When Can Traffic Violations Lead to License Suspension? 

In Illinois, traffic violations can lead to a license suspension when you have 3 moving violations in 12 months or 2 moving violations in 24 months when you are under the age of 21. Once you have triggered a suspension, your points determine the suspension period. Your license may also be suspended or revoked if you are found guilty of a single serious violation.

In the past, unpaid fines could trigger license suspension, but recent laws have limited this. The severity of the offenses and a person’s ability to pay, together with the concept of “willfulness,” affect how the authorities apply this penalty.

Point Accumulation and Moving Violations in License Suspension

After the 3-conviction trigger, the Secretary of State uses the points assigned to those violations to determine the length and severity of the suspension. Suspension periods range from two to twelve months. Full revocation of your license is a different, much stronger penalty. Typical point schedules for a first-time suspension are:

• 15 – 44 points: suspension for 2 months
• 45 – 74 points: suspension for 3 months
• 75 – 89 points: suspension for 6 months
• 90 – 99 points: suspension for 9 months
• 100 – 109 points: suspension for 12 months
• 110+ points: revocation

The authorities also consider other factors. For example, prior suspensions add weight to new violations because you are expected to improve your driving habits after facing a previous suspension. Similarly, an unsatisfied judgment, usually arising from a crash caused by an uninsured motorist, may indicate enhanced penalties.

Serious Driving Offenses That May Lead to Suspension or Revocation

You may have no prior history of traffic violations, yet still face license suspension or revocation for a single, serious offense. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office may suspend or revoke your license in situations like:

• A serious DUI offense
• Reckless driving
• Street racing
• Leaving the scene of an accident you were involved in

When your license is suspended, you should receive a notification through the mail. Not knowing you have a suspension does not serve as an excuse. You are expected to know your license status. You can obtain your driving record abstract by visiting the Illinois Secretary of State website and paying a fee. Alternatively, you can call or visit a Driver Services facility to verify your status.

License Suspension for Traffic Violations And Restricted Driving Permits

If you do not have alternative transportation during your suspension, you can apply for a Restricted Driving Permit. It may allow you to drive legally to specific destinations on certain days or within specified hours.

Typically, these permits allow you to undertake necessary journeys like travel to and from work, visiting a doctor, or attending court-ordered programs. To get one, you may have to attend a hearing.

What to Do if Your License Was Suspended Due to Traffic Violations

Find out why your license was suspended and what conditions you must fulfil to get it reinstated. You would typically have to wait for the suspension period to elapse and fulfil any license reinstatement conditions. For example, you may have to finish an alcohol treatment program.

You cannot assume that your license is reinstated after the waiting period. You may have to pay a reinstatement fee or attend a formal or informal hearing to appeal for reinstatement. After a hearing, you will have to wait some time to discover the outcome.

To avoid delays and prepare a strong case for reinstatement, consult a driver’s license reinstatement lawyer. They can give you specific advice based on your circumstances and the reasons why your license was suspended.