Illinois § 1.4

§ 1.4.

Use of public right of way. (a) Persons engaged in picketing shall be allowed to use public rights of way to apprise the public of the existence of a dispute for the following: (1) The purposes of picketing. (2) The erection of temporary signs announcing their dispute. (3) The parking of at least one vehicle on the public right of way. Nothing in this Section shall require the accommodation of parking more than 10 vehicles on the public right of way. This Section shall not be construed to allow the blocking of fire hydrants. Picketers shall ensure that water mains, sewers, and other utilities are accessible for construction, maintenance, and emergency repair work. (4) The erection of tents or other temporary shelter for the health, welfare, personal safety, and well-being of picketers. (b) Any signs, tents, or temporary shelters shall be removed at the end of each day when the picketing has ceased. Signs, tents, or temporary shelters may be maintained so long as individuals participating in the labor dispute are present. (c) This Section shall not be construed to allow the erection of a tent or shelter or parking of a vehicle where there is insufficient space on the public right of way. This Section shall not be construed to allow the erection of a tent or shelter on the right of way of any Class I highway as defined in Section 1-126.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Picketers shall ensure that a reasonable walkway exists for pedestrians and others to pass by the picketing activities. Persons using the right of way under this Section shall make reasonable attempts to keep the area free from garbage and significant damage. (d) No sign, tent, or temporary shelter may be erected or maintained in such a manner as to obscure or otherwise physically interfere with an official traffic sign, signal, or device or to obstruct or physically interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic. The burden of proof shall rest on the unit of local government making such a claim. If a court determines that a sign, tent, or temporary shelter does not obscure or otherwise physically interfere with an official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic, the unit of local government is liable for all costs and attorney's fees. (e) A person who, with the intent of interfering with, obstructing, or impeding a picket or other demonstration or protest, places any object in the public way commits a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $500. (Source: P.A. 103-45, eff. 1-1-24.)