Driver’s License Suspension in Illinois
Losing your driver’s license can make it extremely difficult to get to work, to drop your kids off at school or to run routine errands. The state of Illinois can suspend your license for numerous reasons, from repeated driving offenses to unrelated issues like failure to pay child support. Here’s a closer look at the driver’s license suspension process in Illinois, and how you can get your license back.
Losing Your License
The state of Illinois can suspend your license for a number of reasons. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Traffic Violations – Three or more tickets in a year can result in suspension of your license.
- Unpaid Parking Tickets – 10 or more violations will result in a license suspension.
- Red Light Violations – If the eye in the sky catches you running a red light five or more times, and you ignore the fines, you could lose your license.
- Tollway Violations – If you speed through the I-Pass lane five or more times without paying the ticket, you might lose your license.
- Failure to Appear – Failing to appear in court when required may result in suspension.
- Failure to Pay Child Support – You can have your license suspended under the Deadbeats Don’t Drive Act if you fail to pay child support.
- No Insurance – If you cause an accident without car insurance, you may face a 2-year license suspension.
- DUI – If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your license will likely be suspended.
Appealing The Suspension
If you want to challenge your license suspension, you’ll have to request a formal or informal hearing. You can attempt to challenge the state on your own, but it’s also a good idea to consider hiring a skilled traffic attorney. They know the system, they’ve handled similar cases, and they can help secure the optimal result.
If you want to move forward with a hearing, here’s what you can expect:
- Initial consultation – In order to request a hearing, you first need to meet with an Illinois Secretary of State hearing officer to assess your eligibility and determine the next steps.
- Formal vs. Informal – You can request an informal hearing if your license was suspended for a DUI, a traffic violation, unpaid tickets or for causing a crash that did not involve a fatality. You can request this hearing by contacting a Hearing Officer in your area. On the other hand, you’ll need a request a formal hearing if you’ve been convicted of multiple DUIs, or if you’ve been involved in an accident with a death. Click here to request a formal hearing.
- Result – The final decision will be mailed to you within 90 days. You’ll either have your license fully reinstated, earn a restricted driving permit or have your request denied.
Naperville Criminal Attorney
For more information on driver’s license suspensions in Illinois, or to contact an attorney to discuss getting your license reinstated, contact us!