Illinois Driver Point System: A Straightforward Guide to Keeping Your License

In Illinois, there’s no traditional point system like in other states. Instead, the state monitors the number of moving violations you accumulate over a specific period of time. This system tracks how often you violate traffic laws, and too many tickets in a short period can lead to a suspension of your license.

• No Point System, But Violations Count: Instead of points, Illinois counts the number of moving violations on your record. For drivers over 21, receiving three moving violations within 12 months can result in a suspension. If you’re under 21, it only takes two violations in 24 months for the state to suspend your license.

• Commercial Drivers Face Stricter Rules: For those with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Illinois imposes even stricter guidelines. Just two violations within a three-year period can trigger suspension for CDL holders, making careful driving even more important for those driving professionally.

The Illinois Secretary of State keeps a close watch on your driving record. So, it’s not about “points” per se, but how many moving violations you accumulate. This means that any ticket could push you closer to a suspension.

Common Moving Violations

Understanding which violations can put your license at risk is crucial for staying on the road. Not every ticket counts against you, but the ones that do can add up quickly.

• Speeding: Speeding is one of the most common moving violations in Illinois. Whether you’re going 5 mph over the limit or significantly faster, you can be cited. For example, speeding just 1 to 10 mph over the limit can land you with a violation that counts against your record, while exceeding the limit by 26 mph or more can bring much stiffer penalties.

• Running Red Lights: Chicago’s infamous red-light cameras are everywhere, from busy downtown streets like North Avenue and Wabash Avenue to the Loop. These cameras snap photos of vehicles running red lights and automatically issue tickets, adding violations to your record.

• Improper Lane Usage: Whether you’re weaving between lanes on Lake Shore Drive or making improper lane changes during rush hour on the Kennedy Expressway, improper lane usage is a common ticket that will impact your driving record.

• Following Too Closely: Tailgating is a dangerous habit, and it’s a common cause of accidents on the expressways like I-90 and I-94. Following too closely can result in a ticket that adds a violation to your record.

These moving violations, especially in high-traffic areas like Chicago’s major expressways or downtown intersections, are heavily enforced, making it easy to accumulate multiple tickets before you know it.

What Doesn’t Count

While Illinois takes a hard stance on moving violations, not every ticket you receive will affect your driving record.

• Parking Tickets: Parking violations, while frustrating and costly, don’t count toward your driving record.

• Red-Light Camera Tickets: Surprisingly, although they carry financial penalties, red-light camera tickets are non-moving violations and don’t count against your driving record in terms of suspension.

• Seatbelt Violations and Equipment Issues: Forgetting to buckle up or having a broken tail light will cost you, but they won’t result in a suspension based on Illinois’ moving violation system.

What Triggers a License Suspension?

So, when exactly does Illinois suspend your license? It depends on your age and driving history. For adults over 21, three moving violations within 12 months can trigger a suspension. For drivers under 21, just two violations within 24 months can cause suspension. Commercial drivers face even stricter limits, with just two violations in three years.

• Construction Zone Violations: One thing to watch out for is speeding or violating traffic rules in construction zones. In Illinois, fines and penalties double in these areas, and violations can have an even greater impact on your driving record. Places like I-55 near Will County or the ongoing construction on I-90 near O’Hare Airport are hotspots for enforcement.

Keeping Your Record Clean

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid a suspension, even after receiving a ticket.

• Court Supervision: One of the most common ways to avoid a moving violation being added to your record is through court supervision. This option, which is available to many first-time offenders, can keep a conviction off your record, preventing it from counting toward the three-violation limit.

• Traffic Safety School: In many cases, you may be eligible to attend traffic safety school to avoid a violation on your record. These courses are offered throughout the Chicago area and suburbs, including places like Skokie and Naperville. Completing a course may prevent the violation from counting against your license.

• Legal Representation: An attorney who specializes in traffic cases can help you fight a ticket, potentially keeping it off your record. If you’re facing a suspension, it’s wise to seek legal advice to explore your options.

Local Impact and High-Risk Areas

In Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, there are specific areas where traffic violations are more likely to occur. Knowing these hotspots can help you drive more cautiously and avoid tickets.

• Downtown Chicago: Areas like Michigan Avenue and State Street are constantly monitored for traffic violations, from speeding to running red lights. With a high volume of traffic and constant police presence, these areas are prime spots for tickets.

• Expressways: The Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) and Kennedy Expressway are known for speed traps, especially near exits like 55th Street and near O’Hare Airport.

• Suburban Enforcement: While Chicago is known for its red-light cameras, suburbs like Oak Lawn and Orland Park tend to focus more on speeding violations and lane changes. Enforcement varies, but the rules still apply across Illinois.

Protecting Your License in Illinois

Illinois’ system may seem lenient compared to traditional point systems, but accumulating violations can still lead to serious consequences. Chicago-area drivers, especially those navigating busy areas like Lake Shore Drive or high-traffic zones around Soldier Field, need to stay aware of their violation count. Remember, it’s not about accumulating points—it’s about avoiding that critical third violation that could lead to a license suspension. From traffic school to court supervision, there are ways to keep your record clean and your driving privileges intact. Stay cautious, know the rules, and take every ticket seriously to ensure you stay on the road. Need help understanding how your recent ticket impacts your driving record? Contact our team today to review your situation and explore your options.

‍