Articles Posted in Drivers License Reinstatement

Illinois imposes various regulations on the transportation of alcohol and marijuana in motor vehicles. These laws differ from alcohol or marijuana-related DUI laws in Illinois. However, a violation can result in a criminal offense, as well as a suspension or revocation of driving privileges. This page explains the relevant legal standards, consequences for a violation,…

In Illinois, a DUI conviction results in the mandatory revocation of driving privileges under 625 ILCS 5/6-205. This revocation is not time-limited and does not terminate automatically. Instead, individuals seeking to regain driving privileges must formally petition the Illinois Secretary of State for reinstatement. This process typically requires attending a hearing, testifying, and submitting specific documentation.

As of July 1, 2024, Illinois has adopted a major change in its approach to non-citizen driver’s licenses. The state now offers a standard four-year driver’s license to undocumented immigrants and other non-citizen residents. These licenses bear the label “Federal Limits Apply,” and replace the former Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL), which was limited in both function and appearance. The legal framework supporting this shift is part of the legal trend to expand access to driving privileges, improve public safety, and reduce discrimination across Illinois communities.

Attorney Jennifer Wirth has focused her practice on Illinois driver’s reinstatement for over two decades. She has won many awards, including Avvo’s Client Choice and Expertise.com‘s Top Chicago DUI Attorney. Over 95 percent of her clients obtain driving privileges at their first hearing with her office. When a person’s license is revoked for DUI in…

Our office focuses exclusively on representing suspended and revoked Illinois drivers at license reinstatement hearings with the Secretary of State. With over two decades of experience, Attorney Jennifer Wirth has helped thousands of suspended and revoked drivers get back on the road with a valid driver’s license. Over 95 percent of clients obtain driving privileges…

This article offers an overview of the criteria to request a hardship permit before an applicant becomes eligible for full reinstatement of their driver’s license. The Secretary of State offers various types of driving permits to applicants, depending on their offense history and eligibility for driving relief.  If an applicant is not eligible for full…

Jennifer Wirth, Attorney, compares the basic differences between formal and informal hearings when seeking driver’s license reinstatement with the Illinois Secretary of State. To view our video explainer on the difference between informal and formal hearings, click here for our watch page. The Illinois Secretary of State has two types of hearings to request driving…

Drivers with a breathalyzer in their vehicle should avoid certain substances before using the device to minimize the potential for a false positive reading. Many of the permits issued by the Secretary of State mandate an individual to have the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed in their vehicle as a condition of driving.…

In Illinois, a DUI can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on a variety of factors. This article reviews the maximum penalties for each class of misdemeanor and felony. Generally, felonies and misdemeanors are distinguished by the term of imprisonment allowed for the offense. A felony is any offense that is punishable by…

With probationary permits replacing many restricted driving permits, the Secretary of State is enabling many people to drive for work and pleasure prior to full reinstatement. n January of 2022, the Illinois Secretary of State began issuing a newly-created permit available to many revoked drivers, entitled the “Lawful Purpose Permit” (LPP). The LPP allows eligible…