How Many Points Will a Ticket Add to Your License in Illinois? It’s a simple question, but as with many topics in the legal system, the answer is more complicated. The short answer is that it varies depending on the nature of the alleged violation, from as few as 5 points to over 50.
Today, we’ll look at some of the more common ways you can receive points, the consequences of having points on your record, and how you can avoid having points added to your license in Illinois. For immediate help, though, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online – Combs Waterkotte’s Illinois lawyers are experienced in traffic law, and have handled over 10,000 cases just like yours. We help good people in difficult situations.
How Many Points Will I Get for a Ticket in Illinois?
As mentioned above, the number of points you receive in Illinois for a ticket varies depending on the exact nature of the ticket. Below are some of the more common violations and their point totals:
- Speeding 1-10 MPH Over the Limit: 5 Points
- Speeding 11-14 MPH Over the Limit: 15 Points
- Failure to Signal: 15 Points
- Speeding 15-25 MPH Over the Limit: 20 Points
- Speeding in a School Zone: 20 Points
- Failure to Obey a Stop or Yield Sign: 20 Points
- Running a Red Light: 20 Points
- Distracted Driving/Phone Usage: 20 Points
- Illegal Transportation of Alcohol: 25 Points
- Speeding 26+ MPH Over the Limit: 50 Points
- Aggravated Speeding in a School Zone: 55 Points
- Reckless Driving: 55 Points
Additionally, a police officer can issue you multiple tickets for the same traffic stop, which would add up more points on your license as well. Should your license be suspended, the number of points on it at the time will determine the length of the suspension.
Points and Illinois License Suspensions
Your driver’s license probably won’t be suspended after a first traffic conviction, but after 2 (for those under 21) in a 24-month period or 3 (for those over 21) in a 12-month period, it will automatically be suspended. The length of the suspension is calculated using the total number of points on your Illinois license and your age.
For drivers 21 or older, the suspensions work as follows:
- 15-44 Points: 2-Month License Suspension
- 45-75 Points: 3-Month License Suspension
- 75-89 Points: 6-Month License Suspension
- 90-99 Points: 9-Month License Suspension
- 100-109 Points: 12-Month License Suspension
- 110+ Points: Driver’s License Will Be Revoked
For drivers younger than 21, the suspensions work as follows:
- 10-34 Points: 1-Month License Suspension
- 35-49 Points: 3-Month License Suspension
- 50-64 Points: 6-Month License Suspension
- 65-79 Points: 12-Month License Suspension
- 80+ Points: Driver’s License Will Be Revoked
You probably noticed that many common violations have point values of 15 or more, which can quickly add up to a multi-month suspension. What’s more, because these points stay on your license, future alleged violations can result in longer suspensions.
How Long Do Points Stay On Your License in Illinois?
How long points stay on your license in Illinois varies depending on the alleged offence. For minor offences such as speeding 1-10 MPH over the limit, or running a red light, the points will stay for 4-5 years after conviction. More serious violations, particularly if you lose your license, will stay for at least 7 years. And, alcohol or drug offences will stay for life. This makes it critically important to have an expert Illinois DUI Lawyer to protect your license and driving record if you’re charged with a DUI.
Most tickets will expire from your driving record after a few years, but you’re always better off fighting to protect your license before any points are assigned in the first place. Working with an experienced Illinois traffic ticket attorney can save your license before points become a problem.
How to Avoid Getting Points Added to Your License in Illinois
For all the reasons listed above, it’s clear that it’s better to avoid points, rather than wait for them to expire. But if you’ve been given a ticket, how are you supposed to keep the points off your record? The most important thing is to reach out to Illinois traffic law experts for help building your case. A lawyer can help you with:
- Fully understanding the ticket(s) – Including details like the fine, court date, alleged violation, and potential points on your license.
- Gathering evidence – Like pictures of the area, dash cam footage, etc.
- Negotiating with prosecutors – Ideally, have the charge dropped, or at least reduced to a non-moving violation (which typically doesn’t have points).
- Deciding on a plea – Plea guilty and pay a fine, or contest the ticket in court.
- Handling court appearances – If you are contesting in court, be prepared to attend that day yourself, or have a lawyer go on your behalf.
In summary, to avoid points on your license, it’s important to read the ticket carefully, collect evidence, and then hire a Southern Illinois traffic lawyer to negotiate with prosecutors for a plea deal and handle the court appearance if needed.
Contact Combs Waterkotte Now to Avoid Points on Your Illinois License
If you’ve received a traffic ticket and want help preventing points from going on your record, don’t panic – Combs Waterkotte’s Illinois traffic ticket attorneys are here to help save your license. We can help with all the steps above, and don’t charge by the hour, so you can call any time if you have any questions about your case.
Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation, and we’ll let you know how we can help fight for your rights.
