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How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in Illinois?

Updated on June 7, 2023 → Under

Do you need to know how long do points stay on your license? In Illinois, points will stay on your driving record for four years from the date of your violation. However, if you have been convicted of one or more serious traffic violations within this time frame, the points can remain on your record for up to five years. Points are assigned to drivers who have committed a variety of traffic offenses and increase with each violation. 

The traffic violation attorneys at Dohman Law are knowledgeable in handling the intricacies of the Illinois point system. Call today at 847-359-4005 to start your FREE CONSULTATION!

Explaining the Illinois Point System and How It Operates

The Illinois point system monitors common traffic violations, including driving above the speed limit, running red lights, and driving with a broken headlight or tail light, and determines whether to suspend or revoke a license.

Points accumulate based on the number of reckless driving violations within 12 months. A driver can receive a two or three-month suspension depending on the points acquired for minor traffic violations. While 45 to 74 traffic violation conviction points result in a 3-month license withdrawal. Drivers 21 years or older need at least 15 points in 12 month period of time to face a license revocation.

a woman holding up her new driver's license, How Long Do Points Stay on Your License

Illinois traffic law points system is important in determining driving privileges after a violation. These traffic charges and punishments ensure safety on the road and promote responsible driving. Drivers have a responsibility to maintain clean driving records and promote road safety.

How Long Will Points Remain on Your License in Illinois?

If you get a traffic ticket, the points can stay on your record for at least five years. By paying the ticket online, you acknowledge your responsibility and may receive negative consequences such as accumulating points on your license. If you don't address them, you might have your driver's license suspended. Any subsequent offenses within five years will factor in the previous points.

Even minor infractions can have costly and time-consuming consequences, so it's advisable to fully comprehend traffic laws before driving and keep your driving record clean.

What is the Point Threshold for a Suspended Driver's License?

Lengths of license suspension are based on how many points you may have accumulated. Depending on how many points you rack up and your age, the suspensions can differ from a two-month suspension to a nine-month suspension.

Those under the age of 21, must be particularly vigilant when it comes to safe driving and not breaking any traffic rules. As little as 10 points can lead to a suspension of 1 month in duration, even without prior suspensions. Careless driving suspensions can grow up to 12 months for two prior suspensions if at least 10 points have been accumulated.

a woman sitting in her car showcasing her new license

For those over 21 years old, the point threshold is higher but still quite strict. 15 points are enough for a 2-month license suspension, even without priors, with an extra two months added if there has been one prior suspension. Two or more priors can incur a 12-month suspension period if the driver accumulates 15 points. The worst outcome for a high-risk driver is having 110 or more, which will permanently revoke your license privileges.

How to Remove Points From Your Driving Record

Unfortunately, most people find themselves in a situation where they have to cope with points on their driver’s licenses due to convictions for traffic violations. Whether it is due to a common offense or a major offense such as an unfortunate motor vehicle accident, these points can remain on your license for up to five years and can prevent you from being able to drive legally. The potential consequences of violating traffic laws can be stressful, especially if facing a third offense and possible license suspension.

Acquiring legal representation from Rolling Meadows traffic lawyers like Dohman Law Group can be beneficial in dealing with traffic convictions. An experienced traffic attorney can petition for the points to be removed from the driver's record after 5 years. Before that, there are no options for early removal from the driver record without consequences. Improved driving behavior and attending traffic school can improve outcomes. However, points will still be on file. It should also be noted that points eventually expire on their own over time.

How Points on Your License Can Affect Your Car Insurance Rate

Having a poor driving record can make saving on auto insurance rates seem difficult. The number of points on your license is the main factor that affects insurance rates, and these points result from violations like speeding or DUIs. More points mean higher insurance company premiums, which can be a financial strain. Despite this, there are still ways you can save money with auto insurance companies even with points on your record.

a man pointing at his newly acquired driver's license

You can compare quotes from different auto insurance companies to get lower insurance rates. Even if you have points on your license, another company might have more of a favorable outcome regarding pricing. Many auto insurance agents insurers offer discounts or a reduction in insurance costs for taking defensive driving courses or signing up for automatic payments.

It's important to regularly check your credit score since some companies use it when determining annual car insurance premiums. These steps could help you gauge base insurance rates, save money and choose appropriate coverage without overspending.

Give Us a Call at Dohman Law Today!

Once a negligent driving offense is on your record, the points cannot be removed. They remain there for four to five years, and paying off fines does not help. However, hiring a lawyer from Dohman Law with legal experience in the complexities of traffic laws may assist in fighting against penalties. They could file a petition for which you would have to appear in court to reopen and investigate the case or create an effective defense strategy to avoid a guilty verdict. 

Dohman Law acknowledges the intricacy of traffic laws and the significance of a proficient attorney to pursue legal measures and aid in reinstating your driving privileges. We're here to help so call us today. 

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