Illinois DUI Statutory Summary Suspension (SSS) & License Sanctions Matrix
Authoritative guide to Secretary of State administrative driver's license sanctions under the Illinois Vehicle Code, chemical testing refusal durations, BAIID permit relief, and mandatory criminal revocations under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1 and 625 ILCS 5/6-205.
Effective Date & Notice: Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1(g), a statutory summary suspension takes effect automatically on the 46th day following the date the Law Enforcement Sworn Report is served upon the driver.
01 / STATUTORY SUMMARY SUSPENSIONS
1. Statutory Summary Suspension Durations (625 ILCS 5/11-501.1)
Administrative license action taken by the Illinois Secretary of State upon arrest for DUI following chemical testing submission or refusal.
BAC 0.08+ or Drug/THC Test
Refused Chemical Testing
Prior DUI/SSS Within 5 Years
Refused Chemical Testing (Prior History)
02 / ZERO TOLERANCE
2. Underage Zero Tolerance Law (625 ILCS 5/11-501.8)
Drivers under age 21 operating a motor vehicle with any trace of alcohol (BAC > 0.00) face administrative driver's license suspension under Zero Tolerance statutes.
Test Result vs. Refusal
- Chemical Test Fail (>0.00): 3-Month Suspension
- Chemical Test Refusal: 6-Month Suspension
Repeat Underage Offense
- Chemical Test Fail (>0.00): 1-Year Suspension
- Chemical Test Refusal: 2-Year Suspension
03 / CRIMINAL REVOCATIONS
3. Mandatory Driver's License Revocations (625 ILCS 5/6-205)
Criminal convictions triggering automatic, mandatory revocation by the Illinois Secretary of State.
| Statutory Offense | Authority | Sanction Type | Minimum Revocation Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 625 ILCS 5/11-501 |
625 ILCS 5/6-205(a)(2) | Mandatory Revocation | 1 yr (1st) • 5 yrs (2nd in 20 yrs) • 10 yrs (3rd) • Lifetime (4th+) |
| Reckless Homicide 720 ILCS 5/9-3 |
625 ILCS 5/6-205(a)(1) | Mandatory Revocation | Minimum 2 Years Revocation |
| Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding 625 ILCS 5/11-204.1 |
625 ILCS 5/6-205(a)(5) | Mandatory Revocation | Automatic Revocation Upon Conviction |
| Street Racing / Aggravated Street Racing 625 ILCS 5/11-506 |
625 ILCS 5/6-205(a)(11) | Mandatory Revocation | Minimum 1 Year Revocation |
| Leaving Scene of Personal Injury / Death 625 ILCS 5/11-401 |
625 ILCS 5/6-205(a)(4) | Mandatory Revocation | Minimum 1 Year Revocation |
04 / MOVING VIOLATION POINTS
4. Moving Violation Point Schedule (625 ILCS 5/6-206 & 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1040.20)
Accumulation of moving violation convictions results in escalating Secretary of State suspension terms based on assigned point values.
Drivers Age 21 and Older (3 Violations in 12 Months)
| Points | Sanction |
|---|---|
| 15–44 pts | 2-Month License Suspension |
| 45–74 pts | 3-Month License Suspension |
| 75–89 pts | 6-Month License Suspension |
| 90–99 pts | 9-Month License Suspension |
| 100+ pts | 12-Month Suspension or Revocation |
Drivers Under Age 21 (2 Violations in 24 Months)
| Points | Sanction |
|---|---|
| 10–34 pts | 1-Month License Suspension |
| 35–49 pts | 3-Month License Suspension |
| 50–74 pts | 6-Month License Suspension |
| 75+ pts | 12-Month Suspension or Revocation |
04 / DUI SANCTIONS FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: DUI Suspensions & Sanctions
What is an Illinois Statutory Summary Suspension and when does it take effect?
A Statutory Summary Suspension is an administrative driver's license suspension under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1 that takes effect on the 46th day following notice. It operates separately from any criminal DUI charges. The suspension is triggered either by failing chemical testing (BAC of 0.08 or greater, or testing positive for cannabis/controlled substances) or by refusing chemical testing.
How long is your driver's license suspended for refusing a breathalyzer test in Illinois?
Refusing a chemical breath, blood, or urine test results in a mandatory 12-month license suspension for a first offender under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1. If you have had a prior DUI conviction, statutory summary suspension, or court supervision within the previous five years, a refusal results in a mandatory 3-year license suspension with no eligibility for a driving permit during the term.
How long is your driver's license suspended for failing chemical testing in Illinois?
Failing chemical testing with a BAC of 0.08 or more results in a 6-month license suspension for a first offender under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1. For repeat offenders within five years, chemical test failure results in a mandatory 1-year license suspension.
Can you drive during a DUI Statutory Summary Suspension using an MDDP and BAIID?
Yes, first-time DUI offenders are eligible for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) under 625 ILCS 5/6-206.1. The MDDP requires installing a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on any vehicle you drive. The permit allows driving 24/7 without geographic or work restrictions. Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders and repeat offenders within five years are disqualified.
How do you contest or rescind a Statutory Summary Suspension in Illinois?
You contest the suspension by filing a Petition to Rescind under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1 within 90 days of the notice date. The court must hold a hearing within 30 days of filing or on the first court appearance date. Grounds for rescission are limited to four issues: whether you were lawfully placed under arrest, whether the officer had reasonable grounds, whether you were properly warned, and whether you refused or failed testing.
What are the penalties under Illinois Zero Tolerance for drivers under 21?
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.8, any driver under 21 with a BAC above 0.00 faces a 3-month license suspension for chemical test failure. If an under-21 driver refuses chemical testing, the suspension duration is 6 months. For repeat under-21 offenders, failure yields a 1-year suspension and refusal yields a 2-year suspension.