Why Public Transportation is Not a Solution to DUI License Loss

 Posted on January 14, 2025 in DUI/DWI

Even in major cities like Chicago, we are still a very car-dependent society. Especially if you live in the surrounding suburbs instead of in the downtown area, public transportation is not always as accessible or convenient as we would like it to be. Most people still rely on their cars to get to work, do their grocery shopping, and maintain a social life. If your license is suspended due to a DUI, you may need to find alternate ways to do all of these things for several months to a year. Some drivers who have had a DUI will be eligible for a temporary restricted license that can allow them to drive for limited essential purposes, like going to work or to medical appointments. An experienced Grundy County, IL DUI license reinstatement lawyer may be able to help you get back to driving faster.

The Time Cost of Using Public Transportation

You will need to factor in the time it takes to use public transportation instead of driving. If it normally takes you 45 minutes to drive to work, you can reasonably expect it will take you an hour and a half to get there by bus or train. You will likely need to change trains or change from a bus to a train, which means time spent waiting at a transport stop. Since public transportation does not usually take you right to your destination, you may also have a bit of a walk from your home to your first stop and then from your last stop to your destination.

People who are on a tight schedule - for example, if you usually go straight from work to your night classes or right from one part-time job to another, the time cost of needing to use public transportation can be significant.

When Public Transportation Cannot be Used at All 

Public transportation is not useful in every situation. You may not be able to rely on public transportation: 

• With pets - Taking your pet to the vet or dog park might require you to find a ride from someone with a car. 
• After-hours - Public transportation does not run 24/7, so you may need to find alternate transportation if you get off work late or start very early. 
• With groceries - Getting home with a week's worth of groceries may not be easy, nor is it even possible to use public transportation. 
• If you have safety concerns - Depending on your route and your personal risk factors, public transportation is not always safe for everyone. 

Contact a Grundy County, IL DUI License Reinstatement Attorney

Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. is dedicated to helping people get back to driving faster after a license suspension. Experienced Joliet, IL DUI license suspension lawyer Jack Zaremba will strive to get you a temporary restricted permit until your full license can be restored. Contact us at 815-740-4025 for a complimentary consultation.