Sec. 6-304.1. Permitting a driver under the influence to operate a motor vehicle. No person shall knowingly cause, authorize, or permit a motor vehicle owned by, or under the control of, such person to be driven or operated upon a highway by anyone who is under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or combination thereof. This provision shall not apply to a spouse of the person who owns or has control of, or a co-owner of, a motor vehicle or to a bailee for hire.
Illinois Compiled Statute
625 ILCS 5/6-304.1
Offense Description
Permitting a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs to drive
Offense Classification
Class A Misdemeanor
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/6-304.1 (Permitting a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs to drive) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor. Statutory sentencing scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500. Court appearance is mandatory under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, and pretrial release is presumptively release-eligible under the SAFE-T Act.
Offense Class & Sentencing ScopeClass A Misdemeanor
Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Court Appearance MandateRule 551 Mandatory Court
Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State License SanctionStandard Administrative Protocol
No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Sec. 6-304.1. Permitting a driver under the influence to operate a motor vehicle. No person shall knowingly cause, authorize, or permit a motor vehicle owned by, or under the control of, such person to be driven or operated upon a highway by anyone who is under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or combination thereof. This provision shall not apply to a spouse of the person who owns or has control of, or a co-owner of, a motor vehicle or to a bailee for hire.
Any person convicted of violating this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(Source: P.A. 84-1394.)
Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis
Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 625 ILCS 5/6-304.1 in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/6-304.1 (Permitting a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs to drive) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor.
Sentencing Scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Is a court appearance mandatory for 625 ILCS 5/6-304.1 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?
Mandatory Personal Appearance Required: Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.
Is an individual accused of 625 ILCS 5/6-304.1 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?
Presumptive Pretrial Release: Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 625 ILCS 5/6-304.1?
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Official Legal Citation Formats
Legal & Academic Reference
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
Illinois Supreme Court Citation625 ILCS 5/6-304.1 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.)625 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/6-304.1 (2026)
Canonical Web Referencehttps://ilcsindex.com/statutes/625-ilcs-5-6-304.1