Illinois DMV Point System: What is It? How does it Work?
In Illinois, the Secretary of State (SOS) will administer points on your Illinois driving records if you are found guilty of traffic violations. Each violation has a number of points link to it. The more severe the violation, the more points are added to your record.
If you commit three or more violations with a year, your license could be suspended or even revoked. Here, we will provide a better understanding of the Illinois point system and how it affects you.
How Illinois Point System Works
Every time you are given a citation, you must pay the fines. Some fines can be paid online, by mail, or in person. Also, some fines will require you to appear before a judge. In those cases, it is best to hire a traffic attorney. Citations that are not considered severe carries the lower points. The lowest points start at five and go higher.
The more severe infraction can lead to your license suspended or revoked. To reinstate your license because of a suspension, you must pay additional fines and attend driving courses approved by the SOS.
The Illinois Point System
The common violation in Illinois is speeding. Speeding carries way more points than other traffic violations. So, see below for a breakdown of points that are assigned to speeding:
- 1 to 10 mph: 5 points
- 11 to 14 mph: 15 points
- 15 to 25 mph: 20 points
- 26 to 50 mph: 50 points
Other Traffic Violations and Points Equivalent
Driving:
- With a broken head, side, or tail light: 10 points
- Failure to keep in proper lane: 20 points
- Failure to obey a traffic sign: 20 points
- Possession of open alcohol container: 25 points
- Failure to render aid after an accident (property damage): 25 points
- Failure to render aid after the accident (personal injury or death); 50 points
- Reckless driving: 55 points
Illinois Traffic Points and License Suspension
Getting three or more traffic violations within a month period can result in a license suspension. Here is a clear picture of the points and suspension in Illinois:
- 0 to 14 points: no action
- 15 to 44 points: 2-month suspension
- 45 to 74 points: 3-month suspension
- 75 to 89 points: 6-month suspension
- 90 to 99 points: 9-month suspension
- 100 or more: 12-month suspension
Illinois Traffic Points and Time
Points on your driving records can remain for quite some time. The points obtained for minor infractions will stay for 5 years and for more severe violations for 7 years. So, if you were caught speeding, disobeying traffic light, or improper passing, the points accrued will remain for 4 to 5 years. For a suspended license, the points will remain for a minimum of 7 seven years.
