Law enforcement departments in Illinois have noticed a disturbing trend. After being convicted of a DUI, individuals visit another state for the purpose of obtaining out-of-state licenses after being suspended in Illinois. A man in Romeoville just tried this exact ploy. After his license was suspended after being convicted of multiple DUIs, he visited Iowa to get a new one. After he did, he returned to Illinois before being pulled over and charged again with a DUI.

Police in Illinois say that this is not actually all that unusual. It is becoming a recurring trend and one that they obviously want to stop. Drivers that are thinking about trying the scheme should know that it comes with serious penalties.

The Driver’s License Interstate Compact

There are many reasons a person may have their license suspended, or even revoked, in Illinois. A DUI conviction will certainly strip someone of their license, even for a first offense. Sometimes a lesser offense, such as failing to pay traffic tickets, is enough to have a license suspended. Whatever the reason for it, many people mistakenly believe that driving on a license that has been suspended or revoked does not come with serious consequences. They believe that if they are caught, it will be like any other minor traffic offense, and the most they will face is a fine. That is wrong.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense. Depending on the circumstances, you could even face jail time for it.

Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License

Many people use the terms ‘license suspension’ and ‘license revocation’ interchangeably. While it is true that each will take away your driving privileges for some time, there are differences between a license suspension and revocation. If you are facing charges for a DUI, underage drinking, or any other offense that could result in you losing your license, it is important you understand what those differences are.

A Driver’s License Suspension in Illinois

A driver’s license suspension in Illinois means that you still have your driver’s license, but it is invalid for a period of time. During this time, you are unable to drive.

A driver’s license suspension can happen for a number of reasons. Perhaps you were charged with a DUI, or had too many points on your license. Whatever the reason, now you want your license back. And to get it back, you will need to attend a driver’s license reinstatement hearing.

These hearings are held at the Secretary of State Formal Hearing Offices, and the process can be intimidating. Lawyers are present to represent the Secretary of State, and whether or not you can start driving again all depends on the outcome. For your best chance at success, below are some tips to follow that can help.

Bring All Supporting Documents

Most moving violations do not end up with the driver being sentenced to a license revocation. In fact, even when serious bodily injury has occurred, the driver is typically allowed to drive that very same day so long as they are not seriously injured. However, in some circumstances, a court may revoke a driver’s license without a hearing, as per Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/6-206 Discretionary authority to suspend or revoke license or permit; right to a hearing.

If a driver’s behavior falls under one of 48 different categories, they may lose their license immediately, and without a hearing, if the court believes that is the best course of action to keep other road users safe. These specific behaviors and actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The driver committed an offense that requires license or permit revocation upon conviction;
• The driver has been convicted of three or more moving traffic violations in any 12 month period;
• The driver has repeatedly been involved in motor vehicle collisions, or has repeatedly been convicted of traffic offenses to a degree that indicates lack of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable care, or disrespect for traffic laws and the safety of other people;
• While driving illegally, the driver caused bodily injury to another road user;
• The driver utilized a fake driver’s license;
• The driver refused to submit to an examination or failed an examination under Section 620-7;
• The driver used false statements or submitted false facts in order to gain a driver’s license;
• The driver possessed, displayed, or attempted to display a driver’s license that was not their own;
• The driver operated a motor vehicle on a state highway with an invalid driver’s license;
• The driver fled the scene of a crash in which $1,000 or more in property damage occurred;
• The driver, while driving, was found to be possessing an illegal controlled substance on their person or in their vehicle; and
• The driver refused to submit to a breath test or their blood alcohol content was found to be 0.08 or higher while driving a motor vehicle.

At Least Seven Million People Across the Country Have Lost Their License Due to Debt