Illinois laws by category

Illinois prohibits the possession, sale and use of consumer fireworks except under a local Consumer Fireworks Display Permit, which can be issued only where the village, county or municipality has passed an ordinance allowing such displays, and only for State Fire Marshal–approved types. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

To carry a handgun concealed on your person in Illinois you need an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL); there is no permitless carry. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Illinois is not a control state: beer, wine and distilled spirits are all sold in grocery, convenience and liquor stores. Retail is privately operated.

Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — Illinois has no state ban on them.

In Illinois, open burning is generally prohibited (415 ILCS 5/9(c)). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Illinois, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Illinois' state sales tax (retailers' occupation and use tax) is 6.25% on general merchandise and 1% on qualifying drugs and medical appliances. Home-rule and other local taxes can push the combined rate well above 6.25% depending on location.

Recreational cannabis is legal in Illinois for adults 21 and older under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. A medical program also operates.

Illinois requires a solid blaze orange/pink cap plus 400+ sq in of solid blaze orange/pink upper garment during firearm deer seasons (open counties); camo orange is not allowed.

Illinois sports betting is legal, retail and online/mobile, and you must be 21+. Retail at casinos, racetracks, sports venues. Regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board; remote registration allowed.

Illinois requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 to have a valid boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat over 10 hp, including a PWC, or to supervise an operator aged 10 to 17. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Switchblade/automatic knives are legal to own and carry for a person with a valid Illinois FOID card (720 ILCS 5/24-1(e)(2)); ballistic knives stay banned for everyone.

Illinois has no statute criminalizing private drone surveillance; its Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act restricts only law-enforcement drone use (725 ILCS 167).