Video: The Difference Between Illinois Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations

February 17, 2025

Transcript:

For over twenty years, our Chicago law practice has been representing revoked drivers at Illinois license reinstatement hearings.

In this video, we explain the difference between an Illinois driver’s license suspension and revocation.

Although many people use these words interchangeably, a suspension and revocation are different in many respects.

A driver’s license suspension is a temporary loss of driving privileges – it should have a specific date that it is scheduled to terminate.

For example, if a driver has a one-year suspension that begins on October 1, 2026, it should be set to end on October 1, 2027.

A suspension should not go past the scheduled end date if the driver completes all requirements for reinstatement and does nothing to extend the suspension.

A suspension may be extended beyond the original termination date in specific instances, such as cases where:

1 – The driver fails to comply with requirements for reinstatement, such as pay a reinstatement fee; or

2 – The driver engages in conduct that extends the original termination date, such driving on a suspended license.

In contrast, a revocation is infinite – there is no specific end date.

A revoked driver must proactively do something to terminate a revocation, such as attend a successful hearing for license reinstatement.

Many revoked drivers consider their “projected eligibility date” to be the end date of their revocation- this is a mistake.

Unlike a suspension, a revocation does not automatically terminate on the projected eligibility date.

A variety of factors can impact eligibility, including the specific reason for revocation and the number of convictions on specific offenses.

Further, if a person is revoked for DUI, they may be required to meet additional rehabilitation criteria prior to requesting driving privileges.

Whether a person is facing a suspension or revocation, they should consult with a qualified Illinois driver’s license restoration attorney.

A licensing attorney should be able to help a revoked driver determine their correct eligibility date, as well as explain the process to request a driving permit or license reinstatement.

Our office offers free consultations to drivers with an Illinois driver’s license suspension or revocation.

Please do not hesitate to visit our website at www.frontlinelegal.com or call our office at (844) WIRTH-LAW to schedule a consultation.