In Illinois, a traffic ticket generally results in fines and fees. However, most driving-related violations also lead to driver's license demerit points. 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.
Here are the points assigned to some of the most common traffic violations.
|
Violation |
Points assessed |
|
No CDL (commercial license) in possession |
50 |
|
20 |
|
|
Disobeying an officer |
10 |
|
20 |
|
|
Failure to report collision |
25 (50 points if injury) |
|
Failure to notify of property damage |
15 |
|
25 |
|
|
55 |
|
|
Screeching tires |
10 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
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.
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 |
Drivers who are under 21 years old face similar penalties to older drivers. However, a suspension can occur after only two traffic violation conviction 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 |
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 are permitted to request a hearing and contest the grounds for suspension or revocation.
A hearing officer that affirms the suspension is authorized to issue a restricted license to a driver that shows undue hardship from a suspension. The license will be limited to operation to and from school, work, and medical appointments.