How Serious Is Driving with a Suspended License in Illinois?

 Posted on March 13, 2025 in Traffic Violations

It is difficult to know how many people routinely drive with a suspended license across the U.S. Some data collected suggest that at least 10 percent of all traffic offenses involve drivers without a valid driver’s license and that unlicensed drivers contribute to approximately 20 percent of traffic accident-related deaths.

Young adults are more likely to drive without a license, although economic barriers are often a hindrance to license acquisition. There are also legal consequences for those who are caught driving without a license and receive traffic violation citations. If you are facing charges of driving on a suspended or revoked license in the state of Illinois, it is important that you speak to a knowledgeable Plainfield, IL traffic violation attorney.   

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License?

The fines associated with driving with a suspended or revoked license can be substantial, and in some jurisdictions, the driver’s vehicle may be impounded. The vehicle may be towed and held in an impound lot until the individual can pay the recovery fees. Under 625 ILCS 5/6-303, a driver who is driving without a valid license can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

This offense is punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, and mandatory court assessments. If the driver’s license was suspended or revoked for DUI, the first conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license brings a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 days in jail or 240 hours of community service. If this is a second violation for driving without a valid license and the driver’s license was suspended or revoked for a DUI offense, the individual could be charged with a Class 4 felony in Illinois.

A Class 4 felony offense conviction can result in a maximum fine of $25,000 and between one and three years in prison. There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days in jail or 300 hours of community service. If the driver’s license was revoked or suspended for reckless homicide, the penalties can be even more severe.

If a driver is convicted of driving on a revoked or suspended license, the original revocation or suspension will be extended for the same length of time as the original suspension. If the suspension has expired, but the driver failed to obtain a new license, his or her license will be suspended for the same length of time as the original suspension.

What About a Driver Who Never Had a Driver’s License?

The Secretary of State will create a driving record for a driver who has never obtained a valid driver’s license in the state. The driver will be required to obtain a driver’s license, and if there are prior violations, the Secretary of State can even revoke the individual’s license – even though he or she does not have a license. Not only is this confusing, but it can also be very difficult to sort out for the person who wants to get a driver’s license.   

Are There Other Consequences for Driving Without a License?

There are also collateral consequences to being charged and convicted of driving on a revoked or suspended license. The major consequence is that the driver will have difficulty obtaining auto insurance for years to come, and if it can be obtained, it may be prohibitively expensive. In today’s society, it can be very difficult to manage life without a driver’s license. America has a very mobile society with commutes to and from work and school, errands, recreation, and vacations, all of which require transportation.

Contact a Will County, IL Traffic Violation Attorney

If you have been cited for driving without a valid driver’s license, do not delay. Speak to a skilled Joliet, IL, traffic violation lawyer from Reeder & Brown, P.C. quickly for the best outcome possible. Our firm is focused on honesty, integrity, and exemplary customer service. Attorney Brown has handled thousands of criminal cases, both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. Call 815-885-5980 to schedule your free consultation.