Driving under the influence is an offense not to be taken lightly and it can
affect Illinois auto insurance
premiums . Depending on
the situation in which the offender is convicted the penalties can be quite
severe. According to IL state law, operating a vehicle while containing a .08 BAC
or Blood Alcohol Concentration level at which is considered intoxicated and
therefore prohibits one from utilizing the roadways. The .08 BAC limit was
signed into law July 2, 1997.
Studies show that once a driver reaches these levels of intoxication, their
abilities to operate a vehicle are greatly impaired. This includes the judgement
in a driver's ability to steer, brake, control speed, change lanes, shift gears
and judge distance. During this impairment, a driver is three times more likely
to be involved in an accident than those that are sober.Illinois DUI Penalties
Having a DUI on the driving record can shift a driver into the
IL high risk car
insurance category.
The first conviction of a person that is under the age of 21 is considered a
class A misdemeanor and can involve up to 12 months of imprisonment, loss of
driving privileges of up to 2 years, 100 hours of community service, and fines
up to $2,500. After the revocation period is up, the offender may be eligible
for Restricted Driving Permit or RDP and may be required to have a BAIID (Breath
Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device) installed in their vehicle.
For a first offense of a person that is over the age of 21, it is also
considered a class A misdemeanor. The only difference between the penalties of
the two, is that the offender may be able to receive a RDP after a year of
having their license revoked. Consequences can become more severe in several
different instances. If caught with a BAC of .16 or over, transporting a child
(which can carry a charge of child endangerment), if it is not the first offense
or caught driving impaired while suspended or revoked for previous DUI
conviction.Additional Consequences of a DUI in Illinois
- A DUI conviction will be a permanent part of an offender's driving record
- The offender will be required to complete an alcohol/drug evaluation and
remedial course or substance abuse program
- The offender must meet the requirements of the Secretary of State's Department
of Administrative Hearings prior to obtaining a Restricted Driving Permit
- Their vehicle may be impounded or seized
- They must carry high risk insurance - SR22 for 36 consecutive months
- Their vehicle registration will be suspended or revoked
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