What Happens if You Drive While Your Driver’s License is Suspended or Revoked?

 Posted on December 21, 2022 in Traffic Law

In Illinois, many different situations can lead to the loss of your driver’s license. Multiple moving violations, DUI, reckless homicide, fleeing and eluding the police, and several other offenses can lead to a driver’s license suspension or revocation. Once someone’s license is suspended or revoked, they are not allowed to drive any motor vehicle. Driving on a suspended license can lead to serious penalties.

Illinois Law Regarding Driving on a Suspended License

Most people take the ability to drive for granted until they can no longer drive. Losing your driving privileges can be a major hardship. Because of this, some people choose to drive even after their license is suspended.

If you are caught driving while your license is suspended or revoked, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. This offense is punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. In certain situations, there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence for people caught driving without a valid license. If you are caught driving with a suspended or revoked license for a second time, the offense is a Class 4 felony punishable by a lengthier jail sentence.

Options If You Lost Your License But Still Need to Drive

Many people rely on driving to get to work, transport their children to school, and carry out other important tasks. If your license was suspended because of a DUI and you need to drive, you may be able to regain partial driving privileges through a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). An MDDP allows you to drive without the risk of additional criminal charges. You will need to install a breath ignition interlock device (BAIID) in your car and meet other criteria to qualify for an MDDP.

If your license was revoked, you may be able to get a restricted driving permit (RDP) which allows you to drive for specific purposes such as getting to and from work or medical appointments. It may also be possible to get your license fully reinstated through the license reinstatement process.

Contact a Wheaton DUI Defense Lawyer

Whether you lost your license because of a drunk driving arrest or another reason, our DuPage County criminal defense lawyers can help. Our skilled team can also help you defend yourself if you are currently fighting charges for driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Call Davi Law Group, LLC at 630-580-6373 for a free, confidential case assessment to get started.

Sources:

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/BAIID/mddp.html

https://ilsos.gov/departments/BAIID/rdp.html