A DUI conviction in Arlington Heights triggers an automatic license suspension under Illinois law
When you are convicted of driving under the influence in Arlington Heights, the Illinois Secretary of State suspends your license automatically — you do not have to wait for a separate suspension notice. The length of that suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether anyone was injured.
For a first DUI with no accident or injury, your license is suspended for one year. If there was an accident or injury involved, or if you refused a breath or blood test, the suspension is three years. A second DUI within ten years brings a five-year suspension. These suspensions are separate from any jail time or fines a court may impose.
The suspension begins either when you are convicted in court or when the Secretary of State receives notice of your conviction — whichever comes first. You cannot drive legally during this period, even with a restricted license, unless you meet specific conditions that allow you to request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit or a Restricted Driving Permit.
Key Takeaways
- A first DUI conviction in Arlington Heights results in a one-year license suspension; three years if there was an accident, injury, or a refused test.
- You can request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit after 30 days of suspension if you install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
- A Restricted Driving Permit allows limited driving for work, school, or medical appointments, but requires proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance).
- You must contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office in person or by mail to request either permit; online requests are not available.
- Reinstatement of your full license requires proof of insurance, payment of reinstatement fees, and completion of a DUI education program.
How the suspension timeline works in Arlington Heights
The suspension clock starts the day the court enters a guilty verdict or the day the Secretary of State receives notice of your conviction, whichever is earlier. You have no driving privileges during this time unless you obtain a permit.
After 30 days of suspension, you become may be able to access to request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit. This permit allows you to drive, but only if your vehicle is equipped with an ignition interlock device — a machine that tests your breath before the engine will start. You pay for the device installation and monthly monitoring fees yourself, usually between $60 and $100 per month depending on the vendor.
Alternatively, you can request a Restricted Driving Permit at any time during your suspension. This permit lets you drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs, but nowhere else. A Restricted Driving Permit does not require an ignition interlock device, but it does require proof that you carry SR-22 insurance — a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the Secretary of State.
Getting a Restricted Driving Permit in Arlington Heights
To request a Restricted Driving Permit, you must submit a form to the Illinois Secretary of State's office. The form is called the process for Restricted Driving Permit, and you can obtain it by visiting the Secretary of State's website, calling their office, or going in person to a Driver Services facility.
Along with the process, you need to provide proof of financial responsibility. This means an SR-22 form from your insurance company. You cannot get a Restricted Driving Permit without it. Contact your current insurance company or a new one and ask them to file an SR-22 on your behalf. This is not a separate insurance policy — it is a form your existing auto insurance company files to prove you meet the state's minimum liability coverage. Filing an SR-22 typically costs $15 to $25 as an administrative fee, though some companies include it at no extra charge.
Once your insurance company files the SR-22, the Secretary of State's office will receive it electronically. You can then submit your Restricted Driving Permit process in person at a Driver Services facility in Arlington Heights or Cook County, or by mail to the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. Processing usually takes two to four weeks by mail.
The Monitoring Device Driving Permit and ignition interlock requirements
If you choose the Monitoring Device Driving Permit route instead, you must have an ignition interlock device installed before you submit your request. The device is a breathalyzer that connects to your vehicle's ignition system. You blow into it before starting the car, and if it detects alcohol above a set limit (usually 0.025 percent), the engine will not start.
You are responsible for finding a vendor and paying for installation and monthly monitoring. Illinois does not provide a list of approved vendors, but your insurance company, DUI attorney, or the Secretary of State's office can point you toward local installers. The device costs between $100 and $300 to install, plus $60 to $100 per month for monitoring and calibration.
Once the device is installed, you submit your process for the Monitoring Device Driving Permit to the Secretary of State, along with proof of installation from the vendor. You do not need SR-22 insurance for this permit, though you still need valid auto insurance to drive legally. The permit is usually issued within two to three weeks.
SR-22 insurance and what it means for your rates
An SR-22 is a form, not a type of insurance. It certifies to the state that you carry the minimum liability coverage required by Illinois law. Your insurance company files it with the Secretary of State on your behalf, and it stays on file for three years from the date of your conviction.
Getting an SR-22 will increase your insurance rates. How much depends on your age, driving history, the insurance company, and the specific terms of your DUI conviction. Rates typically rise 50 to 100 percent or more after a DUI, though some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer lower premiums than others. Shop around — call at least three insurance companies and ask for quotes that include the SR-22 filing.
You must maintain continuous coverage during the three-year SR-22 period. If your policy lapses for even one day, the insurance company must notify the Secretary of State, and your license will be suspended again. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to may support your premium is paid on time.
What happens when your suspension ends
When your suspension period expires, your license does not automatically return. You must take steps to have it reinstated by the Secretary of State.
To reinstate your license, you need to submit a Reinstatement process to the Secretary of State, along with proof that you have completed a DUI education program. Illinois requires anyone convicted of DUI to complete this program before reinstatement. The program is usually 12 hours of classroom instruction, though some counties offer online versions. You can find approved programs through the Secretary of State's website or by asking your DUI attorney.
You also need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $250 to $500 depending on the type of suspension. Proof of current auto insurance is required as well. Once the Secretary of State receives your completed process, proof of program completion, and payment, your license will be reinstated — usually within two to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work during my suspension if I get a Restricted Driving Permit?
Yes. A Restricted Driving Permit allows you to drive to and from your place of employment, to school, to court-ordered programs like DUI education, and to medical appointments. You cannot use it for any other purpose, including shopping, social visits, or recreational driving. Keep a copy of the permit in your vehicle at all times.
What happens if I get pulled over while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Illinois. You face additional fines, possible jail time, and a longer suspension. If you have a valid Restricted Driving Permit or Monitoring Device Driving Permit, show it to the officer. If you are driving outside the permitted times or locations, you can be charged with driving on a suspended license.
Do I have to use an ignition interlock device, or can I just get a Restricted Driving Permit?
You have a choice. A Restricted Driving Permit requires SR-22 insurance but no device. A Monitoring Device Driving Permit requires an ignition interlock device but no SR-22. The device option is more expensive upfront but may be cheaper than higher insurance rates over time. Consider your budget and driving needs when deciding.
How long does an SR-22 stay on my record?
An SR-22 filing remains active for three years from the date of your DUI conviction. After three years, your insurance company will stop filing it, and you can request standard insurance rates — though your DUI conviction itself will still appear on your driving record for longer.
Can I get my license back early if I complete the DUI program before my suspension ends?
No. You must serve the full suspension period set by the court. Completing the DUI education program early does not shorten the suspension, but you will need proof of completion when you explore for reinstatement after the suspension ends.