Many of us rely on our driver’s licenses to get to work, so when those licenses are suspended or revoked, it can wreak havoc on our lives. Trying to get your driver’s license reinstated in Illinois has become even more complicated in the era of coronavirus. If you are pulled over with a blood-alcohol level of .08% or higher or any trace of illegal drugs in your system at the time of an arrest, an automatic driver’s license suspension will occur as a result. A refusal to take a BAC test will also result in a driver’s license suspension.
Your ability to have your driver’s license reinstated depends on whether your license has been revoked or suspended. When Illinois suspends your driver’s license as part of a DUI conviction, they temporarily withdraw it for up to 36 months. When Illinois revokes your driver’s license, they terminate your driving privileges forever, unless the driver applies for reinstatement of his or her driver’s license or applies for a restricted permit. You must be eligible for a restricted permit and go through the process before Illinois reinstates your driver’s license. Unfortunately, the reinstatement process of a driver’s license has become more complicated during the coronavirus pandemic.
Illinois Has Created a New Email Address to Help Drivers Get Their License Reinstated
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recently announced that they would offer Illinois residents a new email service to help them access their driver’s reinstatement process. Now, any Illinois resident with a suspended driver’s license or other types of loss of driving privileges can email adminhearings@ilsos.gov. While driver services facilities are now open, the Secretary of State is trying to promote people getting their driver’s licenses reinstated from home.
You will not need to see an informal hearing officer, and you will receive a response within three days of sending an email. The response will tell you whether or not you need to go through the hearing process, the type of hearing you will need to go through, and the documents that you will need to bring at any future hearings. When an administrative hearing is necessary, they will be held in person. If your driver’s license has been revoked, we recommend speaking to an attorney. The process for reinstatement of a revoked driver’s license is more complicated.
The Process of Reinstatement of a Revoked Driver’s License
When you request reinstatement of your driver’s license, you are asking Illinois to restore all of your driving privileges. Your other option is to request a restricted driving permit (RDP). A restricted driving permit allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, daycare, and AA meetings. You will need to prove that your suspension is causing you “undue hardship” and use your restricted driver’s license for nine months before requesting a full reinstatement of your driver’s license. You will need to go through several more steps before you obtain a restored driver’s license.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer
If you need to seek a reinstatement of your revoked driver’s license, we can help. When you need a lawyer, experience matters. Contact Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation.