Illinois No Longer Suspends Drivers’ Licenses For Non-Moving Violations

In the state of Illinois, more than 50,000 drivers’ licenses are suspended each year because of a driver’s inability to pay various fines. A bill was recently signed into law to discontinue the practice of suspending or canceling the drivers’ licenses of Illinois motorists who cannot afford to pay tickets, fines, or fees. The bill, dubbed the “License to Work Act,” also allows for the reinstatement of more than 55,000 driver’s licenses, many of which were suspended for non-moving violations, which are traffic offenses that involve a stationary vehicle.

Previous Reasons for License Suspension

Before the act was signed into law, as an Illinois driver, you could have your license suspended for various reasons that had nothing to do with driving. The new law eliminates the potential to have your driver’s license suspended for non-moving traffic violations, which occur when you are not operating a vehicle. Examples of the types of violations that previously could have resulted in a driver’s license suspension include:

• Failing to pay parking or tollway tickets, fines, or fees

• Being considered a “truant minor”

• Failing to pay court-ordered fines or fees

• Committing criminal trespass to a vehicle

• Committing motor fuel theft

Previous Process to Reinstate Your License

Prior to the new law, if you had your driver’s license suspended or revoked for any of the above reasons, there was a certain process you had to go through to get your driver’s license reinstated. You had to fill out the appropriate paperwork and pay the reinstatement fee for the corresponding violation for which you lost your driving privileges. Before you could do this, however, you also had to make sure any prior fines, fees, or tickets were paid. Typically, non-moving violations also carried a $70 driver’s license reinstatement fee.

Now, rather than requiring offenders who may be unemployed or destitute to pay exorbitant fines and fees, the law allows those whose driver’s licenses were suspended or revoked due to any of the qualifying reasons to have their revocation or suspension canceled, effectively giving them the right to drive again and the ability to get back to work.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney 

Having a driver’s license is something that many people take for granted until their driving privileges are taken away from them. There are many reasons why a driver’s license can be suspended or revoked, including DUI or other major traffic violations. If you are facing charges that can result in your license suspension or revocation, you should talk with an Arlington Heights, IL traffic violations defense lawyer right away. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law has the experience you need to effectively address driver’s license reinstatement. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 847-253-3400.

Sources:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/losepriv.html

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/dlreinstatement.html

https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-license-suspension-unpaid-tickets-20200117-y6gej7q6k5gitcoqre6hut5yuy-story.html

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b5b9595c3c16ae8c41ee8a7/t/5ce74ba3eb393130e7021206/1558662109554/License2Work+One+Pager+2019_v15.pdf