A suspension is a temporary loss of your license. Many offenses can trigger one, from alcohol tests to unpaid camera tickets. A denial blocks drivers under 18 from getting a license at all for a set time.
Suspension
The temporary loss of driving privileges. For a set-length suspension, you regain privileges once it ends and you pay a reinstatement fee. Sometimes other requirements must be met first.
Handbook p. 62 ↗Suspension offenses: alcohol, drugs and crashes
- Failing a chemical test after a DUI arrest, or refusing one (in Illinois or another state)
- A drug or sex crime while operating or in control of a vehicle
- Under 21: possessing, using, buying or receiving alcohol as an occupant of a vehicle
- Illegal transportation of alcohol twice in 12 months (age 21+), or any time under 21
- Zero tolerance: under 21 with alcohol concentration above 0.00 but below 0.08
- Refusing or neglecting to report a traffic crash
- An at-fault crash without insurance where damages are owed
Suspension offenses: violations and unpaid tickets
- Three traffic convictions in 12 months (under 21: two within 24 months)
- Five or more unpaid automated red-light or speeding violations
- Causing a crash in a construction zone by not slowing or changing lanes
- Not slowing and moving over for a stationary emergency vehicle, causing damage or injury
- A second speeding violation in a construction zone with workers present, within two years
- Failing to stop for a school bus, or five or more unpaid school bus camera violations
- A second railroad-crossing signal violation, or five or more unpaid crossing violations
- Failure to appear in court for a ticket before Jan. 1, 2020
- Unauthorized parking in a space for persons with disabilities
Suspension offenses: other
- Driving without mandatory insurance, or not filing an SR-22 when required
- Fraudulent license/ID: altered cards, using another's card, or fraudulent applications
- Failing to pay child support
- Child visitation abuse (by court order)
Denial
The temporary refusal of the privilege of applying for a driver's license, and sometimes an instruction permit. A denial can be entered for drivers under 18.
Handbook p. 64 ↗Denials for drivers under 18
| Offense | Effect |
|---|---|
| Offense requiring mandatory revocation | No license or permit until age 18 |
| Driving without a valid license or permit | No license until 18; permit allowed |
| Serious moving violation | No license for 9 months or until 18, if sooner |
| Charged after a crash with serious injury/death | License may be denied or not renewed |
Know the rule
For a no-license or serious-moving-violation denial, a teen who already has a license is reduced to instruction permit privileges. Alcohol doesn't have to be a factor for a crash-related denial.
Handbook p. 64 ↗Put it into practice
A 22-year-old is convicted of speeding in March, running a stop sign in July and an illegal lane change in December of the same year. Three convictions in 12 months can suspend the license.