Illinois’s Traffic Violation Point System

In Illinois, a traffic ticket generally results in fines and fees. However, most driving-related violations also lead to driver's license demerit points. This article explains Illinois's traffic violation point system and the consequences of racking up too many points.

How Does Illinois's Traffic Violation Point System Work?

For most traffic violations, drivers will receive points on their record. The number of points generally depend on the seriousness of the offense (see chart below).

Drivers who get too many points face license suspension. However, points don't stay on your record forever, and suspension is generally only possible if you get three or more violations within two years (explained below).

License Suspension for Accumulating Too Many Points in Illinois

Illinois has a multi-stage point system based on the driver's age, number of prior suspensions in the last seven years, and types of prior suspensions.

Illinois Drivers Who Are 21 and Older

Drivers who are at least 21 years old are subject to the following penalties after obtaining three or more traffic violation convictions within 24 months.

Points	No prior suspensions	One prior suspension	Two prior suspensions (or suspension for no insurance)
0 to 14	No action	No action	No action
15 to 44	2-month suspension	4-month suspension	12-month suspension
45 to 74	6-month suspension	6-month suspension	12-month suspension
75 to 89	6-month suspension	12-month suspension	12-month suspension
90 to 99	9-month suspension	12-month suspension	12-month suspension
100 to 109	12-month suspension	12-month suspension	12-month suspension
110 or more	Revocation	Revocation	Revocation

Illinois Drivers Who Are Younger Than 21

Drivers who are under 21 years old face similar penalties to older drivers. However, a suspension can occur after only two traffic violation convictions within 24 months.

Points	No prior suspensions	One prior suspension	Two prior suspensions (or suspension for no insurance)
0 to 9	No action	No action	No action
10 to 34	1-month suspension	2-month suspension	12-month suspension
35 to 49	3-month suspension	6-month suspension	12-month suspension
50 to 64	6-month suspension	12-month suspension	12-month suspension
65 to 79	12-month suspension	12-month suspension	12-month suspension
80 or more	Revocation	Revocation	Revocation

Notice

If the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles finds that a driver is subject to suspension, it will issue a notice of revocation. However, all drivers can request a hearing and contest the grounds for suspension or revocation.

Getting a Restricted License After a Point Suspension in Illinois

A hearing officer who affirms the suspension is authorized to issue a restricted license to a driver who shows undue hardship from a suspension. The license will be limited to operation to and from school, work, and medical appointments.

These points are used by the state to identify drivers who may be a danger on the roadway. License-related penalties result if a driver acquires too many points within a certain period of time.

Point Values for Traffic Violations in Illinois

Here are the points assigned to some of the most common traffic violations.

Violation	Points assessed
No CDL (commercial license) in possession	50
Texting or cellphone use in commercial vehicle	20
Disobeying an officer	10
Disregard traffic light or signal	20
Failure to report collision	25 (50 points if injury)
Failure to notify of property damage	15
Open container	25
Reckless driving	55
Screeching tires	10
Excess speed for conditions	10
Speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over limit	5
Speeding 11 to 14 miles per hour over limit	15
Speeding 15 to 25 miles per hour over limit	20
Speeding more than 25 miles per hour over limit	50
Speeding in school or work zone	20
Driving too slow	5 (20 if on tollway)
Speeding on bridge	10
Improper passing	20
Wrong way on one-way street	5
Following too closely	25
Improper turn	10
Improper U-turn	15
Improper signal or failure to yield	15
Failure to yield to a pedestrian	20
Broken headlight, taillight, or other equipment	5
Use of video or phone that results in injury	30