Having the ability to drive is something that the majority of Americans rely on to go about their day-to-day lives. We use our vehicles to go to work, school, doctor’s appointments, and run errands. Losing the ability to drive can be annoying for some, and it may be financially crippling for others. In Illinois, there are two common ways that you can lose your driving privileges: through a license revocation or a license suspension. Though the terms might seem like they can be used interchangeably, they are actually two different penalties that can apply to drivers, and they carry different consequences.

License Suspensions

A driver’s license suspension is a less-permanent form of losing your driving privileges. Typically, license suspensions are the result of lesser violations when compared to license revocations. If your license is suspended, you will usually lose your driving privileges for a specific length of time. When that period is up, you may pay a reinstatement fee, and you will likely be able to get your driving privileges back unless your offense has specified otherwise. Common reasons your license can be suspended include:

For decades, various organizations in the United States have attempted to lower the number of DUI incidents and drunk driving deaths through a variety of methods. Despite many gains, fatalities continue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 11,000 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes nationwide in 2017. Because DUI deaths remain common, DUI laws have become more strict and judges have sentenced offenders harshly. 

One of the methods Illinois uses to deter DUI offenders from becoming repeat violators is by imposing driver’s license suspensions and revocations on those convicted of DUI. Still, many are given a chance to drive as needed to support themselves and their families.

Though the most common way people have their driver’s license revoked or suspended is through a DUI conviction, there are multiple other ways this can occur. In Illinois, if you fail to appear in court when you are summoned, if you have unpaid parking tickets, if you have not paid court-imposed fines or child support, you could lose your license. 

While it may be difficult to go through your daily routine without driving privileges, it is never a good idea to drive with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Doing so can make a difficult situation significantly tougher, including mandatory incarceration or substantial community service.

There are many consequences you can face after a DUI conviction. Depending on your specific circumstances, you could see hefty fines, jail time and a driver’s license suspension or revocation. If your license is suspended or revoked because of a DUI, you will be required to attend a hearing at the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office in order to apply for a monitoring device driving permit (MDDP), a restricted driving permit (RDP) or a full reinstatement of your driving privileges.

Administrative hearings come in two types: formal and informal. Just like the names sound, a formal hearing is more extensive than an informal hearing. It is important to understand the differences between the two types of hearings so you can be fully prepared when you attend yours with an experienced DUI attorney.

Many people think driving is a right that everyone in the United States should have. In reality, driving is a privilege that can be taken away for a multitude of offenses. 

That is the case in Illinois, where some of the ways you can lose your license may surprise you. If you face a driver’s license suspension from any of these violations, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office will send you a written notice.