Hardship License and Restricted Driving in Illinois

1. What is a Hardship License and how can I obtain one in Illinois?


A Hardship License is a restricted driver’s license issued by the State of Illinois to those who have had their license suspended due to an unresolved issue. An example of a situation where a Hardship License may be issued is if a person’s license has been suspended due to an unpaid ticket or outstanding fine. In order to obtain one, you must file an Application for Restricted Driving Permit with the Secretary of State. The application must be accompanied by proof of financial responsibility, such as proof of insurance, a hardship statement, and proof that you have completed any required substance abuse evaluations or treatment. You may also be required to show proof of enrollment in an approved drug or alcohol education/treatment program.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for a Hardship License in Illinois?


In order to be eligible for a Hardship License in Illinois, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
* Be at least 18 years old
* Have a valid Illinois driver’s license or permit
* Have an alcohol/drug-related suspension or revocation (not including suspensions or revocations for failing to pay fines)
* Have no other suspensions or revocations on their driving record
* Have completed any required alcohol/drug education and/or treatment program
* Have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle
* Prove that granting the hardship license is necessary for their employment or educational needs

3. What are the restrictions on a Hardship License in Illinois?


In Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office has a Hardship License program that allows individuals who have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked to be able to drive for employment or educational purposes. In order to qualify for a Hardship License, an individual must meet several requirements, including:

– Having proof of enrollment/employment
– Being able to provide proof of financial responsibility (such as insurance)
– Reinstatement fee of $70
– Passing the written and road tests
– Completion of a prescribed Driver Remedial Education Program
– Payment of all outstanding fines and fees related to the suspension/revocation
– A completed application form
– Proof of identity
– Proof of residence

4. How much does a Hardship License cost in Illinois?


The cost of a Hardship License in Illinois varies depending on the individual situation of the applicant. Generally, the cost for a 6-month Hardship License is approximately $300.

5. What documents do I need to apply for a Hardship License in Illinois?


To apply for a hardship license in Illinois, you will need to provide proof of financial hardship, proof of identity, proof of address, a valid driver’s license application, an ignition interlock device form, and a dischargeable fee. You may also need to provide proof of enrollment in a driver safety course or an alcohol education program.

6. How long does it take to get a Hardship License in Illinois?


It typically takes between 4-8 weeks to get a Hardship License in Illinois. The exact amount of time depends on the individual case.

7. Can I use a Hardship License to drive to work in Illinois?


Yes, you can use a hardship license to drive to and from work in Illinois. However, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Illinois Secretary of State. You must also receive approval from a Specialized Driving Rehabilitation Program.

8. Can I use a Hardship License to attend medical appointments in Illinois?


No, a Hardside license cannot be used for medical appointments in Illinois. However, a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) can be obtained that allows for driving only to and from specific destinations including medical appointments.

9. What are the laws for Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois?


In order to obtain a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) in Illinois, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years of age;

2. Hold a valid driver’s license;

3. Have a valid Social Security Number;

4. Not have any outstanding fines or fees for driving-related offenses;

5. Not have any pending criminal charges related to driving;

6. Not have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked for reasons other than non-payment of fines or fees;

7. Not have had their license suspended for the refusal to submit to a chemical test for alcohol concentration;

8. Have a valid insurance policy in effect at all times; and

9. Present proof of enrollment in or completion of a state-approved alcohol treatment program or driver safety course if applicable.

10. Can I apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois?


Yes, you can apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois. The RDP is an administrative license suspension remedy that allows you to drive normally, but with some restrictions. You must have a valid driver’s license, and you must be eligible based on your driving record, the circumstances of your suspension, and any other requirements set by the Secretary of State. You can also be required to show proof of financial responsibility before being granted an RDP.

11. How much does a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) cost in Illinois?


In Illinois, an RDP permit costs $30 and must be renewed every year.

12. What documents do I need to apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois?


In order to apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois, you will need your valid driver’s license, a valid state identification card, proof of insurance, and proof of a valid ignition interlock device. You will also need to have completed an alcohol/drug evaluation and treatment program, if applicable. For more information, please visit the State of Illinois website.

13. What are the restrictions for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois?


In Illinois, a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) is available to individuals whose driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled due to certain reasons, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or certain traffic offenses. Restrictions for an RDP may include:

• Driving is only allowed for specific purposes, such as traveling to and from work or school, medical appointments, court-ordered community service, and court appearances.

• Driving must occur within certain geographic limits.

• Restrictions on the hours during which driving is allowed.

• Requirement of an ignition interlock device (IID).

• Suspension of all other driving privileges.

• Requirement of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) for certain offenses.

• A monitor being required to accompany the driver during certain times.

14. How long does it take to get a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois?


It typically takes approximately 6-7 weeks to receive an RDP in Illinois. The processing time may vary depending on the backlog of applications, the complexity of the case, and the availability of documents needed to complete the application.

15. Can I use a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) to drive to work in Illinois?


No, a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) cannot be used to drive to work in Illinois. The RDP is only for court-ordered purposes such as driving to and from medical appointments, attending court hearings, and attending alcohol/drug awareness or counseling classes.

16. Can I use a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) for medical appointments in Illinois?


Yes, you may use an RDP in Illinois to drive for necessary medical purposes, such as attending doctor visits or obtaining medical supplies. In order to qualify, you must present proof of enrollment in a state-approved Alcohol and Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (AASATOP).

17. Are there any other restrictions on my driving privileges in Illinois?


Yes. Individuals who hold a restricted license or are on a probationary period must comply with certain conditions, such as:

• Complying with all traffic laws and regulations.
• Obtaining a valid driver’s license prior to obtaining a restricted license.
• Completing any required driver education courses or programs.
• Maintaining a valid auto insurance policy at all times.
• Complying with any other restrictions set forth by the state.
• Restriction on driving during certain hours of the day or night.

18. Who is eligible for a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois?


In Illinois, individuals whose driver’s licenses have been suspended or revoked due to certain offenses may be eligible for a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP). Eligibility requirements vary depending on the offense, but in general, individuals must have a valid reason for needing to drive, such as for work or medical reasons. In addition, applicants must meet certain financial and insurance requirements, and must not have any pending traffic violations or recently committed traffic offenses.

19. How long is the validity of a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois?


The validity of a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois is typically six months.

20. Are there any additional costs associated with obtaining a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois?


Yes, there are additional costs associated with obtaining a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Illinois. These additional costs may include filing fees, license reinstatement fees, and Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installation and monitoring fees.