Illinois Reckless Driving: License Suspension

If you’ve lost your license due to reckless driving in Illinois, you’re not alone— and you do have options. At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., we focus exclusively on helping Illinois drivers get their driving privileges back. Whether your offense involved excessive speeding, DUI, or multiple violations, we’re here to help you navigate the license reinstatement process with confidence.

What Is Reckless Driving in Illinois?

Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-503), reckless driving is defined as:

• A: Operating a vehicle with “a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” OR
• B: Driving and using an incline in a roadway, such as a hill, to cause a vehicle to become airborne

Some common examples of reckless driving include:

• Excessive speeding, especially when well above the posted speed limit
• Tailgating
• Driving at high speeds in construction zones
• Weaving between lanes or erratic lane changes, with or without signaling
• Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs
• Racing on public roadways

You may also hear the term careless driving, which is often used interchangeably with reckless driving. However, in Illinois, reckless driving is a criminal offense and can carry much more serious penalties than a simple traffic ticket.

Do You Lose Your License for Reckless Driving in IL?

You can, however, for reckless driving, a suspended license is not automatic in Illinois. For a single conviction, reckless driving is typically a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties increase with repeat offenses or if the incident caused injury. License suspension and revocation are two potential consequences, especially when:

• The reckless driving caused great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement (elevating the charge to a felony)
• You already had points on your driving record (See: How Many Tickets Before License Suspension in Illinois?)
• You fled from police
• You were involved in a hit-and-run accident

The Illinois Secretary of State has the authority to suspend or revoke your license based on the severity of your case.

Other Penalties and Long-Term Consequences of Reckless Driving

Beyond just the loss of your license, in Illinois, a reckless driving conviction can affect many parts of your life. Some long-term consequences can include:

• Higher car insurance premiums (if coverage is available at all)
• Limited job opportunities, especially in positions that require driving
• Jail time
• Large fines
• Points added to your driver’s license

For many Illinois residents, the inability to legally drive disrupts everyday life in a major way. That’s why working with a lawyer who understands how to reinstate your driving privileges is essential.

How Johnson & Goldrich, P.C. Can Help

At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., our practice is 100% focused on license reinstatement. We handle hearings with the Secretary of State to help Illinois drivers regain their driving privileges.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We focus exclusively on license reinstatement, for everything from reckless driving charges to DUI in Illinois. That means we know the process inside and out for both suspension and revocation.
• We guide you through every step— from preparing your case to representing you during your informal or formal hearing.
• We offer free consultations. Whether your license was revoked after a DUI conviction or suspended due to repeat moving violations, we’ll assess your situation at no charge.
• We’ve helped many Illinois drivers get back on the road legally and confidently.

If you’ve lost your license for reckless driving and are now ready to get it back, we’re the team to call. Contact Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., to speak with an Illinois driver’s license reinstatement lawyer.

Regain Your Driving Privileges After Reckless Driving

If your license was suspended or revoked due to reckless driving in Illinois, don’t wait. The longer you go without addressing your driving status, the harder it may be to reinstate. The team at Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., is ready to help you prepare and present a compelling case for reinstatement.

Key takeaways:

• Reckless driving license suspension can happen after a single serious incident or repeated traffic violations.
• Illinois law treats reckless driving as a criminal offense, often leading to long-term consequences.

Contact Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., today to schedule your free consultation. Allow our driver’s license lawyer to help you get back on the road legally and safely!