How Moving Now In Illinois Could Be Illegal

Summer is a time for family trips and fun in the sun.  For a lot of people, it's also the time to move.  Across the country or down the street, moving can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive.

It can be more stressful and expensive if you get pulled over while moving.  That can happen in Illinois and other states if you aren't careful about packing up the car.

How Many People Move Out Of Illinois Every Year?

In 2024, the population of Illinois grew.  However, the 48th annual National Movers Study showed that Illinois has a 60% outbound migration rate.  This puts Illinois second nationally, only to New Jersey.  An estimated 56,235 residents were lost to other states due to domestic migration.

As people leave Illinois, the last thing they want is to give the state one more payment.  But that can happen if you get pulled over while moving.

Illinois Police Can Pull You Over For Boxes In Your Car

See that car in the rearview mirror?  Me neither.  If this is your view when you stack the boxes in your car, truck, van..whatever vehicle you used or borrowed to carry your stuff to a new home, you are breaking the Illinois obstructed view.

"No person shall drive a motor vehicle with any objects placed or suspended between the driver and the rear window, side wings, or side windows immediately adjacent to each side of the driver which materially obstructs the driver's view."

Yes, that stack of boxes and other items that probably should have been sold or donated anyway is definitely placed between the driver and rear windows.

It continues by saying, "No person shall drive a motor vehicle when the windshield, side, or rear windows are in such defective condition or repair as to materially impair the driver's view to the front, side, or rear."

Will You Get Pulled Over In Illinois For Too Many Boxes In Your Car?

The odds are unlikely that they will pull you over for this.  However, if it's packed full in the back and side and looks dangerous, they very well could pull you over.

The first offense of an obstructed view ticket can be a fine ranging from $50 to $500.  A second offense could result in a Class C misdemeanor, carrying a fine of between $100 and $500.

That's not a good way to start a new chapter of life in a new home, or be a really big bummer if it's your last goodbye when leaving Illinois.