LifeSafer Ignition Interlock

Illinois

How do I get an Illinois Restricted Driving Permit with an Ignition Interlock?

If this is your 2nd or higher offense in Illinois, you will be applying for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). Multiple DUI arrests will require either a formal or informal hearing. Informal hearings will be at regional Drivers Services facilities. Formal hearings are requested in writing with a $50 filing fee.

Other LifeSafer Locations Near You

Illinois
Information on Illinois DWI and Ignition Interlock Laws

Administrative

All DUI offenders in Illinois are required to have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in order to have their driving privileges restored during a period of suspension or revocation. Both the IL Secretary of State’s Office in charge of licensing and the courts are involved in DUI-related suspensions and revocations.

Illinois Administrative Per Se Suspension: At the time of your arrest, you lose your license temporarily, and can have it reinstated after waiting a certain amount of time and paying a reinstatement fee. In Illinois, there is a summary (automatic) suspension by the arresting officer when you fail or refuse a breath test. These suspensions take effect 46 days from the date of notice of suspension.

Every situation and state is unique, please consult with your attorney or your state licensing authority to confirm your requirements and obligations.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites for the convenience of our readers. Links from LifeSafer Ignition Interlock to other sites, or from other sites to the LifeSafer, do not constitute an endorsement by LifeSafer.  

Benefits of installing an interlock as early as possible: The incentive is obtaining driving privileges.

Judicial

Illinois License Revocation: If you are convicted in court with a DUI, or are involved in an alcohol- or substance-related accident causing injury or death, your license will be revoked, meaning your driving privileges are taken away with no guarantee of restoration. In order to have a revoked license reinstated, you must satisfy the Secretary of State that reinstatement is warranted

Your suspension has nothing to do with your court prosecution for DUI. In Illinois, you can be found not guilty of DUI in court but still have a suspended license, or you can have your suspension lifted but still be convicted and have a license revoked. It is illegal to drive in Illinois with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more. However, you can be convicted of DUI with a lower BAC level if your driving ability is impaired.

If you have had your license suspended you can apply for a Monitored Device Driving Permit (MDDP). This will allow you to drive with a BAIID installed until your suspension is over. If your license has been revoked, you cannot apply for an MDDP, and the revocation cancels any MDDP you might have received before your conviction. You can, however, apply for a Restricted Driving Permit, or RDP in Illinois. A BAIID will usually be required as a condition of the RDP.

There is a difference between the two types of Illinois licenses. An MDDP will allow you to drive anywhere at any time while an RDP lets you drive from home to work, including work-related duties. An RDP also lets you take yourself or family members for medical care, to alcohol or drug treatment facilities or to school.

PLEASE NOTE: Driving without a BAIID during your suspension in Illinois is a Class 4 Felony, punishable by jail terms of up to three years and fines up to $25,000. The cost of a LifeSafer Ignition Interlock is much less and a BAIID must be installed on all vehicles you wish to operate. For more details, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

Find an Attorney in your area!

Every situation and state is unique, please consult with your attorney or your state licensing authority to confirm your requirements and obligations.

Find Attorney

How much does an ignition interlock cost in Illinois?

You can expect to pay about $3 per day on average in Illinois for a breath alcohol ignition interlock (BAIID). You may look for a cheaper blow-and-go device out there, but you may not get the value out of it as you do with LifeSafer.

Every device we make is tested and calibrated with precision, so we know it’s ready to go to your Illinois service center. Our technicians are well-equipped to install your device in any vehicle thanks to the latest best practices and techniques. If you run into any issues during your program, LifeSafer customer service and reporting specialists are here to help.

With over 30 years of experience, you can depend on LifeSafer to be there for you when you need it.

Get back on the road today.

Schedule your installation appointment now!