The Illinois Restricted Driving Permit (Hardship License)

If your driver’s license was recently suspended in Illinois, you might find it hard to manage daily life. Fortunately, you may qualify for driving relief in the form of a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), or Illinois hardship license.

Imagine the challenges of commuting to work, attending medical appointments, or fulfilling parental duties without a vehicle. These simple tasks could become quite challenging. You may even face financial hardship if you’re unable to keep your job without a license.

To learn more about Illinois restricted driving permits and how to apply for one, continue reading. We also invite you to contact our law firm for legal counsel when seeking Illinois driver’s license reinstatement.

What Is a Restricted Driving Permit?

A Restricted Driving Permit is exactly what it sounds like. It is a permit that allows you to drive with very specific restrictions. It is a type of probationary device used in the driver’s license reinstatement process.

Am I Eligible for a Restricted Driving Permit in Illinois?

You may be eligible for an RDP if you’ve lost your license due to suspension or revocation.

The Illinois Secretary of State may determine that you should drive with an RDP for a probationary period before you can regain your driver’s license. They can require this whether you’re eligible for full license reinstatement or not. In either case, you must demonstrate that you are not a risk to public safety while operating a vehicle.

Applying for a Hardship License

You can apply for an RDP through a formal or informal administrative hearing, depending on your circumstances. To apply for a hardship license, individuals must follow specific steps and meet certain criteria. Although the process can vary depending on the reason for revocation or suspension, here is a general overview of how someone can apply for a hardship license in Illinois after a DUI:

• If you have a suspended or revoked license due to a single DUI conviction, and your eligibility date has not yet passed, you must provide proof of hardship to receive an RDP. Hardship can mean that not being able to drive will impact your employment, education, family duties, or medical needs.
• Compile the required documentation to support your hardship license application. This may include:
  • Court documents related to the DUI conviction
  • Proof of completion of any court-mandated alcohol education or treatment programs
  • Employment verification
  • Enrollment documentation from educational institutions
  • Medical records indicating the need for transportation
• Obtain the appropriate application forms and fill them out accurately and thoroughly. Provide all requested information, including personal details, DUI conviction information, and details about the hardship(s) you are facing.
• Pay any application fees associated with applying for the hardship license.
• Prepare for your hearing and be ready to provide any additional evidence or testimony that supports your request.
• Await a decision. The Secretary of State will review your application, consider your circumstances, and determine whether to grant you a hardship license.

Obtaining a hardship license can be difficult and confusing. The attorneys at Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., can offer invaluable insight and assistance throughout the application process.

RDP Restrictions

RDPs are available for specific driving needs, such as those related to:

• Employment/Work-Related Tasks
• Medical Care or Drug Treatment
• Family Responsibilities
• Educational Purposes
• Support Group Attendance
• Other Select Circumstances

If you receive an RDP, you can drive only during certain times and along specific routes. The purpose of driving must be to fulfill obligations that were the reason for the issuance of your hardship license. One example may be that you have a child in daycare or school who you need to pick up every day at the same time.

A person younger than 16 years old cannot receive an RDP.

Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID)

If the Secretary of State grants someone an RDP, the driver may also have to install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in their vehicle. This applies to situations where:

• The person has multiple DUI convictions
• The person has 2 statutory summary suspensions following 2 DUI arrests
• The person has 1 DUI conviction with a statutory summary suspension from a separate DUI arrest
• The person was convicted of aggravated DUI and involved in an accident that resulted in death, great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement

A BAIID device prevents the driver from operating a vehicle if they have consumed alcohol. Once a driver breathes into the device, it measures their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The vehicle will only start if the BAC reading is below the predetermined limit.

What Happens After I Receive a Restricted Driving Permit?

In most cases, you will be issued a Restricted Driving Permit that is valid for 12 months. After driving on that permit for 9 months, you can apply for full reinstatement of your driver’s license if your eligibility date has passed.

If you’re eligible for full reinstatement, you can apply for Illinois driver’s license reinstatement after driving on the permit for 9 months, or 75% of the duration of the permit’s issued time.

In some cases, you may be required to drive with an RDP for up to 5 years. If you have had 4 or more convictions for DUI, including convictions in other states, with the last arrest being after January 1, 1999, you will be required to drive on an RDP for the rest of your life.

For more information, contact Johnson & Goldrich, P.C. Our team of experienced attorneys can help you get your driving privileges back.