How Illinois decides to suspend a license for tickets
Illinois does not suspend at a point total alone. Three moving violation convictions in 12 months, or two in 24 months for drivers under 21, can bring a suspension. Points then set how long it lasts, from 2 months to revocation.
DZ DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
Illinois uses a modified point system. A suspension is triggered by the number of convictions, not by points alone: three moving violation convictions within 12 months, or two within 24 months for drivers under 21. The points from those tickets then decide the length. For drivers with no prior suspension, 15 to 44 points means 2 months and 110 or more means revocation.
Trigger, 21+
3 convictions in 12 months
Trigger, under 21
2 convictions in 24 months
15 to 44 points
2-month suspension
110+ points
Revocation
This is why two big tickets in a year may not cost you your license in Illinois, while three small ones can. The Secretary of State, not the court, makes the suspension decision.
How the process works
Convictions are reportedCourts report traffic convictions to the Illinois Secretary of State.
The count is checkedThree or more point-carrying convictions for offenses committed within 12 months flags the record. For drivers under 21, it takes two in 24 months.
Points set the lengthEach violation has a point value. For example, speeding 10 mph or less over is 5 points and reckless driving is 55.
Notice arrivesThe Secretary of State mails a notice with the action and its start date.
Suspension length, no prior suspensions
Total points
Action
0 to 14
No suspension
15 to 44
2 months
45 to 89
Longer suspension, up to 6 months
90 to 99
9 months
100 to 109
12 months
110 or more
Revocation
A suspension or revocation in the past seven years moves you onto a tougher table, so the same points mean more time off the road.
Good to know
Court supervision is the main way Illinois drivers keep a ticket from counting. A supervision cannot be used by the Secretary of State to suspend your license.
Check yourself3 questions
How many moving violation convictions in 12 months can lead to an Illinois suspension for an adult?
Answer: B. Three convictions within 12 months can trigger a suspension.
What is the under-21 rule in Illinois?
Answer: B. Drivers under 21 can be suspended after two convictions in 24 months.
With no prior suspensions, 110 or more points leads to what?
Answer: D. 110 or more points means revocation.
Points questions
Can I check my Illinois driving record?
Yes. You can request your record from the Secretary of State online or at a Driver Services facility.
Do points expire?
The suspension rule looks at convictions within a 12-month window, so older tickets stop counting toward the trigger.
What gets an automatic revocation?
Offenses like DUI, leaving the scene of an injury crash, drag racing and three reckless driving convictions in 12 months.
Sources
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Illinois DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
