On August 6, 2015, Public Act 099-0290, changing the lifetime revocation law, was signed into law by the Governor Rauner. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Elaine Nekritz.
Previously, Illinois law prohibited anyone with 4 or more DUI convictions from obtaining driving privileges (with the last arrest occurring on or after 1/1/99). This meant that if you had been convicted of driving under the influence 4 or more times, the Illinois Secretary of State imposed a lifetime revocation of your driving privileges.
Illinois law now allows these individuals to apply for a restricted driving permit (i.e. work permit) through an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State under certain limited conditions. These individuals are eligible to apply for driving relief after a five-year period from the later of the date of the last order of revocation or release from incarceration. The person must have three-years of abstinence, complete all required treatment and otherwise meet all requirements set forth by the Secretary of State. The law does not allow full reinstatement for Illinois residents.
Out-of-state residents are able to apply for full reinstatement after a period of ten years from the date of the last order of revocation. Of course, there are additional requirements that must be met.
On behalf of the Illinois State Bar Association, Attorney Larry A. Davis drafted the legislation and led negotiations to allow persons who have rehabilitated their lives to finally apply for driving relief.
Rauner signs bill to let four-time DUI offenders get restricted permit, www.chicagotribune.com, August 6, 2015