Too Many Tickets Can Cost You Your License

 Posted on August 31, 2015 in Traffic Violation

As you are probably well aware, certain violations of the law can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. Many of the more obvious offenses are related to driving under the influence, such as the refusal to submit to or the failure of a blood alcohol content test. The responsibility for driver’s license suspensions and revocations falls upon the Office of the Secretary of State in Illinois. Under the law, the Secretary’s Office may impose suspensions in a number of other situations as well, including delinquent child support or underage drinking. However, even the most seemingly mundane traffic violations can result in the suspension of your license, depending on your driving history.

Moving Violations

The Illinois Vehicle Code, along with the Office of the Secretary of State, maintains a list of traffic offenses that are considered “moving violations.” The list includes most of the offenses you would expect, such as:

• Speeding and aggravated speeding;
• Disregarding traffic-light, i.e, running a red light;
• Reckless driving;
• Passing in a no-passing zone; and
• Following too closely.

Others, however, may be a little surprising, including leaving the scene of accident, defective brakes, and improper towing of a vehicle.

Illinois Points System

Each offense listed in the law is assigned a point value, based upon its severity. Many violations are further broken down to allow consideration for the degree to which the law was broken. For example, speeding at 10 mph above the posted limit is a five point violation, while speeding at 30 mph or more above the posted limit is valued at 50 points. Reckless driving is considered the most serious of moving violations and carries a point value of 55.

Suspensions

Any Illinois driver age 21 or over who is convicted of three moving violations in a 12-month period will automatically have his or her driving privileges suspended. The length of the suspension is dependent on the total number of accumulated points and any prior suspensions or revocations. Without a history of suspension, a driver can expect a suspension of:

• 15-44 points: two months;
• 45-74 points: three months;
• 75-89 points: six months;
• 90-99 points: nine months;
• 100-109 points: one year; and
• 110 or more points: revocation of driving privileges.

A prior suspension or revocation in the past seven years will result in longer suspension periods.  Drivers under 21 are subject to suspension upon a second conviction in 24 months, and the points scale for suspension length is adjusted accordingly.

If you have received a citation for a moving violation, it important to understand how your life can possibly be affected. Contact an experienced Chicago traffic violations lawyer today and get the answers you need. Call 312-629-0669 for your free consultation.

Sources:

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

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/092/092010400000300R.html