Is It Legal To Ride A Horse On The Road In Illinois

Introduction

Horses are more than just pets — they’re a mode of transportation for many. Sometimes, you might get the urge to ride your horse down the road, but is it legal? Riding a horse on the road can be dangerous, but it’s not technically illegal in Illinois.

Horses are more than just pets — they’re a mode of transportation for many. Sometimes, you might get the urge to ride your horse down the road, but is it legal? Riding a horse on the road can be dangerous, but it’s not technically illegal in Illinois.

You may have heard that horses are not legal transportation in Illinois. That’s true, but it’s also only partially true.

You see, according to the Illinois Vehicle Code, no person shall ride or lead a horse on a roadway unless the horse is controlled by an authorized guide or service animal. To put it more simply: you can walk your horse down the road as long as it’s a city street and not a state highway. But if you live in Chicago and want to ride your bike through Lincoln Park Zoo on Sunday afternoon? Nope! Sorry! You’ll be breaking the law if you try to do so (even though I’m sure there are plenty of people who still do).

It is not expressly illegal to ride a horse on the road in Illinois. However, it is not advised and could result in fines or a ticket if someone complains about it. Horses should only be ridden on roads that either have no traffic or where the speed limit is 25 mph or less, says the Illinois Horse Network. They note that all drivers are required to give at least three feet of room when passing animals on roads and that you should call 9-1-1 if an animal is struck by a car and injured.

Horses are allowed on most roads in Illinois, but drivers must give plenty of room when passing them.

Horses should only be ridden on roads that either have no traffic or where the speed limit is 25 mph or less.

Drivers should take care around horses and know they can legally reposition themselves as necessary to avoid spooking the animal, per statute 625 ILCS 5/11-1427. This would include pulling over onto the shoulder of the road or stopping entirely to allow a horseback rider plenty of space on local roads.

You will be required to give at least three feet of room when passing animals on the roadways. It is recommended that drivers should take care around horses and know they can legally reposition themselves as necessary to avoid spooking the animal, per statute 625 ILCS 5/11-1427. This would include pulling over onto the shoulder of the road or stopping entirely to allow a horseback rider plenty of space on local roads.

Horses are allowed on most roads in Illinois but drivers must give plenty of room when passing.

While it’s certainly possible for you to ride your horse on the road in Illinois, you must pay attention to the rules and regulations set forth by the state. Horses are only allowed on roads that either have no traffic or where the speed limit is 25 mph or less. Additionally, all drivers are required to give at least three feet of room when passing animals on a public road. If you encounter an injured animal after a crash with another car (or other animal), call 9-1-1 immediately so that emergency responders can help them before they die from their injuries.

Conclusion

To recap, it is not illegal to ride a horse on the road in Illinois. However, this should be done with caution and you should also report drivers who attempt to pass too closely to you or your horse. You may also see our list of local police dispatch numbers here.Good luck on your next ride!