Currently, Illinois law prohibits anyone with 4 or more DUI convictions from obtaining driving privileges where the last arrest resulting in a conviction occurred on or after January 1, 1999. In other words, if you have been convicted of driving under the influence 4 or more times, the Illinois Secretary of State will impose a lifetime revocation of your driver’s license (also known as the “four strikes” rule). This means that you are not eligible for an administrative hearing to request reinstatement or a Restricted Driving Permit (“RDP”).

This poses a problem not only for Illinois residents but also may prevent a person who had even one of the four convictions in Illinois – and resides in another state – from obtaining driving privileges in the state where they reside.

As a member of the legislative subcommittee for the Traffic Laws and Courts Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association, Attorney Larry A. Davis is actively involved in current negotiations to change the lifetime revocation law and allow persons who have rehabilitated their lives, to obtain driving privileges.

On February 13, 2013, House Bill 1568 was introduced which will provide relief to persons currently revoked under the lifetime revocation law. This legislation was drafted by Larry A. Davis and is currently being sponsored by the Honorable Elaine Nekritz, a State Representative.

Mr. Davis appeared before the House Transportation Committee with Rep. Nekritz on March 6, 2013 and the Committee approved the bill by a vote of 7-2. The legislation now moves on to the full House for consideration.

In summary, the bill will provide that persons with four (4) or more DUI convictions with the last arrest occurring on or after January 1, 1999 will be able to apply for a restricted driving permit (RDP) to relieve hardship, beginning 3 years after the date of revocation. The bill will also provide a means for persons who now reside out of state to obtain clearance of their Illinois revocation, allowing them to apply for driving privileges in their home state.

The Law Offices of Davis & LaScola, Ltd. invites any person who has a lifetime revocation to contact us regarding potential changes in the law. You may submit your contact information using the convenient form on this page if you wish to be contacted upon a change in the current law.