Accumulating Too Many Points on Your Driving Record Can Result in License Suspension

 Posted on June 12, 2019 in Uncategorized

Illinois state law treats driving as a privilege which is subject to revocation for a multitude of reasons. You probably already know that certain things, like being caught drinking and driving, can result in a person’s driver’s license being suspended. An Illinois driver can also lose his or her ability to legally dive for things like not paying child support or obeying a court summons. Even relatively benign infractions like forgetting to pay paying traffic tickets or other fines can cost you your driving privileges. In this post, we will discuss another way you can have your license suspended: accumulating too many points on your Illinois driving record.

Understanding the Illinois Driver’s License Points System

Illinois, like most states, has a points system that is used to keep track of drivers’ traffic offenses. Traffic violations are assigned point values based on the severity of the violation. Each time a driver commits a traffic violation, points are added to his or her driving record. For example, a speeding violation can result in an addition of 5-50 points depending on how fast the driver was going. Texting while driving carries and running a red light both carry a penalty of 20 points. Driving the wrong way on a one-way street is a 5-point infraction.

Too Many Points Can Lead to License Suspension or Revocation

Some traffic convictions result in an automatic license suspension or revocation. Driving without a valid driver’s license or driving permit, fleeing or attempting to elude police, and street racing result in an immediate license suspension. One of the most common reasons Illinois drivers lose their license is because they are caught driving under the influence (DUI). Those who fail a chemical blood alcohol content test (such as a Breathalyzer) face an administrative “statutory summary suspension” of their driver’s license for six months. If you are convicted, you will lose your driving privileges for one year. Subsequent DUI charges result in longer license suspensions.

In Illinois, three or more traffic violation convictions within a 12-month period also results in a license suspension. The length of time that your driver’s license is suspended is based on the number of points you have accumulated.

• 15 to 44 points: 2-month license suspension;
• 45 to 74 points: 3-month license suspension;
• 75 to 89 points: 6-month license suspension;
• 90 to 99 points: 9-month license suspension; and
• 100 or more points: 12-month license suspension.

A Joliet, IL Traffic Violation Defense Lawyer Can Help

Speak with a Will County traffic violation defense attorney if you are facing a driver’s license suspension or revocation. Call the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., today at 815-740-4025 to set up a free consultation.