Illinois Restricted Driving Permit

If you have recently had your driver’s license suspended in Illinois, you may have found that it is very difficult to navigate your life. Many people who have lost their licenses have found it difficult to get to work, attend school, or do simple errands like going to the grocery store or bank. When seeking Illinois drivers license reinstatement you may first have to obtain a Restricted Driving Permits (RDP).

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 often used as a probationary device in the driver’s license reinstatement process. You can apply for a Restricted Driving Permit through an Administrative Formal or Informal Hearing, depending on your circumstances.

Am I Eligible for a Restricted Driving Permit in Illinois?

There are certain circumstances in which the Illinois Secretary of State will require you to drive on an RDP before you are able to have your driver’s license reinstated. The first is if you are eligible for full reinstatement, however, the SOS determines that you should drive with an RDP for a probationary period.

The other is if you are not eligible for full reinstatement of your license but can show that there is a specific need for you to drive because other means of transportation are not available. Of course, in either case, you must demonstrate that you are not a risk to public safety and have resolved whatever issues landed you in this predicament.

What are the restrictions of the permit?

Restricted Driving Permits are available for specific driving needs: employment, education, medical, support group meetings, family education, daycare, and a few more out of the ordinary situations.

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 8 months, you can apply for a new 12-month permit. If you are eligible for full reinstatement, you can apply for Illinois driver’s license reinstatement after driving on that permit for 9 months. In some cases, you may be required to drive with an RDP for up to five years, and in very rare cases you might be required to drive on an RDP for the rest of your driving lifetime.

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