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posted on 5/5/14

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Moreover, it is a privilege that comes attached with certain responsibilities, such as following the rules of the road. If a driver fails to live up to those responsibilities, or if a driver violates certain other areas of the law, his driving privileges can be suspended or revoked by the Illinois Secretary of State. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent. “Permanent,” however, does not necessarily mean forever. It is usually possible to reapply for driving privileges once certain conditions are met.

Here are some of the circumstances in which your driving privileges can be suspended:

  • You have been convicted of violating Illinois driving law three times within a 12-month period;
  • You caused a driving accident and owe damages but are uninsured;
  • You were arrested for a DUI (driving under the influence) in Illinois or another state and refused to take an alcohol or drug test;
  • You took a breathalyzer or blood test and had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) reading over the legal limit of 0.08;
  • You failed to stop for a school bus picking up or dropping off children;
  • You have 10 or more unpaid parking tickets;
  • You have five or more unpaid toll violations; or
  • You are delinquent in making child support payments.

Driving with a suspended license leads to serious consequences, including a longer suspension, possible revocation or a prison sentence. Officials may also be able to seize your car. To reinstate your driving privileges, you must attend a hearing. The type of hearing depends on the reason for the suspension. For example, if you were punished for a minor moving violation then you may request an informal hearing. If the offense was more serious, the hearing will be formal. The result of your hearing will be reinstatement of driving privileges, denial of reinstatement or a restricted driving permit.

Reinstating a Revoked License

Here are some of the circumstances in which the Secretary of State may revoke your driver’s license:

  • You have been convicted of a DUI;
  • You are guilty of reckless homicide (you drove recklessly and caused the death of another);
  • You have three reckless driving convictions within a 12-month period;
  • You illegally participated in drag racing;
  • You have been convicted of auto theft;
  • You drove away when the police directed you to stop; or
  • You left the scene of an accident when someone was killed or injured.

If your driving privileges have been revoked, you may not apply for reinstatement for at least one year. Once the year is up, you may submit an application to the Secretary of State requesting reinstatement. Keep in mind that you might not be eligible for full reinstatement. It depends on the severity of the offense that prompted the revocation. If the offense involved alcohol or drugs you will have to pass a drug test.

Contact an Illinois Attorney for Help

You must attend a formal hearing and prove that you are not a danger to public safety. You will need to prepare a comprehensive record of your driving history. This interrogation should not be taken lightly and is best approached with an experienced license reinstatement attorney by your side. The Law Offices of Thomas Glasgow, Ltd. will help you prepare for the hearing and give you the best possible chance of receiving full driving privileges. We can assist those in Chicago and its surrounding counties.