All You Need to Know About Driver’s License Points
When you commit traffic violations within the State of Illinois, points are automatically added to your license based on the violation committed. Each violation constitutes a specific number of points. When you are found guilty for that violation, the points are added to your driving record. Accumulating points on your driving record results in a number of consequences from having your license suspended to having it revoked permanently.
The Driving Point System
The entire United States except nine states (Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wyoming) follow a point system to keep track of an individual’s traffic violations. Aside from fees and fines that have to be paid, traffic violations (however minor) are awarded equivalent points.
What do Points on Your License Mean?
Points added to your license whenever you commit a traffic violation are actually demerits. These are used to keep track of how much danger you pose on the road. When you are found guilty of those demerits, they will stay on your driving record, which will also be used by insurance companies to determine premiums. Accumulating a significant amount of points within a specified amount of time will merit certain license-related punishments.
What is the Maximum Number of Points on a Driving License?
Within the State of Illinois, a certain number of points are awarded for common traffic violations. Here is a list of common violations and the number of points awarded for each published by NOLO:
| Violation | Points assessed |
| No CDL (commercial license) in possession | 50 |
| Texting or cellphone use in commercial vehicle | 20 |
| Disobeying an officer | 10 |
| Disregard traffic light or signal | 20 |
| Failure to report collision | 25 (50 points if injury) |
| Failure to notify of property damage | 15 |
| Open container | 25 |
| Reckless driving | 55 |
| Screeching tires | 10 |
| Excess speed for conditions | 10 |
| Speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over limit | 5 |
| Speeding 11 to 14 miles per hour over limit | 15 |
| Speeding 15 to 25 miles per hour over limit | 20 |
| Speeding more than 25 miles per hour over limit | 50 |
| Speeding in school or work zone | 20 |
| Driving too slow | 5 (20 if on tollway) |
| Speeding on bridge | 10 |
| Improper passing | 20 |
| Wrong way on one-way street | 5 |
| Following too closely | 25 |
| Improper turn | 10 |
| Improper U-turn | 15 |
| Improper signal or failure to yield | 15 |
| Failure to yield to a pedestrian | 20 |
| Broken headlight, taillight, or other equipment | 5 |
| Use of video or phone that results in injury | 30 |
Illinois does not have a maximum number of points that you can accrue on your license. Instead, it has a point system that dispenses out punishment based on the number of points accumulated within 24 months, the driver’s age, the number of prior suspensions in the last seven years, and the type of suspension.
For Drivers Below the Age of 21:
| Points | No prior suspensions | One prior suspension | Two prior suspensions (or suspension for no insurance) |
| 0 to 9 | No action | No action | No action |
| 10 to 34 | 1-month suspension | 2-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 35 to 49 | 3-month suspension | 6-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 50 to 64 | 6-month suspension | 12-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 65 to 79 | 12-month suspension | 12-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 80 or more | Revocation | Revocation | Revocation |
For Drivers Aged 21 and Above:
| Points | No prior suspensions | One prior suspension | Two prior suspensions (or suspension for no insurance) |
| 0 to 14 | No action | No action | No action |
| 15 to 44 | 2-month suspension | 4-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 45 to 74 | 6-month suspension | 6-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 75 to 89 | 6-month suspension | 12-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 90 to 99 | 9-month suspension | 12-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 100 to 109 | 12-month suspension | 12-month suspension | 12-month suspension |
| 110 or more | Revocation | Revocation | Revocation |
How Many Points Will Result in a Suspended License?
For an individual under the age of 21, your license can be suspended for 1 month by having as low as 10 points on your license, even without prior suspensions. When you have two prior suspensions, 10 points on your license can have your license suspended for 12 months.
For an individual that is 21 years or older, your license can be suspended for 2 months for having as little as 15 points on your license without any prior suspension, and 4 months suspension with one prior, and 12 months suspension for two or more priors. Accumulating 110 or more points can lead to your license being revoked.
How to Remove Points from Your Driving Record
Points on your license generally do not stay on your driving record forever. Minor traffic violations and other offenses can only remain on your license for four to five years. Violations that result in the suspension or revocation of your license will stay on your record for seven or more years.
Accrued points cannot be removed from your license and your driving record once they have been added. However, you can stop points from being added to your driving record after receiving a ticket by having the court dismiss the ticket either by proving your innocence or by taking a course in defensive driving.
Can a Lawyer Get Points Off Your License?
Generally speaking, lawyers do not have the power to get points off your license once they are on your record. They will stay there for a period of four to five years and cannot be removed until then. With that being said, there are two ways a lawyer can help you. One is by helping you file a petition to reopen your case in court and ask for a reinvestigation to overturn the final decision. Another is by helping you avoid a guilty verdict altogether and avoid having those points added to your driving record.
Driver’s License Points FAQ
How long does unsafe driving stay on your record?
Generally speaking, the effects and/or penalties imposed by an unsafe driving ticket will stay on your record for a period of five (5) years.
Can I see my driving record?
Yes, you can. You can obtain an official copy of your driving record straight from the DMV either by requesting it in person or via mail. There is also an unofficial record online. Alternatively, you can ask your auto insurance agent or through online third-party vendors.
Is my driving record public information?
Yes, it is public information. However, it is also special in that not everyone can have access to it. Anyone requesting a copy of your driving record will need authorization from you in order to gain access. Those performing a background check can gain access to your driving record, although they can only obtain an unofficial report.
Conclusion
It is important that you keep your driving record clean. Potential employers access your driving records during employment screening to determine how you adhere to road safety rules. Auto insurance companies use your driving record to assess your roadworthiness and base insurance rates from there.
Protect your driving record and keep it clean. If you’re facing a traffic violation, it is paramount that you give our lawyers a call right away to fight off the charges and avoid points on your record.