What Is A Statutory Summary Suspension?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

It's a suspension of your driving privileges by the Secretary of State if you were arrested for DUI and submitted to a chemical test which revealed your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to be .08 or above or you refused to submit to a chemical test. It typically goes into effect 46 days following your arrest. The length of your suspension may vary from three months to three years, depending on whether you are a "first offender" for implied consent purposes and whether or not you refused chemical testing. "First offender" for implied consent purposes is not necessarily the same as that for DUI sentencing purposes.

Are There Any Additional Requirements For Nonresidents Driving In Illinois?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Nonresidents are required to have proof of insurance.

Are There Any Special Regulations For Recreational Vehicles?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Recreational vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers are restricted to 55 mph on interstate highways.

Are U-Turns Permissable?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

You may not make a Uturn at a controlled intersection (light or stop sign) or within 100 feet of one.

How Are Speed Limits Enforced?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Enforced through use of: Pacing Yes
Radar Yes
Vascar Yes
Photo Radar No
Aircraft Yes
Laser Yes

How Can Tickets Be Paid?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Tickets can be paid by mail or in person.

How Many Hours Of Alcohol Classes Will I Have To Take?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Anywhere between 10 to 75 hours, depending on your BAC, driving history, and certain other factors.

Is Trial By Declaration Allowed?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

What Are Some Other Regulations?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Open intoxicants are prohibited in the vehicle.
Unloaded firearms are permitted in the vehicle with a valid permit. Firearms must be cased and not easily accessible.
Studded tires are prohibited.
Tire chains are not required.
Illinois has a seat belt law with secondary enforcement for all front seat occupants.
Illinois has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 7 years of age. Children under age 4 must use approved car safety seats.
Illinois does not have a mandatory motorcycle helmet law.
Registration and insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.

What Are The Penalties For Dui?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

If you have never had a DUI before, you may be eligible for Court Supervision. Court Supervision will not appear on your public driving record, nor will it affect your driving privileges. If you have been previously arrested for DUI and received Court Supervision, or a conviction, or plead guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving, you are not eligible for supervision. Depending on your driving history and facts of the case, you may be facing revocation of your license, fines, jail time, community service, alcohol classes, and vehicle impoundment/seizure. Your case may also be upgraded to a felony depending on your driving history and facts of the case. This may happen if you committed a DUI while your license was suspended or revoked for a previous DUI, you have committed at least two previous DUI's, or there were serious or fatal injuries.

What Are The Resident Insurance Requirements?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Compulsory insurance law and financial responsibility law with both the securitytype and future prooftype. Minimum limits: $20,000/40,000/15,000. Illinois has unsatisfied judgment funds law and uninsured motorists law.

What Are The Speed Limits In Illinois?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Unless Otherwise Posted
Absolute Interstate 65 mph
Ltd Access Rds 65 mph
Other Primary Rds 55 mph
Residential 30 mph

What Happens After A Dui Arrest In Illinois?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Summary Suspension Hearing:
- Your drivers license will be suspended if you are arrested for DUI and either (a) you submit to a chemical test which reveals an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater or (b) your refuse to submit to a chemical test.
- The suspension of your license is separate from the DUI and typically begins 46 days following your arrest.
- The length of suspension may vary from three months to three years.
- You are entitled to a hearing within 30 days of making a written request or the suspension will be lifted. You must file the written request within 90 days of your arrest.
Arraignment: This is the date on your ticket, about 30 to 60 days after your arrest. If you have an attorney, he will advise you.
Pretrial Conference: Your attorney will discuss your case with the State's Attorney and negotiate the best possible plea bargain. It will happen after arraignment and usually after the Summary Suspension Hearing. The date is set by the Court and your attorney on his calendar.
Suppression Hearing: The Court may suppress some or all of the evidence against you if your constitutional rights have been violated. Your attorney will file motions to suppress. This usually occurs after the pretrial conference.
Trial: Almost always a trial to a jury of twelve. Trial must be held within 120 to 160 days after you demand trial, depending whether or not you are in custody.
Sentencing: The Court imposes a sentence after a conviction at trial or after a plea bargain is accepted and a plea entered. Sentences may include jail time, in home detention, public service, alcohol classes and fines

What If Drugs Were Found In My System?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

It is illegal to drive in Illinois with ANY amount of drugs in your system that impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. You will also face a Statutory Summary Suspension if any drugs are found in your system. This may apply even for prescription drugs.

What Is A Member Driver License Compact?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

If you receive a ticket, warning, etc. in another state and your state is a member, you state will be notified about the ticket.

What Is A Member Nonresident Compact?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Nonresident motorist receiving a ticket in a member state will receive the same treatment as resident motorists. If your state or the state you receive a ticket in is not a member, you may have to pay a cash bond before you can continue your trip.

What Is Bac?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration and measures the amount of alcohol in your system. It is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or greater in Illinois.

What Is Implied Consent And How Do I Know If I'm A "First Offender"?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:51:22 GMT

You are deemed to have given your consent to submit to chemical testing following your arrest for DUI simply by driving on an Illinois roadway. A "first offender" for implied consent purposes is one who has not had a previous conviction, court supervision, or DUI suspension within the last five years.

What's The Difference Between A Suspension And Revocation?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

A suspension means you lose driving privileges for a set period of time and/or until you meet certain reinstatement requirements (usually payment of a reinstatement fee). A revocation means you lose your driving privileges indefinitely. You must petition the Secretary of State for a hearing and prevail before your driving privileges will be reinstated. The hearing process can be long and costly.

When And Where Do I File Accident Reports?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Accidents involving death or personal injury must be reported immediately to the nearest police station or sheriff's office and property damage exceeding $500 to any one person's property must be reported in writing within 10 days to the Department of Transportation.

When Are Turn Signals Required?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Motorists in Illinois can be ticketed for not using the turn signals.

When Is A Jury Trial Allowed?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Speeding Yes
Parking Yes
Equipment Yes
DWI Yes

When Must I Use My Headlights?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Illinois requires that you have your headlights on whenever you are using your windshield wipers.