Traffic violations can have lasting effects on your driving record and insurance rates in Illinois. Depending on the severity of the violation, it may stay on your record for several years.
The duration of a traffic violation on your record
In Illinois, the length of time a traffic violation stays on your record depends on the type of offense. Minor violations, such as speeding or failure to yield, typically remain on your driving record for four to five years. More serious offenses, like driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident, can stay on your record for life or a much longer period, such as ten years.
For a DUI conviction, Illinois law mandates that the offense will remain on your record for life. However, if you’re looking to regain your driving privileges after a DUI, it may be possible to do so after a set period, depending on the circumstances of your case.
How traffic violations affect your driving privileges
The length of time a violation stays on your record can affect your driving privileges. If you accumulate too many points on your record, you may face a driver’s license suspension. For example, Illinois allows a driver to accumulate 15 points within 12 months before facing a suspension, and more serious violations, like DUIs, carry higher point values. Each violation is assigned a point value, and those points accumulate over time.
Expunging or sealing a traffic violation record
If you’re hoping to clear a traffic violation from your record, Illinois offers limited options for expunging or sealing records. Typically, minor violations cannot be removed, but in some cases, such as with certain non-traffic offenses or dismissed charges, you may be eligible to have your record sealed. Keep in mind that even if a violation is removed, it might still be accessible to certain entities like insurance companies.
Impact on insurance rates
A traffic violation on your record can also affect your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies often consider your driving history when calculating premiums. Even after a violation is no longer on your record, your rates may still reflect past offenses. The impact on your rates typically decreases over time as you maintain a clean driving record.
While most traffic violations will stay on your record for a set period, more serious offenses may affect your driving privileges and insurance rates for much longer.