Can Traffic Tickets Lead to an Illinois Driver’s License Suspension?

 Posted on March 02, 2022 in Uncategorized

It is likely that at some point during their life, everyone will receive a traffic ticket of some sort. There are a multitude of laws that apply to drivers, and it can be easy to make a mistake that is considered a traffic violation. These violations can range in severity from a basic charge of exceeding the speed limit to more serious offenses such as reckless driving. While a single violation may not be especially serious, and a person may simply be required to pay a fine, multiple violations could potentially lead to the suspension of a person’s driver’s license. By understanding when these types of suspensions may occur, drivers can determine the steps they will need to take to avoid the loss of their driving privileges.

Understanding the Illinois Driver’s License Point System

As is true in many states, Illinois uses a system in which traffic violations will result in points being added to a driver’s record. If a person receives three or more traffic violations within one year, their license may be suspended, and the length of the suspension will depend on the number of points they have accumulated.

The number of points added to a person’s record will depend on the severity of a violation. Some common violations and their point values include:

• Speeding less than 10 mph above the speed limit: 5 points
• Speeding 11-14 mph above the speed limit: 15 points
• Speeding 15-25 mph above the speed limit: 20 points
• Speeding more than 25 mph above the speed limit: 50 points
• Speeding in a school zone or construction zone: 20 points
• Texting or using a handheld phone while driving: 20 points
• Disobeying a traffic sign or signal: 20 points
• Illegal passing: 20 points
• Failure to use a turn signal: 15 points
• Failure to yield the right of way to other vehicles: 15 points
• Failure to stop or yield to pedestrians crossing the road at intersections or crosswalks: 20 points
• Tailgating: 25 points
• Reckless driving: 55 points
• Failure to stop and exchange information following a car accident: 25 points if the accident only involved damage to vehicles or other property, or 50 points if an accident resulted in an injury or death

Based on the number of points a person has accumulated after committing three or more traffic violations, their license will be suspended as follows:

• At least 15 points: suspension for two months
• At least 45 points: suspension for three months
• At least 75 points: suspension for six months
• At least 90 points: suspension for nine months
• At least 100 points: suspension for 12 months
• At least 110 points: driver’s license revocation

While a person will generally be able to regain their driving privileges following a period of suspension, a driver will need to take action to reinstate a license that has been revoked. In these cases, they will need to demonstrate that they have taken the correct steps to ensure that they will be able to drive safely after they get their license back.

Contact Our Joliet Traffic Violations Lawyer

What may seem like a minor traffic violation could potentially affect your ability to maintain a valid driver’s license. To avoid these consequences, you can work with an attorney who can help you defend against a conviction. For legal help with these issues, contact our Will County traffic ticket defense attorney at 815-740-4025 and set up your free consultation today.