In Illinois, accumulating multiple traffic violations can result in a suspended driver’s license. The rules and consequences vary depending on your age and the seriousness of the offenses. Understanding these laws can help you avoid losing your driving privileges.
How Many Tickets Before Your License Is Suspended in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State enforces strict guidelines for traffic violations. The number of tickets that lead to suspension can depend on your age:
- Drivers 21 and Over: Three moving violation convictions within 12 months will result in a suspension.
- Drivers Under 21: Two moving violation convictions within a 24-month period will result in a suspension.
How many speeding tickets before a suspension in Illinois takes effect?
In contrast to other states, a driver’s license suspension isn’t directly based on a points system in Illinois. However, there are points assigned to each violation. The Secretary of State uses points to assess the duration of a driver’s license suspension. They will also use the points to decide if a license revocation is necessary.
How many points to suspend a license in Illinois?
Point values can vary significantly depending on the offense committed. For example, minor offenses can be as low as 5 points, while serious offenses, such as reckless driving, can be 55 points. Speeding violations typically range between 5-50 points.
After three traffic violations within a 12-month period, you could face license suspension for 2 months with as little as 15 points on your driving record.
License Suspension Rules for Drivers 21 and Over
As stated, the Illinois points system for driving assigns point values to different types of traffic violations. The number of points accumulated determines the length of a suspension:
- 15 to 44 points – 2-month suspension
- 45 to 74 points – 3-month suspension
- 75 to 89 points – 6-month suspension
- 90 to 99 points – 9-month suspension
- 100 to 109 points – 12-month suspension
- 110 points or more – License revocation
How many tickets it takes to receive a suspension can vary. While most drivers over 21 will not receive a suspension for less than three traffic violations in a year, certain serious offenses can lead to automatic suspension. For example, driving on an invalid license or fraudulent use of a driver’s license/ID both lead to suspension.
Point System and Suspension Periods for Drivers Under 21
The Illinois points system for driving also applies to younger drivers but with slightly different thresholds. The number of points per violation remains the same, but the number of points required for suspension is lower because the number of violations required is also lower.
- 10 to 34 points – 1-month suspension
- 35 to 49 points – 3-month suspension
- 50 to 64 points – 6-month suspension
- 65 to 79 points – 12-month suspension
- 80 points or more – License revocation
How many tickets before a license is suspended in Illinois if under 21?
As stated above, just two moving violations within 2 years will result in a suspension for drivers under 21. For instance, a speeding violation of 15-25 mph over the speed limit adds 20 points to a driving record. If a driver under 21 receives two violations totaling 40 points or more, they will face a suspension.
You can also receive a license suspension or revocation for singular serious offenses. When under legal drinking age, this can include possession of alcohol or transporting open alcohol in a motor vehicle. Other examples include fleeing police, driving on an invalid license, or leaving the scene of an accident that caused over $1,000 in property damage.
Court Supervision Can Help Prevent a Suspension
If a driver receives a ticket, they may qualify for court supervision. Supervision prevents the violation from appearing on their record as a conviction. If a term of court supervision is completed without any additional traffic offenses, the case will be dismissed.
How To Avoid License Suspension in Illinois
To maintain your driving privileges, follow these best practices:
- Drive carefully and obey all traffic laws.
- Avoid distractions and always pay attention to road signs.
- Be extra cautious in school zones and construction zones.
- Do not drink and drive.
- If you receive a traffic ticket, explore the option of court supervision to avoid a conviction.
If your license is suspended due to multiple traffic violations, you may need to request a Secretary of State hearing to reinstate it. There are many other steps that also make up the Illinois driver’s license reinstatement process.
Contact Our Law Firm
By understanding how many tickets it takes before a license is suspended in Illinois and the Illinois points system, you can take proactive steps to keep your license valid. However, if your driver’s license was suspended or revoked, you need a qualified attorney on your side.
At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., we work exclusively to help clients regain their driving privileges. When you need legal help getting back on the road, we’re the team to call. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!