It’s easy to take our ability to drive for granted. It’s only when losing our driving privileges that we’re able to fully realize how difficult it can be if your driver’s license is suspended or revoked.
It’s important to remember that not all losses of driving privileges are equal. In Illinois, you can either have your license suspended or revoked. Having your license revoked is more severe than having your license suspended.
A suspension is generally a short-term loss of your driving privileges for a set period of time. A revoked license, on the other hand, will result in a longer-term loss of driving privileges. When someone’s license is revoked, they’re typically unable to drive for 1-5 years, if not longer.
Because having your license revoked can carry such significant penalties, it’s important to recognize which actions can lead the Secretary of State to revoke a license. Common offenses that can cause license revocation include:
- DUI conviction: A criminal DUI conviction will lead to a revoked driver’s license, even on the first offense. The first conviction will result in a 1-year revocation. These revocation periods increase to five years (2nd offense), 10 years (3rd offense) or a lifetime revocation (4th offense).
- Reckless homicide: Anyone convicted of a reckless homicide won’t be allowed to apply for reinstatement for two years from the date of revocation.
- Leaving the scene of an accident: Leaving an accident scene where someone was injured or died before the police arrive can lead to revocation.
Other offenses that can lead to license revocation include drag racing or fleeing from a police officer after you’ve been directed to pull over.
Losing your license isn’t easy. That’s why it’s important have a strong plan in place when heading into a reinstatement hearing. Consulting with an attorney can help you fully understand what your options are when seeking reinstatement of your driving privileges.
