The Illinois Point System Explained: How to Avoid a License Suspension

When you get your Illinois driver's license, you also receive a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities. To monitor driving behavior and identify high-risk drivers, the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) uses a point system for traffic convictions.

Understanding this system from the moment you get your license is crucial. Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are added to your record. If you accumulate too many convictions in a short period, you will face mandatory license suspension.

How the Illinois System Works: Convictions, Not Just Points

Unlike some states that suspend based on a high point total, Illinois's system is primarily based on the number of convictions within a certain timeframe. The points are used to determine the length of the suspension once it's triggered.

The Suspension Thresholds

• For Drivers 21 and Over: Your license will be suspended if you are convicted of three or more moving violations within any 12-month period.
• For Drivers Under 21: The rules are much stricter. Your license will be suspended if you are convicted of two or more moving violations within any 24-month period. [3]

Point Values for Common Illinois Traffic Violations

The points assigned to a violation determine how long your license will be suspended. More serious offenses carry higher point values.

• 5 Points:

  • Speeding (1-10 mph over the limit)

• 10 Points:

  • Failure to obey a stop sign
  • Improper lane usage

• 15 Points:

  • Speeding (11-14 mph over the limit)

• 20 Points:

  • Speeding (15-25 mph over the limit)
  • Following too closely
  • Failure to yield right-of-way
  • Passing in a no-passing zone

• 25 Points:

  • Improper passing of a school bus

• 50 Points:

  • Speeding (more than 25 mph over the limit)

• 55 Points:

  • Reckless driving

• Major Offenses: Some violations, like Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Leaving the scene of an accident, result in an immediate and mandatory license revocation that operates outside the standard conviction/point system.

The Consequences of a Suspension

1. Notice of Suspension: Once you reach the conviction threshold (3 in 12 months for adults, 2 in 24 months for drivers under 21), the SOS will mail you an official notice.
2. Suspension Length: The length of your suspension is determined by the total points from your convictions. For example, for a first suspension, 15-44 points might result in a 2-month suspension, while 75-89 points could result in a 6-month suspension. The durations increase for subsequent suspensions.
3. Reinstatement: To get your license back after the suspension period, you must pay a significant reinstatement fee and may be required to purchase high-risk SR-22 insurance.

A Powerful Tool: Court Supervision

For many first-time, minor violations, Illinois courts may offer court supervision. This is the single best way to protect your driving record.

• How it Works: Instead of being convicted, you are placed on supervision for a set period. If you do not receive any other tickets during this time, the original ticket is dismissed.
• The Benefit: Because the ticket is dismissed, it does not count as a conviction. This means it will not trigger a suspension, and no points are added to your record.
• Eligibility: This is generally an option for your first offense and is granted at the discretion of the judge. You are typically not eligible for more serious offenses like passing a school bus.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

1. Drive Safely: The most effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws.
2. Understand the Under-21 Rules: If you are a young driver, be extremely aware that just two tickets in two years will result in a suspension.
3. Request Court Supervision: If you get a minor ticket, go to your court date and politely request court supervision from the judge.

Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Illinois conviction and point system, you can make informed decisions that will protect your license and keep you safe on the road.