How Can Illinois’ Driver’s License Points System Lead to a License Suspension or Revocation?

 Posted on March 09, 2019 in Uncategorized

Contrary to what some people may believe, driving is very much a privilege and not a right. There are actually quite a few ways in which an Illinois driver can lose his or her driving privileges in Illinois. Not paying child support, being convicted of DUI, not obeying a court summons, and not paying traffic tickets or fines are all ways that you can lose your driving privileges in Illinois. There is also another way you can lose your driving privileges: accumulating too many points on your Illinois driving record.

Illinois’ Driver’s License Points System

Like almost all states, the state of Illinois has a points system in place that applies to each and every driver in the state. Traffic violations are each assigned a points value and every time you commit a traffic violation, the number of points corresponding to the specific violation will be added to your driving record. The number of points that are assigned to a specific traffic violation depend on the severity of the violation - more serious violations will have a higher point value, while lesser violations may only carry a few points. Common traffic violations and the points they carry include:

• Speeding: 5-50 points, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving;
• Texting while driving: 20 points;
• Running a red light: 20 points; and
• Driving the wrong way on a one-way street: 5 points.

Points System and License Suspensions and Revocations

Most traffic violations will carry a specific number of points. According to the Illinois points system, there are a few traffic convictions that are serious enough to warrant an automatic license suspension or revocation. These violations include:

• DUI;
• Driving without a valid driver’s license or permit;
• Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer; and
• Street racing.

If you commit three or more traffic offenses within a 12-month period, Illinois law states that disciplinary action will be taken. The more points you have on your record, the more severe the punishment.

A Joliet, IL Traffic Violation Defense Lawyer Can Help

Driving is one of those things that we take for granted - we usually do not miss it until it is gone. Losing your driving privileges can make your everyday life unnecessarily difficult, which is why hiring a Will County traffic violation defense attorney is crucial if you are facing a driver’s license suspension or revocation. The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., can help you avoid a license suspension or revocation. Call our office today at 815-740-4025 to set up a free consultation.