How Does the Driver License Points System in Illinois Work?
In Illinois and every state in the U.S., drivers must abide by a points system when obeying the rules of the road. However, these aren’t the points you want to collect more of to get a high score. The points you accrue are based on your driver record and the total amount of moving traffic violations you may incur. The more points you have, the more violations you’ve been charged with. As those points increase, you risk facing steep fines, license suspensions, and rising insurance rates. So, rather than staying ignorant of how the Illinois DMV Traffic Violation Point System works, allow the Borsberry Law Office to explain the basic workings of the system and the types of ways you acquire points.
How Do Your Points Build Up?
As mentioned, drivers “earn” points when successfully charged with a traffic violation. The point totals for various violations differ greatly based on the severity of each violation. The state of Illinois uses these points to determine how much danger a driver poses while on the road. After a driver passes specific thresholds for points totals, they are penalized with license suspensions that become increasingly longer with the more points garnered. Eventually, too many points can lead to the complete revocation of a license.
What Are the Point Totals for Different Violations?
As the severity of a traffic violation increases, so does the potential number of points you can be given. Anything from speeding to reckless driving can earn you points. While there are too many different traffic violations with unique point totals to list in this article (see a complete list of violations here), allow Borsberry Law to share some of the more common traffic violations and the points totals associated with each:
- Speeding 1-10 MPH Over Limit – 5 points
- Speeding 11-14 MPH Over Limit – 15 points
- Speeding 15-25 MPH Over Limit – 20 points
- Speeding 26+ MPH Over Limit – 50 points
- Failure to Signal – 15 points
- Running a Red Light – 20 points
- Distracted Driving (Using a Handheld Device) – 20 points
- Reckless Driving – 55 points
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signs – 20 points
- Exceeding the Speed Limit in School or Construction Zone – 20 points
- Aggravated Speeding in a School or Construction Zone – 55 points
- Illegal Transportation of Alcohol – 25 points
When Do Penalties for Points Apply?
Although you might reach the minimum point total for a two-month license suspension (15 points) within one or two traffic violations, suspension only takes effect until after your third incident. The only way you might see your license suspended (or revoked) faster is if you are charged with stricter penalties related to more severe violations like drunk driving or driving on an already suspended license. Here are the exact point totals and their relevant suspension periods:
- 15-24 points – 2-month suspension
- 45-74 points – 3-month suspension
- 75-89 points – 6-month suspension
- 90-99 points – 9-month suspension
- 100-109 points – 12-month suspension
- 110+ points – license revocation
For drivers under 21, the point totals are stricter and apply after only two violations rather than three:
- 10-34 points – 1-month suspension
- 35-49 points – 3-month suspension
- 50-64 points – 6-month suspension
- 65-79 points – 12-month suspension
- 80+ points – license revocation
Are Your Points Here to Stay?
There’s some good news and bad news associated with the points on your driver’s record. The good news is that any points you earn can be eventually removed! The bad news is that the points will stay on your record for at least five years. Unfortunately, the time points stay on your record cannot be appealed. Although you can have an attorney like Borsberry Law petition to have the points immediately removed from your record upon completing the 5-year limit, they can’t be removed any earlier.
Also, before points are even assigned, a traffic attorney can help you potentially avoid marks on your record entirely. It will require you and your attorney to go to court and either fight the charges against you, ask for a reduced point penalty, or a sentence of court supervision instead. Additionally, you may be required to complete a driver’s education course. These options help ensure a violation doesn’t impact your record, so be sure not to pass them up!
What Else Can You Do?
When facing traffic violations you believe were unfairly applied or carry too harsh a sentence, talk with the legal professionals at Borsberry Law Office. We’ve dealt with hundreds of traffic cases across Central Illinois, helping our clients reduce their sentences or have charges tossed. We can also provide detailed legal advice and counsel when contending with a bevy of legal issues not limited to traffic law. If interested in the legal services offered by Borsberry Law, contact us today at
309-637-9000.