Drivers in Illinois have to secure a license to legally operate vehicles on public roads. They then need to comply with the law in order to retain their licensing. In some cases, people can lose their driver’s license by failing to pay renewal fees or getting convicted of major traffic violations, such as a drunk driving offense.
Other times, motorists may be at risk of losing their licenses over far less serious infractions. The state tracks minor traffic violations. Every offense carries a different number of points. Some offenses, like driving under the minimum speed limit, carry as few as five points. Others, such as aggravated speeding in a school zone, can add as many as 55 points. The state can eventually suspend or revoke the licenses of those who commit multiple traffic violations in a short amount of time.
When do drivers have to worry about losing their driving privileges over traffic tickets?
Two or three tickets can put a driver’s license at risk
The age of the motorist and the severity of the traffic offense dictate how many tickets are necessary for a driver’s license to be at risk. For those under the age of 21, two citations issued in a 24-month period can be sufficient reason for the state to spend their driving privileges. For those over the age of 21, the rules are a bit more lenient. A driver can lose their license when they receive three citations within 12 months. The overall severity of those offenses determines whether the state suspends or revokes their driving privileges.
Drivers can fight citations
The good news for those worried about losing their driving privileges after a second or third ticket is that they don’t have to plead guilty to a traffic offense. Paying a ticket is the equivalent of pleading guilty.
Drivers have the option of going to court to defend against a citation. Doing so can help them preserve their driving privileges and may help them keep their insurance costs reasonable. For many drivers, fighting a traffic ticket can be a better choice than paying the ticket and pleading guilty, especially if they may be at risk of license suspension.