Driver’s License Suspensions for Missed Court Dates Ending

 Posted on April 07, 2025 in Driver's License Reinstatement

As of January 1, 2025, residents of Illinois will no longer have their driver’s licenses suspended as a result of failure to appear in court for minor traffic violations. It is easy to be so busy that you forget to appear in court for running a stop sign. Before this new bill, a warrant would be issued, your driver’s license would be suspended, and what began as a relatively minor issue could quickly snowball into a huge mess that haunted you for months or even years.

New fines and fees would be assessed, and you could receive a ticket for driving on a suspended license – even if you were unaware your license was suspended. The end result was unjust penalties that disproportionately harmed low-income residents. Governor JB Pritzker signed HB277 into law, ensuring that the state no longer imposes a severe penalty for minor infractions that have previously cost individuals their jobs.  

It is expected that this new law will significantly help those who have had their driver’s licenses suspended for a minor traffic infraction. If you are facing a traffic ticket or are trying to get your driver’s license reinstated following a DUI or other traffic issue, you could benefit from having an experienced legal advocate by your side. A skilled Grundy County, IL driver’s license reinstatement attorney can help you navigate the process of getting your license reinstated after a suspension.  

What Else Does HB277 Do?

HB277 additionally asks for updates to court systems to improve how drivers are notified about court appearances. The goal is to ensure that individuals with minor traffic infractions are aware of their responsibility to appear in court and that if a court date is inadvertently missed, there will be no life-altering consequences. All existing suspensions that have been issued since January 1, 2020, have been cleared under the new law.

A license suspension often results in the loss of employment, triggering more severe charges,  additional court dates, fines and fees, a longer license suspension, and an inability to secure future employment, as well as a lowering of credit scores and the inability to rent or buy a home. More than three-quarters of Illinois residents rely on their vehicles to commute to and from work, and 42 percent of those who have their licenses suspended also lose their jobs as a result.

Having an Illinois Driver’s License Reinstated

The loss of a driver’s license because of a summary suspension following a first-time DUI arrest requires a $250 reinstatement fee to the secretary of state. After serving 30 days of the suspension period, the driver can apply for a monitoring device driving permit, and, once a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) is installed, the driver is allowed to drive. Full reinstatement eligibility for a driver’s license suspension requires the driver to:

• Have a clean driving record, aside from the DUI conviction
• Complete any court-ordered treatment programs
• Prove he or she is eligible for license reinstatement
• Undergo a drug and alcohol assessment
• Pay the reinstatement fee
• Pass a driver’s license exam

There can be many different reasons why the Secretary of State’s office might deny an application for driver’s license reinstatement. This can make it challenging to successfully have a driver’s license reinstated. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can make a positive difference in the outcome.  

Contact a Will County, IL License Reinstatement Lawyer

If you are facing the potential suspension of your driver’s license or are attempting to have your license reinstated, a skilled Grundy County, IL license reinstatement attorney from Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. can help. Attorney Zaremba will ensure your rights are protected while assisting you with your legal issues. To schedule your free consultation, call 815-740-4025.