Restoring your driving privileges after a DUI in Illinois

Getting a conviction for driving under the influence can come with many frustrating consequences. Perhaps the most inconvenient repercussion is the loss of driving privileges. Without your license, you will be unable to lawfully drive to work, school or for any other purpose.

If you drive when your license is under suspension, you may face the following:

• Jail time
• An increase in the duration of the suspension
• License revocation

But it is possible to reinstate your driving privileges after a DUI conviction. Here are some guidelines for getting your license back after drunk driving charges.

Driving permits

It may be possible for you to have limited driving privileges while you wait for your license to be fully reinstated. You can apply for a monitoring device driving permit if this is your first DUI charge, you are at least 18 years old and you do not drive a commercial vehicle.

Another possibility is getting a restricted driving permit. In order to get a restricted driving permit, you will need to undergo an alcohol and drug evaluation, prove a hardship exists (such as you need to go to work or school) and you are at least 16 years old.

License reinstatement

If your license is suspended, you will get it back if you have cleared other suspensions and revocations and you pay the reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. You can get a revoked license reinstated after you complete these steps:

• Go through an alcohol and drug evaluation
• Submit proof of treatment for any alcohol or drug problem
• Have a clean driving record
• Complete an education program
• Attend a hearing with an officer from the Secretary of State
• Prove you will not endanger the public with a restoration of your license
• Provide evidence of financial responsibility
• Pay the application fee 

You can read the DUI fact book from the Illinois Secretary of State for more helpful information.