For you, all that matters is that you’re not legally allowed to drive a car. Making an honest living is a challenge because you can’t get to work. You have to rely on others for a ride, and you’re on the verge of being written up for being late to work. We’re here to help you put these challenges behind you. Let us focus on WHY you aren’t able to drive and how to get you back on the road. The reason you can’t drive can be one of two two different legal situations: Your license is either ‘Suspended’ or your license is ‘Revoked.’
Suspension of Driving Privileges
A license suspension is not permanent. At some point, after a certain amount of time has passed and you’ve taken the necessary steps, you’ll be able to drive again. You will, however, be required to pay a fee before the suspension is officially lifted. This is referred to as a ‘Reinstatement Fee.’ The length of the suspension can vary as well. Some suspensions are for three months, others are one year or even three years in length. In some circumstances, a suspension may not be for a fixed period of time, but rather remains in effect until a driver or owner of a vehicle takes certain steps to clear the suspension—for example, in accordance with Illinois’s Safety and Responsibility Laws.
There are many possible reasons for your license suspension. Refusing or failing a chemical test, such as on a breathalyzer device, as well as receiving too many convictions on your driving record are among the most common reasons for license suspension. However, your license can even become suspended for reasons completely unrelated to driving. For example, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or even a court can order the Secretary of State to suspend the license of someone who is 90 days or more behind on child support payments.
Revocation of Driving Privileges
Unlike a suspended driver’s license, a revoked license can involve far more than just paying a ‘Reinstatement Fee’ after a certain amount of time has passed before you can obtain driving relief. Therefore, a revoked driver’s license can feel more severe, and our laws purposefully take this into account. Under some circumstances, a person’s driver’s license may never be reinstated. In most cases, however, a certain amount of time must pass before you can attempt to regain your driving privileges. Also, obtaining driving relief or driving privileges does not necessarily mean you will get your driver’s license reinstated—in other words, get your full license back. You may only be eligible for a ‘Restricted Driving Permit,’ and the length of time that you will have to drive on that permit can vary widely. In many instances, even if you are eligible to have your license fully reinstated, the Secretary of State may place you on a Restricted Driving Permit just to see if you will be a safe and responsible driver. Finally, whether or not you will be required to drive with a breathalyzer in your vehicle will depend on a careful analysis of your driving record. Navigating these complex laws and legal concepts can take an expert in the field. Mr. Ladak not only has that expertise, but is here to put at ease in dealing with these daunting laws and concepts, and to help set you up for success.