Up until January 1, 2016, individuals received a lifetime revocation of their driver’s license with any combination of four or more of the following convictions:
- Driving Under the Influence (also known as a DUI)
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death or Personal Injury
- Reckless Homicide
Also commonly referred to as “The Four Strikes Rule,” an Illinois lifetime revocation meant that the individual could not apply for reinstatement or a Restricted Driving Permit if the last arrest that resulted in conviction took place on or after January 1, 1999.
Since this change in legislation, Illinois residents with a lifetime revocation may be able to apply for a Restricted Driving Permit if they meet certain conditions.
Am I Eligible for Reinstatement?
Although the regulations for license reinstatement are strict, it does not mean that it is impossible to regain your driving privileges after a lifetime revocation in Illinois. Before you are eligible to apply, you must first meet both of these conditions:
- Five years must have passed since the effective date of the lifetime revocation of your driver’s license in Illinois or, if you were imprisoned, five years must have passed since your release.
- You must also remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs for three years.
If you meet these conditions, you can apply for a restricted driver’s license once you pay a reinstatement fee to the Illinois Secretary of State. Additional requirements may need to be met before your Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) or full reinstatement is granted.
Keep in mind, applying for reinstatement or RDP does not guarantee that you will regain your driving privileges. If you have a formal hearing as a revoked driver, the hearing officer must evaluate the evidence of your accident before deciding if your privileges can be reinstated.
You can increase your chances of a successful outcome by having an experienced driver’s license reinstatement attorney advocating for your rights.
We Will Fight for Your Driving Privileges After A DUI Conviction.
The law firm of Johnson & Goldrich, P.C. have over 25 years of combined experience navigating the complexities of license reinstatements after a lifetime revocation. Our knowledgeable team has appeared at more than ten thousand formal and informal hearings with the Illinois Secretary of State. In that time, we have had an outstanding track record of obtaining successful outcomes for Illinois drivers.
If you or a loved one have your motor vehicle license revoked for life after a DUI or other incident, then contact our firm.
Call or text our office to schedule an appointment at 312-795-1801.