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Restoring Your Driving Privileges After Suspension or Revocation

Getting your driver’s license suspended or revoked can be a frustrating and challenging experience. Your ability to drive is essential for work, school, and daily errands. Fortunately, in most cases, you can take steps to restore your driving privileges after a suspension or revocation in Illinois. This article provides an overview of the restoration process and things you need to know to get back on the road legally.

Understanding License Suspensions vs. Revocations

The first thing to understand is the difference between a license suspension and revocation in Illinois:

• Suspension – A suspension temporarily withdraws your driving privileges for a set period of time. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid tickets, at-fault accidents, and first-time DUIs. At the end of the suspension period, you can reinstate your license by paying a fee.
• Revocation – A revocation terminates your driving privileges. It is more serious than a suspension. Revocations result from repeat DUIs, reckless homicide convictions, and accumulating too many moving violations. To drive again after a revocation, you must apply for a new license and meet reinstatement requirements.

Knowing whether your license is suspended or revoked will determine the steps for restoration. The Secretary of State’s office can provide details on your specific case.

Reinstating After a Suspension

Reinstating your license after a suspension is usually straightforward. Here’s what to expect:

• Wait out the suspension period – Each type of suspension has a defined length set by law. For example, a first-time DUI suspension lasts 12 months. You cannot reinstate until the full suspension term has passed.
• Pay reinstatement fees – Fees typically range from $70 to $500 depending on the offense. Multiple offenses lead to higher fees. Part of the money goes to DUI prevention programs.
• Resolve other suspensions – If you have multiple suspensions on your record, you must finish out each one before reinstating your license.
• Provide proof of insurance – You must show proof of liability insurance before the Secretary of State will reinstate your driving privileges. High-risk insurance may cost more.
• Get your license back – After you meet all requirements, your local Driver Services facility will return your license so you can legally drive again.

As long as you complete the steps, reinstating after a suspension is usually a smooth process. Be sure to follow all the requirements to avoid delays.

Restoring Your License After a Revocation

Reinstating your license after a revocation often involves more steps compared to a suspension. Here are some key things to know:

• Wait out the revocation period – As with suspensions, you must wait the full revocation term before you can apply to restore your license. Revocation periods range from 1 year to life depending on the offense.
• Complete an alcohol/drug evaluation – For DUIs and some other offenses, you must complete a professional evaluation to determine if you need treatment. Even if treatment is not required, you still need the assessment.
• Finish treatment if needed – If the evaluation recommends treatment, you must successfully complete the prescribed program before restoration. Submit proof to the Secretary of State.
• Complete remedial education – Illinois requires all offenders to finish remedial alcohol/drug education, even if treatment was not necessary. Online and in-person classes are available.
• Attend an administrative hearing – To demonstrate you don’t pose a public safety risk, you must appear before a hearing officer in-person and request reinstatement. Multiple offenders require formal hearings.
• Pass license exams – You will need to retake the written, vision, and road tests to prove you can safely operate a motor vehicle. Fees apply for new licenses.
• Get high-risk insurance – Because revocations stem from serious offenses, you will likely need a high-risk SR-22 insurance policy. Shop around for the best rates.
• Pay a $500 reinstatement fee – This fee applies to all post-revocation reinstatements. Make sure to have the money order ready when applying.

The restoration process takes time after a revocation. Meeting all the requirements shows your commitment to being a safe, responsible driver again.

Seeking Restricted Driving Privileges

If you need to drive during a suspension or revocation, you may qualify for a monitoring device driving permit (MDDP) or restricted driving permit (RDP) in Illinois. These options allow limited driving privileges for work, school, treatment programs, and medical needs.

• You must prove hardship if unable to drive, like job loss or missed medical care.
• Install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This tests your breath for alcohol before starting the engine.
• Only drive to specific places outlined in your permit. Extra stops can lead to permit cancellation.
• Maintain a good driving record with no traffic violations.
• Provide proof of insurance and pay permit fees.

Consult your attorney to see if a hardship permit makes sense in your situation. These options let you drive legally on a limited basis while serving out your suspension or revocation.

Special Considerations for Commercial Licenses

Restoring commercial driving privileges like a CDL involves additional steps compared to a regular license. Here are some key differences:

• Longer waiting periods – CDL revocations can last up to 10 years depending on the offense. Make sure your reinstatement date is accurate.
• DOT medical certificate – You must get a new DOT medical exam and carry an up-to-date medical certificate to drive commercially again.
• Return-to-duty process – If your BAC was over 0.04%, you must complete substance abuse counseling and pass a return-to-duty test before relicensing.
• No restricted permits – Hardship permits are not available for CDLs. You cannot legally drive commercial vehicles until your revocation ends and license is restored.

Talk to your lawyer about your CDL reinstatement rights. The process involves extra requirements to ensure you can operate large vehicles safely.

Conclusion

Losing your driving privileges can limit your mobility and independence. However, in most cases, you can take steps to restore your license after a suspension or revocation in Illinois. Be sure to follow all the requirements for your situation. For revocations, the process takes more time but shows your commitment to being a responsible driver. Consider a restricted permit if you need limited driving ability for work or medical needs. With perseverance and dedication, you can get back on the road legally after a license suspension or revocation.