Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
If you have received a traffic ticket in Illinois, you may be concerned about how it will affect your driving record and whether it will lead to a suspension of your driver’s license. The Illinois Secretary of State operates a point system to track traffic violations, and accumulating too many points can have serious consequences. As an experienced Illinois criminal defense and traffic attorney, I have helped countless clients navigate the Illinois point system, fight traffic tickets, and protect their driving privileges. Understanding how this system works is crucial if you are facing a traffic violation and want to minimize the impact on your record.
What Is the Illinois Secretary of State Point System?
The Illinois Secretary of State’s point system is a method of assigning demerit points to drivers who are convicted of traffic violations. When you receive a traffic citation and either pay the ticket or are found guilty in court, points are added to your driving record. The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the violation. If you accumulate too many points, your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked.
How Many Points Are Assigned for Traffic Violations?
Different traffic violations carry different point values. Here are some common offenses and the corresponding points:
- Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit – 5 points
- Speeding 11-14 mph over the limit – 15 points
- Speeding 15-25 mph over the limit – 20 points
- Speeding more than 25 mph over the limit – 50 points
- Disregarding a traffic signal or stop sign – 20 points
- Improper lane usage – 20 points
- Failure to yield right of way – 15 points
- Following too closely – 25 points
- Reckless driving – 55 points
- Driving with a suspended license – 50 points
Each violation adds to your cumulative point total, and if you reach a certain threshold, the Illinois Secretary of State can take action against your driver’s license.
When Does the Illinois Secretary of State Suspend a License?
The length of a suspension depends on the number of points accumulated and whether you have previous offenses. For drivers aged 21 and older, the following suspension periods generally apply:
- 15 to 44 points – No suspension (but the offense remains on your record)
- 45 to 74 points – 2-month suspension
- 75 to 89 points – 3-month suspension
- 90 to 99 points – 6-month suspension
- 100+ points – 12-month suspension
For drivers under 21, the penalties are stricter. A single moving violation can lead to a suspension if the driver has prior offenses.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?
Points from traffic violations remain on your Illinois driving record for at least four to five years. However, certain serious offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run violations, may stay on your record permanently.
How a Traffic Attorney Can Help You Avoid Points and License Suspension
If you have received a traffic ticket, you should consider hiring an experienced Illinois traffic lawyer to help you avoid a conviction and the points that come with it. Here’s how an attorney can assist you:
- Fighting the Ticket in Court
Many people assume they have no choice but to pay the ticket, but this is not always the best option. By pleading guilty and paying the fine, you are admitting to the violation, and points will be added to your record. A skilled traffic attorney can challenge the ticket and may be able to get it dismissed.
- Negotiating a Reduced Charge
In some cases, a lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce your charge to a non-moving violation. Non-moving violations, such as improper parking or failure to display a license plate, do not carry points, which means they won’t affect your driving record.
- Seeking Court Supervision
Illinois offers court supervision as an alternative to a conviction. If you qualify, you may be able to avoid a conviction and prevent points from being added to your record. A lawyer can help you present your case to the judge and argue for court supervision.
- Representing You in a License Suspension Hearing
If you have accumulated enough points for a suspension, you have the right to a hearing before the Illinois Secretary of State. A traffic attorney can represent you at the hearing and argue for a reduced penalty or reinstatement of your driving privileges.
- Assisting with a Hardship or Restricted Driving Permit
If your license is suspended, an attorney may be able to help you obtain a hardship or restricted driving permit (RDP), which allows you to drive for work, school, or medical appointments.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Traffic Ticket
Ignoring a traffic ticket can lead to increased fines, a driver’s license suspension, and even a warrant for your arrest. If you fail to respond to a citation, the court may enter a default judgment against you, leading to a conviction and points on your record. Additionally, some offenses, such as driving with a suspended license, carry criminal penalties, including jail time.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Traffic Attorney Today
If you are facing a traffic violation in Illinois, it is important to take action to protect your driving record and avoid points that could lead to a suspension. James Dimeas is a Criminal Defense & Traffic Lawyer, with extensive experience handling traffic cases, from minor infractions to serious charges.
He understands the Illinois Secretary of State point system and knows how to fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Whether you need help contesting a ticket, negotiating a reduced charge, or representing you in a license suspension hearing, he is here to help.
James Dimeas, is a nationally-recognized, award-winning, criminal defense lawyer, with over-32 years of experience handling criminal cases in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Lake County. Recently, James Dimeas was named a “Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer in the State of Illinois for the Year” by the American Society of Legal Advocates. James Dimeas was named a “Best DUI Attorney” and a “Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago” by Expertise. James Dimeas was named a “Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer” by the National Trial Lawyers. The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys awarded James Dimeas the “Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of Illinois.” James Dimeas is rated “Superb” by AVVO, the highest classification possible for any criminal defense lawyer in the United States. The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys recognized James Dimeas as a “10 Best Attorney for Client Satisfaction.” Attorney and Practice Magazine gave James Dimeas the “Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney Award for Illinois.
Call Now for a Free Consultation
Don’t let a traffic ticket jeopardize your driving privileges. Contact James Dimeas, at 847-807-7405 today, to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with an experienced Illinois traffic attorney. He will fight to protect your rights and keep your record clean.
Additional Blogs:
What Is Distracted Driving?, Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog, by James Dimeas, September 9, 2021.