Accessible, Gender-Neutral, Etc.- Do You Know Illinois’ Public Restroom Laws?

Are you curious about the do's and don'ts of public restrooms in Illinois? Grab your favorite reading material and get comfortable on the throne because I have all the answers you need, plus a sprinkle of humor to keep things interesting.

Do public restrooms in Illinois have to accommodate wheelchairs?

Yes, public restrooms in Illinois must accommodate people with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. We can all agree that everyone deserves to do their business comfortably and conveniently, right?

It is a business' duty to make sure their restrooms are accessible and equipped with all the necessities, including grab bars.

Are all public restrooms in Illinois gender-neutral?

Not all public restrooms in Illinois are gender-neutral but don't worry, you won't need to solve a Rubik's cube to figure out which one to use.

Most restrooms are still designated for either men or women, but single-occupancy restrooms in public places in Illinois must be gender-neutral.

Read More: How Illegal Is It To Do 'It' In Your Car in Illinois?

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Is it illegal to write on public restroom walls in Illinois?

Ah, the infamous bathroom graffiti. Sorry, Banksy, but writing on public restroom walls is illegal in Illinois, and we're not talking about your cool street art.  As much as you want to profess your love to your significant other or leave a witty joke for the next person, resist the urge and keep the restrooms clean.

Vandalism can lead to fines, community service, or even jail time. But, truth be told, it's probably pointless to call the police over something etched into a stall wall or door. Unless it's something extreme and the culprit is describable, it would be a waste of time to call the cops.

Are Illinois businesses legally required to let the public use their private restroom?

While we'd love to barge into the executive's personal restroom and sit on their luxurious throne, businesses in Illinois are not legally required to let the public use their private restrooms.

Restaurants and cafes that serve food or beverages must provide restrooms for their customers, and gas stations are also required to offer public restrooms. So, you can fuel up your car and unload your bladder all in one convenient stop.

You can read the definition of which businesses MUST provide a public restroom here.