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1. How do I get my license reinstated after a suspension?

Driving privileges may be reinstated after a Statutory Summary Suspension when:

• All other suspensions/revocations have been cleared.
• The reinstatement fee of $250 has been paid to the Secretary of State. 
  • For repeat offenders, the reinstatement fee is $500.
• The reinstatement is valid once the Secretary of State enters the information on the record and the suspension date has passed. 

Visit the Secretary of States website for additional information on reinstating drivers license privileges due to Statutory Summary Suspension or Revocation, or contact the Secretary of State, Administrative Hearings Department, by phone at 217-782-7065. You can visit the office in person at:
291 Howlet Building
Springfield, IL 62756

2. How do I obtain a driving permit after being convicted of a DUI?

Driving permits allow limited driving privileges to individuals who have had their drivers licenses suspended or revoked. Permits are issued for employment purposes, education and/or medical reasons. A Judicial Driving Permit (JDP) can be requested from the court during a Statutory Summary Suspension if the driver is a first-time DUI offender and at least 18 years old. The requesting offender must prove a hardship exists and provide a current professional alcohol and drug evaluation. The permit is effective on the 31st day of suspension. 

A Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) is applied for through the Secretary of States Office. Visit their website for additional information, or contact: Secretary of State, Administrative Hearings Department, by phone at 217-782-7065 or in person at:
291 Howlett Building
Springfield, IL 62756

3. How does a DUI arrest occur?

• A traffic stop is initiated by an officer (due to probable cause, suspicion, erratic operation, or at a roadside safety check). 
• The driver is observed by the officer and asked to produce a drivers license, vehicle registration and insurance card. 
• If the officer suspects the driver is under the influence, the driver is asked to submit to field sobriety tests. 
• If there is probable cause based on the field sobriety tests, the officer will arrest the driver for DUI. The offender is then transported to the police station for chemical testing of the breath, urine or blood. 
• After chemical testing if the driver is determined not to be under the influence, the driver is released with any applicable citations. 
• If the drivers chemical testing reveals a blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than 0.05 but less than 0.08%, then no Statutory Summary Suspension will apply. The DUI charge will remain until action is taken by the court. 
• Statutory Summary Suspension will apply if the driver refuses or fails to complete testing. 
• If the drivers BAC is shown to be 0.08% or more, or a trace of an illegal substance or drug or intoxicating compound is found, the driver will be notified of a Statutory Summary Suspension. 
• A driver with a valid drivers license will be issued a receipt to allow driving for 45 days. 
• The arrested offender will have to post bond and may be held until bond is posted. 
• The arrested offender's vehicle may be impounded, towed or seized.

4. What if I fail after taking the breath test?

If an individual fails chemical testing (via breath, blood, or urine), the penalty is an automatic drivers license suspension (Statutory Summary Suspension+). The suspension begins on the 46th day from the notice date of the suspension. 

Types of Offense

• First offense - mandatory 3 months drivers license suspension; eligible for Judicial Driving Permit on 31st day of suspension. 
• Second offense - mandatory 12 months drivers license suspension; ineligible for any driving permit. +A Statutory Summary Suspension does not apply to those individuals whose BAC (blood alcohol level) was less than 0.08%.

5. What if I refuse to take the breath test?

If an individual refuses to take or submit to chemical testing (via breath, blood, or urine), the penalty is an automatic drivers license suspension (Statutory Summary Suspension+). The suspension begins on the 46th day from the notice date of the suspension. 

Types of Offenses

• First offense - mandatory 6 months drivers license suspension; eligible for Judicial Driving Permit on 31st day of suspension. 
• Second offense - mandatory 36 months drivers license suspension; ineligible for any driving permit. +A Statutory Summary Suspension does not apply to those individuals whose blood alcohol level (BAC) was less than 0.08%.