Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago Roads and Prescription Drug DUI Enforcement
Chicago’s roadways, from congested expressways like the Kennedy and Dan Ryan to neighborhood streets in areas like Rogers Park, Hyde Park, and Austin, see heavy traffic at all hours. Local police and Illinois State Police monitor these roads aggressively for impaired driving. While most motorists associate DUI with alcohol, Illinois law is equally strict about impairment caused by prescription medications.
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(a)(4), driving under the influence includes any situation where a driver is impaired by an intoxicating compound, whether that substance is legal or illegal. This means a person taking lawfully prescribed medication can still face DUI charges if the State claims their ability to drive safely was affected.
