Traffic Tickets Can Hurt You
WARNING: Traffic Tickets Can Suspend or Even Revoke Your Drivers' License
Drivers’ License Suspension by the Secretary of State
What are the Consequences of Points on My Drivers’ License?
Drivers’ license points only matter when the Secretary of State imposes a suspension or revocation due to 3 or more tickets within 12 months (or 2 or more tickets within 24 months for drivers under 21 years old). Once the Secretary imposes a suspension or revocation because of too many tickets, the point total on that person’s license determines the length of the suspension or revocation.
How Many Drivers’ License Points for Traffic Tickets?
The Secretary of State assigns points to the license of any driver who is convicted of speeding or other moving violations.
Speeding Tickets Resulting in Drivers’ License Points
Moving Violations Resulting in Drivers’ License Points
92 Illinois Administrative Code 1040.20(c).
How the Secretary of State Determines the Suspension and / or Revocation
If the person’s license has not been suspended or revoked during the past 7 years, the Secretary imposes the following sanctions:
If the person’s license HAS been suspended or revoked within the past 7 years, then the Secretary generally doubles the length of the suspension, as follows:
Drivers’ License Suspension by the Secretary of State
- For drivers 21 years of age and older, 3 moving violations (e.g., speeding tickets) in 12 months will result in a suspension and possible revocation of driving privileges. See ILCS 5/6-206(a)(2).
- For drivers who are younger than 21 years old, 2 moving violations in 24 months will result in a suspension and possible revocation of driving privileges. See 625 ILCS 5/6-206(a)(34).
- Drivers whose record shows a disrespect of traffic laws may also be suspended. See ILCS 5/6-206(a)(3).
- (This list does not include alcohol-related suspensions, such as statutory summary suspensions or zero-tolerance suspensions.)
What are the Consequences of Points on My Drivers’ License?
Drivers’ license points only matter when the Secretary of State imposes a suspension or revocation due to 3 or more tickets within 12 months (or 2 or more tickets within 24 months for drivers under 21 years old). Once the Secretary imposes a suspension or revocation because of too many tickets, the point total on that person’s license determines the length of the suspension or revocation.
How Many Drivers’ License Points for Traffic Tickets?
The Secretary of State assigns points to the license of any driver who is convicted of speeding or other moving violations.
Speeding Tickets Resulting in Drivers’ License Points
- Speeding 1 to 10 MPH above limit - 5 pts
- Speeding 11 to 14 MPH above limit - 15 pts
- Speeding 15 to 25 MPH above limit - 20 pts
- Speeding 25 MPH or more above limit - 50 pts
- Speeding too fast for conditions (e.g., driving fast during a snow storm) - 10 pts
- Exceeding the applicable speed limit in a school zone (e.g., 20 MPH during school hours) - 20 pts
- Exceeding the applicable speed limit on a bridge or overpass (e.g., speed limit depends on weight of vehicle) - 10 pts
Moving Violations Resulting in Drivers’ License Points
- Reckless driving (e.g., endangering the safety of persons or property) - 55 pts
- Squealing or screeching tires - 10 pts
92 Illinois Administrative Code 1040.20(c).
How the Secretary of State Determines the Suspension and / or Revocation
If the person’s license has not been suspended or revoked during the past 7 years, the Secretary imposes the following sanctions:
- 15 through 44 pts - 2 month suspension
- 45 through 74 pts - 3 month suspension
- 75 through 89 pts - 6 month suspension
- 90 through 99 pts - 9 month suspension
- 100 through 109 pts - 12 month suspension
- 110 or more points - revocation (1 year)
If the person’s license HAS been suspended or revoked within the past 7 years, then the Secretary generally doubles the length of the suspension, as follows:
- 15 through 44 pts - 4 month suspension
- 45 through 74 pts - 6 month suspension
- 75 through 109 pts - 12 month suspension
- 110 or more points - revocation (1 year)
