Chicago is one of the busiest cities in the country. The Windy City is a prime business and culture hub, meaning that it gets pretty busy no matter what time of year you’re here. Like any city, some hours are busier than others.
However, every city has its quirks, and Chicago is no exception. For example, did you know that Chicago actually has three different rush hours? With 2.7 million residents (and growing), it’s no surprise that sitting in traffic takes up a big part of the day.
If you’re looking to stay safe, get to where you need to be, and avoid the frustration of the Dan Ryan Expressway, here’s what you need to know about rush hour in Chicago.
Key Takeaways
- Morning rush hour in Chicago is between 6 am and 9 am, with traffic peaking between 7 am and 9 am.
- The lunch rush is between 1 pm and 2 pm, with the city center seeing the worst traffic.
- Evening rush hour starts at 3 pm and lasts until 7 pm, with peak traffic between 4 pm and 5 pm.
- The probability of auto accidents spikes dramatically during rush hour, with the evening rush hour being the riskiest time to drive in Chicago.
- Avoid rush hour by adjusting your schedule, taking alternate routes, or using public transportation.
- Beware of Chicago’s road traffic regulations, including the 30 mph speed limit on most streets and prohibitions on cell phones and driving with more than 0.05% blood alcohol in your system.
- Call a personal injury attorney immediately if you’re involved in a Chicago auto accident during rush hour.
What Time is Morning Rush Hour in Chicago?
When is rush hour in Chicago? Morning rush hour starts at 6 am, with white-collar workers heading into the office. The most intense part of the morning rush hour is between 7 am and 9 am, as white and blue-collar workers join the fray.
Generally, it’s best to exercise caution as nationwide, one in four fatal traffic accidents occur during rush hour.
What Time is Lunch Hour Rush Hour in Chicago?
Chicago is a rarity in that it also has a lunch rush hour. Between 1 pm and 2 pm, you’ll see people heading to eateries across the metropolitan area. Expect an increase in traffic congestion but also car accident rates, as hunger and the stress of returning to work on time can fuel road rage incidents.
According to Illinois State Police statistics, 40% of expressway shootings across the state were attributed to road rage incidents. You can avoid the traffic jams by using flexible break times and taking your lunch before or after the conventional lunch hour.
What Time is the Evening Rush Hour in Chicago?
Evening rush hour lasts from 3 pm until 7 pm, with traffic peaking between 4 pm and 5 pm. The lengthening evening rush hour is caused by increasingly flexible working hours, meaning both blue and white collar workers have extended the traditional rush hour.
Generally, the Friday evening rush hour is the worst of the week, as everyone heads home for a weekend of well-earned rest.
When is the Best Time to Beat Chicago Rush Hour?
Beating Chicago’s rush hour means avoiding the morning, lunch, and evening rush hours entirely. Adjusting your driving schedule accordingly can allow you to sail through Chicagoland without getting stuck in traffic.
In a nutshell, here are the best times to drive in Chicago:
- Before 5 am
- Between 11 am and 12 pm
- Between 2 pm and 3 pm
- Between 7 pm and 9 pm
Understandably, not everyone has the luxury of working a more flexible schedule. However, even during rush hours, you can skip some traffic by changing your route and avoiding the busiest roads, such as South Michigan Avenue, West Division Street, Clark Street, and Lake Shore Drive.
Driving at Night in Chicago
However, it must be cautioned that driving at night to avoid traffic congestion won’t necessarily keep you safe. Night drives in the Windy City have their own risks, including:
- Drunk drivers.
- Drowsy drivers.
- Slower reaction times.
- Lower field of vision.
The biggest risks are between midnight and 3 am. If you must drive at night, take precautions by staying caffeinated, driving with a passenger, and even taking a short nap before you get started. If you’re injured, always have a Chicago personal injury lawyer on speed dial to take on your case.
What is the Probability of Rush Hour Accidents?
You’re likelier to have a car accident at rush hour than at any other time of day. One study found that the rush hour period sees a 28% increased risk of fatal crashes.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the most dangerous time of day to drive anywhere in the country is the evening rush hour. It makes sense when you think about it because there are more cars, people are desperate to get home, and drivers are likelier to engage in riskier behaviors out of sheer frustration.
