Several years ago I ran a stop sign in Illinois. Will this be on my record forever?

Illinois is one of many states that accrue points on your driving record for traffic violations; however, those points do end up clearing your driving record after a specified period.

There are additional penalties for those who accumulate an excessive number of convictions or an excessive number of points. Those who have three traffic violation convictions in twelve months may have their driver’s license suspended or revoked. The length of the suspension or revocation depends on the total number of points and if they led to a prior suspension or revocation.

In addition, the points a driver accrues remain on their record for varying lengths of time, depending on the violation:

• Moving violations remain on a driving record for 4 to 5 years

• Points that lead to a suspension or revocation remain on a driving record for 7 years

• Alcohol and drug offenses remain on a driving record for life

If your moving violation is the only mark on your record, it will continue to show on your driving record for four to five years. While some states offer the opportunity to expunge convictions for various crimes, Illinois only allows expungement for crimes that were dismissed, set aside, or pardoned. Unless a traffic ticket attorney can help you obtain a dismissal or pardon of the traffic violation, you may have to wait for the five-year period to expire.