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How to Restore Your Illinois Driving Privileges

Posted by Howard Wise | May 11, 2017 | 0 Comments

Driving is a privilege. And if you are convicted in Illinois of certain driving offenses – such as a DUI – your driving privileges may be revoked.

Losing driving privileges can be especially difficult for many individuals. We rely on our license and our vehicle to take us to and from work or school. Parents need to be able to transport their children to school or daycare. We also need to be able to get to the grocery store, doctor's appointments, and countless other places that are necessary for our daily lives.

So, yes, losing your license can be a burden. 

Luckily, under Illinois law, drivers are able to apply for reinstatement or a Restricted Driving permit under certain conditions. 

Restricted Driving Permit (RDP)

restricted driving permit allows for partial restoration of driving privileges. A person with an RDP can drive in certain areas and at certain times for work, drug and alcohol classes, or to transport themselves or a family/household member for medical, daycare, or educational purposes.

Here are the steps to get an RDP.

  1. Eligibility. You have to show proof of “undue hardship” because of one of the reasons mentioned above.
  2. Consult with a Hearing Officer to set a hearing date.
  3. Complete drug/alcohol requirements. If you were convicted of a drug or alcohol-related offense, you need to complete a drug/alcohol evaluation within 6 months of your hearing date. Upon completion, the evaluator will classify you as a minimal risk, moderate or significant risk, or high risk.
  4. An informal hearing is for an offense that didn't involve a fatality or for a single drug/alcohol-related offense. A formal hearing is for multiple DUIs or an offense that involved a fatality.
  • If RDP is granted: Pay $8 issuance fee; provide proof of financial responsibility within 60 days; submit verification of employment, school, or whatever your hardship is; take the driver's exam if necessary; and pay $360 if an ignition interlock device is needed.
  • If RDP is denied: If you are denied at an informal hearing, you can apply for a formal hearing or wait 30 days to reapply for another informal hearing. If you are denied at a formal hearing, you have to wait 90 days to have another hearing.
  1. Your RDP will come by mail and you won't be allowed to drive until you have the permit.

Driver's License Reinstatement

A reinstatement of your driver's license allows you to have full driving privileges restored after a suspension or revocation. Some of the steps are the same for a reinstatement and an RDP.

Here are the steps to have your driver's license reinstated.

  1. Eligibility. You can't apply for reinstatement before your eligibility date. This is the date a driver can be considered for reinstatement following a suspension or revocation.
  2. Consult with a Hearing Officer to set a hearing date.
  3. Complete drug/alcohol requirements. If you were convicted of a drug or alcohol-related offense, you need to complete a drug/alcohol evaluation within 6 months of your hearing date. Upon completion, the evaluator will classify you as a minimal risk, moderate or significant risk, or high risk.
  4. An informal hearing is for an offense that didn't involve a fatality or for a single drug/alcohol-related offense. A formal hearing is for multiple DUIs or if the offense involved a fatality.
  • Reinstatement granted: Provide proof of financial responsibility within 60 days; pay $70, $250, or $500 reinstatement fee; complete ignition interlock device requirements.
  • Reinstatement denied: If you are denied at an informal hearing, you can apply for a formal hearing or wait 30 days to reapply for another informal hearing. If you are denied at a formal hearing, you have to wait 90 days to have another hearing.
  1. New license. You will receive authorization for your new license by mail. You will have to take a full or partial driving exam.

Being without a license can feel extremely restrictive, but if you are eligible for an RDP or a reinstatement, you may not have to worry for too long. If you want to make sure your RDP or reinstatement goes through, contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney who will help ensure everything is in order. 

About the Author

Howard Wise

A Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Who Understands Both Sides Few attorneys can claim the diverse experience and history of successful cases of Howard J. Wise. The dedicated and talented Chicago defense attorney began his criminal law journey more than two decades ago, when he began studying a...

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