The problem is that you can be the best driver in the world and still be involved in a rush hour accident because of careless or reckless behavior from someone around you. If possible, we recommend avoiding driving during the busiest parts of the rush hour entirely.
Pro Tips for Escaping Chicago Rush Hour
Short of driving in the middle of the night, Chicago experiences heavy traffic constantly. Avoiding Chicago rush hour can be done by being flexible with your schedule, knowing where to go, or even using public transportation.
Now you know when is rush hour in Chicago, here’s a rundown of the top tips for escaping the rush:
- Drive at Different Times – The general rule is to leave earlier or later than everyone else. This is especially true if you traverse roads like the West Roosevelt Road or the Kennedy Expressway.
- Know Your Route – Chicago’s easy enough to navigate because of its simple grid pattern. Study the road layout to help you find alternative routes to avoid traffic. Don’t rely solely on GPS!
- Use Public Transportation – During peak traffic, Chicago’s public transit system will reach your destination faster. Using one of the Chicago Transit authority rapid trains is a great alternative if you’re a regular rush-hour attendee.
- Holidays and Major Sporting Events – When is rush hour in Chicago during the holidays? Rush hour rules change when it comes to major holidays or sporting events. If the Bears ever make the Super Bowl (dreaming!) or it’s St. Patty’s Day, try not to drive into Chicago at all as the roads become a perpetual rush hour.
- Try New Journeys – Smart drivers have several different regular routes they take to avoid the worst of the traffic. Experiment with different detours to see which ones save you the most time.
Forward planning helps you avoid most traffic, but Chicago is still Chicago. You’re never going to enjoy wide-open highways in this city. It’s less about avoiding traffic and more about avoiding the worst of the traffic.
What are the Most Congested Routes During Chicago Rush Hour?
Knowing when is rush hour in Chicago won’t help you if you have to drive during these hours. Dealing with heavy Chicago traffic means taking other routes and knowing which ones to avoid.
Here are the four busiest streets in Chicago:
- I-90/I-94 – This follows the Chicago Skyway junction to the Dan Ryan Expressway. Most drivers coming into the city from the southern suburbs take this route.
- I-290 – Runs from South Sacramento Boulevard to South Pulaski Road and connects Downtown Chicago to the suburbs.
- I-294 – Covers the Irving Park Road to the O’Hare Way. Most of the traffic on this road is due to the connection to the airport.
- I-80 – The I-80 is the connector between IL83 and the US41.
Ideally, you’d want to avoid these roads at all costs. Some alternatives for avoiding these busy highways include North Lakeshore Drive, North McCormick Boulevard, and the East Congress Parkway. Of course, these are among the most popular alternatives, meaning they may not be much better. That’s why it’s wise to have multiple alternatives.
What are the Best Alternative Routes to Avoid Rush Hour in Chicago?
Avoiding rush hour in Chicago is something of an art form and plain dumb luck, but there are certain popular routes you can take to avoid the Dan Ryan Expressway. However, you must ensure that your alternate route doesn’t increase your driving distance too much.
Some examples of more great alternate routes include:
- Archer Avenue – Ideal alternative to the Stevenson Expressway if you’re heading into the southern suburbs.
- Halsted Street – Travelling from east to west, or vice-versa? Try Halsted Street to skip the bigger Illinois expressways.
- Clybourn Avenue – Move between North Chicago and the downtown area by taking Clybourn Avenue instead of the Kennedy Expressway.
- Pulaski Road – If you’re moving along a north-south axis through the city, Pulaski Road is an alternative to the Dan Ryan Expressway.
- Tri-State Tollway – The Tri-State Tollway, or I-294, forms part of many alternate routes, including bypassing the Kennedy, Dan Ryan, and Eisenhower expressways.
It’s also worth familiarizing yourself with some of the more local streets for some easier detours. Get to know the neighborhoods more along your regular routes and soak up some more knowledge.
What are the Chicago Driving Rules and Regulations in 2024?
Navigating Chicago rush hour successfully means following the rules of the road. The last thing you want is a ticket for breaking the speed limit or taking a right turn at a red light without stopping. To help you drive safely, we’ve compiled a list of the most common Chicago traffic rules to bear in mind.
- Speed Limit – All streets in the Windy City have a speed limit of 30 mph, with some exceptions. If you’re on the highway, the maximum speed limit is nearly always 70 mph.
