Illinois Requirements
Some drivers are able to regain driving privileges if they install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID), also known as an ignition interlock device or IID. This guide will share how the process works.
The IL Ignition Interlock Program
Illinois allows some offenders to regain driving privileges by getting a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). They’re eligible to get this if they install an IID with a camera, and meet other criteria set by the court or monitoring authority. Illinois has strict laws when it comes to DUI offenses. First-time offenders risk having their driving privileges revoked for a full year, and two years if they’re under 21. Penalties increase if they have a blood alcohol content of .16 or greater during the offense, which is twice the legal limit in Illinois (.08 percent).What Happens if I Get a DUI in Illinois?
First DUI Offense
- Driving privileges revoked for one year (two if under 21)
- Driver’s vehicle registration is suspended
- Must install an IID with a camera
- If BAC > .16, there is a mandatory minimum fine of $500 and 100 hours of community service
If the driver has a child under 16 in the car, the offense is considered a felony and the penalties are significantly higher. They include a mandatory fine of $1,000, up to six months in prison, and 25 days of community service benefiting children, along with any other criminal or administrative penalties.
Second DUI Offense
- Driving privileges revoked for five years if offense is within 20 years of previous DUI
- Registration is suspended
- Mandatory imprisonment for five days, or 240 hours of community service
- Must install an IID with a camera
- If BAC > .16 percent, there are additional penalties including two days imprisonment and a $1,250 fine
If the offense occurred while the offender had a child under 16 in the vehicle, it is then treated as a felony. If the child was injured in the crash, it’s a Class 2 felony (as opposed to Class 4). If a child is present, even if they are not injured, there is a mandatory fine of $5,000, six months in prison, plus 25 days of community service in a program that benefits children.
Third DUI Offense
- Driving privileges revoked for a minimum of 10 years
- Vehicle registration suspended
- If BAC > .16 percent, mandatory imprisonment of 90 days and a mandatory minimum fine of $5,000
- Treated as a Class 2 felony, not a misdemeanor
If the offense was committed with a child in the car, there is a mandatory fine of $25,000 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children. Other administrative penalties will also apply.
What Happens if I Refuse a BAC Test in Illinois?
An adult who refuses to take a blood alcohol content test or chemical test may have their license suspended for up to 12 months. People caught a second time who refuse the test a second time in five years may have driving privileges revoked for three years.
How Do I Get a Restricted License in Illinois?
Drivers who need a car to get to and from work, school, or other obligations may be hit especially hard by having their privileges revoked. However, Illinois has an option for these drivers called a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), which allows them to get a restricted driver’s permit. In order to qualify, drivers must:
- Obtain their MPPD by filling out and mailing in the application to the Secretary of State’s office
- Wait for a reply from the Secretary of State that details any fees and will let the driver know if their application was approved
- Once issued, drivers have to install a BAIID from an approved provider like Intoxalock within 14 days
- If a convicted driver needs to drive their employer’s car for work, they can apply for a work exemption by providing their employer’s information
Get a Free Quote! Call (844) 837-0701
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you in the next few minutes to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you during business hours to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Obtain Proof of SR-22 Insurance, If Required
If applicable, provide proof of financial responsibility and insurance coverage with an SR-22 certificate.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in Illinois
Expert DUI Attorneys in Illinois
Van Der Snick Law Firm
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Kurash Law Firm
Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Alan Pearlman, LTD.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Albert A. Altamore & Associates, P.C.
Rockford, IL 61101
Illinois FAQs
An ignition interlockdevice is a mobile breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle to prevent driving while intoxicated. It is made up a handheld unit that is attached to your vehicles ignition system. You are required to blow into the mouthpiece to test your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before starting your car.
A Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) is simply another name for an ignition interlock device commonly used in Illinois.
To view Illinois IID requirements, please visit the Illinois state page.
For pricing information, see Illinois pricing.
Please visit the Illinois state page to learn what steps you need to take to get back on the road.
To learn more about the steps to regaining your license, please visit our Illinois state page.
To find the Illinois Intoxalock service center closest to you, please visit our Illinois ignition interlock installation locations.
The only way to confirm you are eligible to remove the device is to check with your monitoring authority.
Contact your monitoring authority to ensure you are eligible for removal.
Please visit the Illinois state page to learn about other DUI requirements.
For pricing information, see the Illinois pricing page.
To find a DUI attorney, please visit Intoxalock’s Illinois DUI attorney partners page.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our partner site.
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