Can I Lose My Driver's License Through Illinois’ Points System?

 Posted on July 16, 2019 in Traffic Law

There is more than one way to lose your driving privileges in Illinois; in fact, there are dozens of ways you could have your driver's license taken away for either a specific or indefinite period of time. Even actions unrelated to driving, such as not paying child support or failing to obey a court summons, can affect your ability to drive freely. Perhaps one of the most common ways for Illinoisians to lose their driving privileges is to accumulate too many points on their driving record because of traffic violations.

The Illinois Points System

Most states have a driver’s license points system that applies to everyone who holds a driver’s license, and Illinois is no exception. In Illinois, each time you are convicted of a moving violation, a certain number of points is added to your driving record. The number of points added depends on the specific violation you were convicted of. Typically, more serious violations will result in a higher number of points added to your record, while lesser violations are not worth as many points. Common moving violations and their corresponding points are as follows:

• Speeding: 5-50 points, depending on how fast you were going over the limit

• Passing a school bus illegally: 25 points

• Using a cell phone while driving: 20 points

• Failing to obey a traffic light: 20 points

License Suspensions and Revocation

While most traffic violations will result in the accumulation of points and a ticket, there are a few traffic violations that will result in an automatic driver’s license suspension or revocation. These violations include:

• Driving while under the influence (DUI)

• Street racing

• Fleeing or eluding a police officer

• Driving without a valid driver’s license or permit

If you are convicted of three or more traffic offenses within a 12-month period, you must appear in traffic court where a judge will decide whether your license will be suspended or revoked. To make this decision, the judge will examine your driving record and look at the offenses you were convicted of and the number of points they carry. Typically, the higher the number of points you have on your record, the more serious your punishment will be.

Contact a DuPage County Traffic Violations Defense Attorney Today

Many people believe that driving is a right, but it is very much a privilege that can be taken away if the state sees fit. If you have received a traffic ticket, you should talk with a knowledgeable Wheaton, IL traffic violations defense lawyer. At the Davi Law Group, LLC, we will discuss your situation with you and determine the best course of action to avoid accumulating too many points on your driving record. Our goal is to keep you on the road. Call our office today at 630-580-6373 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_dc19.pdf

https://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/point-system.php