Getting points on your driving record can lead to higher insurance rates, license suspension, or even revocation. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce those points and maintain a clean record in Illinois.
Traffic school and point reduction
One common way to reduce points is by completing a traffic safety course. Illinois allows drivers to take a defensive driving or traffic safety course to remove points from their record. If you’ve accumulated points from violations, attending this course can help reduce the penalty.
You can take the course once every 12 months, either in person or online. Keep in mind that it may not be available for all violations.
Contesting a traffic ticket
You can also avoid points by contesting the ticket in court. If you believe the ticket was issued in error or that you weren’t at fault, challenging it could lead to the dismissal of the violation and prevent points from being added to your record.
This approach requires preparation. Gathering evidence or hiring a traffic lawyer may be necessary to present your case, and it’s important to understand that this method may not always be successful.
Clean driving record and good behavior
If you’ve maintained a clean driving record for several years, you may be eligible for the “Safe Driver” program in Illinois. This program rewards drivers with no violations for a set period with a discount on insurance rates and can help you avoid accumulating more points.
Completing probationary periods
If your license is on probation, staying violation-free for a designated period can help reduce the points. Avoiding any traffic violations during this time can demonstrate responsible driving and help you avoid additional penalties.
Reducing points is possible with effort and consistency. Whether through traffic school, contesting tickets, or maintaining a clean record, each step can help keep your driving history intact.