Ignoring unpaid tolls or traffic tickets might seem like a small issue, but in Illinois, those missed payments can quickly lead to serious consequences. Knowing how these violations affect your license and how the License to Work Act changed suspension laws can help you stay compliant and protect your right to drive. Continue reading to learn more.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Traffic Ticket?
When you receive a traffic ticket in Illinois, you must either pay the fine or appear in court by the date listed. If you fail to do so, the court may enter a default judgment against you. This adds extra penalties and may lead to further action by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Before 2020, multiple unpaid tickets could directly trigger a license suspension. However, with the passing of the License to Work Act, Illinois ended many of these automatic suspensions for non-moving violations. This law was designed to prevent people from losing their licenses simply because they couldn’t afford to pay fines or fees.
While this reform has provided relief to thousands of drivers, some unpaid fines tied to violations or court judgments can still lead to holds or prevent reinstatement. So while you might not face a direct suspension for unpaid tickets, ignoring them can still create long-term complications for your driving record.
Additionally, you can still receive a suspension for committing multiple traffic violations in a specified period. Visit our blog to learn more: How Many Tickets Before a License is Suspended in Illinois?
Other Consequences for Unpaid Tickets
Many people ask, “If you don’t pay a ticket, what happens?” There are several potential consequences, even if license suspension isn’t one of them. Examples include:
- You incur late fees and increased fines
- You could receive points on your driving record, which can increase insurance rates
- In some cases, unpaid tickets can result in warrants for arrest if court appearances are missed
Can Your License Be Suspended for Unpaid Tolls?
When tolls go unpaid, the Illinois Tollway issues fines that increase with each missed payment. If the debt remains unresolved, the Tollway can take additional enforcement actions, such as vehicle registration holds or sending your case to collections.
Many drivers ask, “Can they suspend your license for unpaid tolls?” The answer used to be yes. However, under the License to Work Act, the state no longer suspends licenses solely for unpaid tolls. But the unpaid balance, fees, and registration restrictions can still make it difficult to stay on the road.
If you’ve received notices from the Illinois Tollway, it’s important to act quickly. Resolving unpaid tolls before they escalate can help you avoid collection actions, increased fines, and administrative delays.
The Impact of the License to Work Act
The License to Work Act, which took effect on July 1, 2020, was a major step toward reforming Illinois traffic laws. It ended driver’s license suspensions for non-moving violations, such as:
- Unpaid parking tickets
- Tollway fines
- Fees owed to the Illinois Commerce Commission
This means that people can no longer lose their licenses just because of unpaid debt. However, the law does not protect against suspensions tied to DUI offenses, moving violations, outstanding red-light camera fines, or non-payment of child support.
It’s also important to note that reinstating a suspended license still requires addressing all underlying issues. This often includes unpaid judgments or administrative fees.
Work With Johnson & Goldrich, P.C.
At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., we focus exclusively on driver’s license reinstatement and Secretary of State hearings. Our team understands how changes in Illinois law, like the License to Work Act, affect your situation.
Whether your suspension stems from speeding violations or a DUI, we’ll guide you through every step of the reinstatement process. We review your driving record, identify unresolved issues, and represent you in hearings to help restore your driving privileges efficiently.
Get Help With Your License Reinstatement
Even though the License to Work Act has eased penalties for unpaid tolls and tickets, many Illinois drivers still face complications when trying to get their license back. The process can be confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., our license reinstatement lawyer in Chicago helps drivers throughout Illinois navigate the reinstatement process. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward getting back behind the wheel.