An Explanation of the Illinois Point System

 Posted on May 21, 2018 in Traffic Offenses

The Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) created a point system that trackstraffic violations that an individual accumulates onhis or her driving record. Every time you receive a moving violation, a number of points are added to your driving record. After accumulating a large amount of points you risk suspension or revocation of your license. In light of this, if you are facing charges for a serious moving violation in Illinois, it is in your best interest tospeak with an attorney immediately for legal assistance.

How the Points System Works

The number of points added to your driving record after a moving violation dependson the severity of the offense. For example, a charge of reckless driving on your record brings 55 points to your record. Failing to obey a stop sign adds 20 points to a driving record. Further, failing to obey a traffic signal or light carries 20 points. Points for speeding depend on the speed at which a driver is traveling, and is described below:

• 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit = 5 points
• 11 to 14 miles per hour over the limit = 15 points
• 15 to 25 miles per hour over the limit = 20 points
• Going over 25 miles per hour = 50 points

Penalties for Points

But what do these points mean, and what is the harm in accumulating points on a license? The more points accumulated, the harsher penaltya driver can face. Accumulating points puts you at risk of having your license suspended, as highlighted below:

• 0 to 14 points = no action taken against your license
• 15 to 44 points = potential two-month suspension
• 45 to 74 points = potential three-month suspension
• 75 to 89 points = potential six-month suspension
• 90-99 points = potential nine-month suspension
• 100 or more points = 12-month suspension

Additionally, three or more moving violations in one 12-month period also puts you at risk for license suspension.

Points will stay on your driving record for four to five years. After this period of time, they are removed from your record and your overall point total decreases. Currently, there are no driving courses available in Illinois that can be used to decrease the number of points on your license.

Contact an Attorney for Immediate Help

If you have received a moving violation, youmay not think it is a big deal. However, these charges can quickly add up points on your driving record and put you at the risk of having your license suspension. Ultimately, in many cases your best option is to fight the charges with the help of a talented Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney. Our dedicated legal team is available to assist you throughout each step of your case.

Sources:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_dc19.pdf

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/losepriv.html