.
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
720 ILCS 5/18-3 (West 2026)
720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/18-3 (2026)
https://ilcsindex.com/statutes/720-ilcs-5-18-3