Illinois Driver’s Licenses: What You Need to Know

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in DUI

Long after the 16 year old thrill of having a driver’s license for the first time wears off, people often forget the amount of responsibility we hold behind the wheel. We have obligations to other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and our own passengers. We must always be alert, and we must discontinue phone use when driving, stop playing with the GPS, and certainly stop fiddling with the iPod. Our thrill turns from fun into responsibility, from exciting adventures with friends to a monotonous commute to work.

It is easy to take this seemingly simple thing, our driver’s license, for granted because we rely on it every day. What if you had one too many speeding tickets and suddenly could no longer drive to work or drive your children to school? Did you know that your license could be suspended if you have three traffic ticket violation convictions within a 12-month period?

This is a reminder that driving is a privilege, and your license can be revoked or suspended by the state of Illinois for any number of things. This is also a reminder that there are legal measures you can take before your small mistakes become big problems.

License Suspension

In Illinois, driver’s license suspension is a temporary loss of driving privileges. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to simply regain your privileges after the suspension period has ended. Other times, there may be additional requirements before you can get your license back. Some common offenses that can lead to license suspension include:

• Drug/alcohol test failure or refusal;
• Failure to appear in court for prior traffic violations;
• Failure to pay 10 or more city parking tickets;
• School bus passing violations;
• Speeding in a construction zone; and
• Driving without mandatory insurance.

While some of these offenses may seem minor, they all can lead to a person losing his or her driving privileges. After losing privileges even temporarily, it is unlawful to drive anywhere, for any reason. Driving with a suspended license can lead to extended suspension, revocation, or jail time.

License Revocation

More serious offenses may cause a driver’s license to be revoked indefinitely. Permanent revocation may also occur if a driver commits several offenses that would otherwise only lead to a suspension. Common reasons for license revocation in Illinois include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs;
• Leaving the scene of an accident;
• Fleeing the police;
• Reckless driving; and
• Possessing fraudulent identification.

Committing these offenses may permit the Secretary of State to revoke a person’s driving privileges. In some, but not all, circumstances, the driver may be eligible to reapply for a license after at least one year has passed.

Small Offenses, Big Punishments

At Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C., we understand how one mistake can affect your future. If you have been charged with a traffic violation or repeated violations, our DuPage County criminal defense attorneys can help you resolve your traffic violations. Whether your license has been suspended, or may be in the future due to subsequent conduct, our attorneys know how this process works. With attorneys focusing in DuPage, Cook, Will, and Kane Counties, we have plenty of resources for you to seek legal counsel for your seemingly small issues before they become big problems. Keep your license and your freedom. Contact us today at 630-472-9700.