- Drunk Driving – If you’ve had a drink, bear in mind that the drunk driving limit in Chicago is 0.05%.
- Construction Zones – Encounter a construction zone, and you must slow down and merge lanes. You’re also required to yield to construction workers and construction vehicles.
- Cell Phones – Handheld devices may not be used while driving. However, you can use hands-free devices and Bluetooth.
- Emergency Vehicles – Any emergency vehicle has the right of way, including fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles. If they approach, you must pull to the side of the road. Moreover, you’re not allowed to use your cell phone within 500 feet of these vehicles or personnel.
- Right Turns at Red Lights – Chicago permits drivers to take turns at red lights, but you must come to a complete stop before taking the turn.
- Chicago Auto Insurance – All drivers must possess the minimum level of liability car insurance to be road-legal.
- Tolls – Some roads have tolls in place. Many highways, including the Chicago Skyway, have these tolls in place. If you don’t have change, you can pay toll fees online within seven days.
Note that some of these rules may have exceptions. For example, some roads may have temporarily lowered speed limits or may not permit taking right turns at red lights under any circumstances. Always stay alert for any signs you encounter.
Illinois Car Seat Laws 2024
The Child Passenger Protection Act of 1983 requires parents and guardians of children under the age of eight to use child restraint systems approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation when driving.
Illinois has long been a leader in child protection laws on the road. Here are the main requirements for complying with Illinois car seat laws in 2024:
- Rear-Facing Seats – All children under the age of two must use a secure rear-facing car seat.
- Forward-Facing Seat – Children who outgrow their rear-facing car seat can be moved to a forward-facing car seat featuring a five-point harness. Check your rear-facing seat’s height and weight limits to see when to switch.
- Booster Seats – When children outgrow forward-facing seats, they can move to a booster seat. They should continue to use booster seats until they’re four feet nine inches in height or they pass their eighth birthday.
- Seat Belts – Once your child turns eight or reaches the height requirement, they can use a normal seat belt.
Tips for Driving in Chicago
Chicago rush hour may seem like a time of insanity, but the Windy City has a fantastic road network. Most Chicago drivers manage the craziness of rush hour relatively quickly, but it’s important always to drive safely wherever you’re going.
Here are a few tips for driving smart in Chicagoland:
- Use public transportation as an alternative to get around traffic congestion.
- Avoid toll penalties by paying your tolls on the spot or online within seven days.
- Keep your eyes peeled for road signs, traffic signals, and one-way streets.
- Stay alert for motorbikes, cyclists, and pedestrians who might be nearby.
- Pay special attention when you’re entering or leaving a freeway.
- Carry comprehensive auto insurance coverage in case you find yourself in a rush hour accident.
- Put more distance between you and other vehicles during icy and snowy conditions.
- Call a Chicago personal injury car accident attorney immediately if you’re involved in an accident.
Most Dangerous Chicago Roads
Unsurprisingly, Chicago has its fair share of dangerous roads. With so many vehicles on the road, fatal car accidents are an unfortunate inevitability. Avoiding the most dangerous roads and being cautious when you ride on them can help you keep your family safe.
Currently, the most dangerous roads in Chicago in 2024 include:
- Halsted Street
- Pulaski Road
- Western Avenue
- Cicero Avenue
- State Street
- The Loop
Car accidents can happen no matter how careful you are on the roads of Chicago. This is why if you’re involved in an accident, call a personal injury lawyer immediately to begin filing your personal injury lawsuit.
Chicago Rush Hour FAQs
Can you avoid rush hour traffic in Chicago?
You can avoid the worst of the rush hour traffic by changing when you travel. Avoid driving on the highways between 7 am and 9 am and 4 pm and 6 pm. Remember, rush hour periods can also vary slightly based on the area you live and where you’re going.
What are two things you can do to avoid getting trapped in rush hour traffic?
Adjust your travel times if you have a flexible schedule. Leaving a few minutes earlier or later can change your driving experience. You can also come up with alternate routes and make yourself aware of any construction works or accidents that might make traffic even slower than usual.
What season has the heaviest rush hour traffic in Chicago?
Summertime is the worst time for traffic in Chicago because of the city’s position as a significant tourism hub. Around 30 million people visit the Windy City annually, with most coming in summer to take advantage of the good weather and the proximity of the Great Lakes.
