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Illinois (IL) - State Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

The Illinois 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?

If you’re convicted of a DUI offense in Illinois, you risk a variety of financial and administrative penalties. These penalties may increase depending on the circumstances of the incident.

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