Steps for Getting Your Driving Privileges Reinstated

 Posted on August 05, 2015 in Criminal Defense

When driving privileges are taken away in Illinois, they may be taken away in one of three manners:

• Driver’s License Suspension. When your driver’s license is suspended, your driving privileges have temporarily been withdrawn. You will get your driving privileges back so long as you do not do anything to make your situation worse. A suspension only lasts for a designated amount of time, or until you pay or reach an agreement concerning payment for money that you owe, such as for outstanding child support or unpaid court fines.
• Driver’s License Revocation. When your driver’s license is revoked, your driving privileges have been taken away indefinitely, and there is no guarantee that you will ever get them reinstated.
• Driver’s License Cancellation. When your driver’s license is canceled, you have no driving privileges in Illinois.

Reinstatement Of Your Driver’s License

Getting your driver’s license reinstated takes work. The Illinois Secretary of State has offered guidance on what you must do to get your license back. Below are the steps you need to take in order to get your driver’s license reinstated.

1. Must be eligible. You must be eligible for reinstatement, meaning that you have reached your eligibility date for reinstatement of your driver’s license.
2. Schedule and attend a consultation with a hearing officer. Consult with an informal hearing officer about your driving record and why your license was suspended or revoked. The officer will provide guidance concerning your requirements for getting your license reinstated.
3. Complete the relevant alcohol and/or drug requirements. If applicable, you will need to complete an alcohol and/or drug evaluation, which must be performed by a licensed Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse provider, within the six months leading up to your reinstatement hearing. You will be classified into one of three categories by the evaluator, and your classification determines the additional requirements you must satisfy to get your license back.
   • Low risk. Low risk individuals must complete an alcohol and/or drug remedial education program.
   • Moderate to significant risk. These individuals must also complete the same alcohol and/or drug remedial education program as discussed above. Further, moderate risk individuals must provide proof that they have completed an early intervention, while significant risk individuals must provide proof that they have completed a recommended alcohol/drug treatment program with periodic updates about their status thereafter.
   • High risk. High risk individuals must provide proof that they have completed a recommended alcohol/drug treatment program with periodic updates about their status thereafter.
     • If the high risk individual is not dependent on drugs or alcohol, proof of abstinence or non-problematic use must be provided, as well as a clinical explanation that the person is not dependent upon drugs or alcohol.
     • If the high risk individual is dependent on drugs or alcohol, three independent sources must vouch for the individual’s abstinence from drugs or alcohol in writing, and three members of the individual’s support or recovery group must vouch for the individual’s participation in these programs in writing.
4. Attend your hearing. Formal hearings must be requested in writing, with payment of a filing fee, and are for serious offenses, such as accidents involving a death or repeat DUI offenses. Informal hearings are for less serious offenses or first-time alcohol or drug related offenses.
5. Provide proof of financial responsibility. You must next file proof that you have minimum liability insurance with the Secretary of State’s office, which must be maintained for a period of three years. Submissions must be of a certified insurance policy, surety bond or cash deposit, and must be made on an SR-22 certificate.
6. Pay reinstatement fee. Finally, you must pay the fee associated with your specific type of reinstatement.

Call the Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley

When your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, it can make getting around a challenge. Get your license reinstated as soon as possible. Please contact a skilled Rolling Meadows defense attorney immediately. Call the Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley. Our phone number is (847) 394-3200.