Illinois · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Illinois: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Illinois: What Are the Rules?
You have 90 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Illinois.
- Deadline to challenge
- 90 days
- How it is counted
- The date the officer serves the notice of statutory summary suspension or revocation
- Failed test
- 6 months (first offender); 1 year (not a first offender)
- Refused test
- 12 months (first offender); 3 years (not a first offender); revocation if the refusal involved a crash causing personal injury or death
- Hardship license
- Monitoring device driving permit (during summary suspension) or restricted driving permit (after revocation)
How to Request a Hearing in Illinois
a written request for a judicial hearing filed in the circuit court of venue, stating the grounds for rescinding the suspension; the request does not delay the suspension
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Illinois
6 months (first offender); 1 year (not a first offender)625 ILCS 5/2-118.1(b); 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1(g); 625 ILCS 5/6-208.1(a)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Illinois
12 months (first offender); 3 years (not a first offender); revocation if the refusal involved a crash causing personal injury or death625 ILCS 5/2-118.1(b); 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1(g); 625 ILCS 5/6-208.1(a)
Getting a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (During Summary Suspension) or Restricted Driving Permit (After Revocation) in Illinois
First offenders under statutory summary suspension are issued an MDDP that lets them drive any vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock, installed within 14 days; not available if death or great bodily harm resulted, the license is otherwise invalid, or the driver is under 18. After revocation, the Secretary of State may issue a restricted driving permit for work, medical care, treatment, school or child care when you show undue hardship and no other transportation; drivers with 2 or more DUI convictions may drive only interlock-equipped vehicles. A first offender whose privileges were summarily revoked for refusal cannot get an MDDP and may apply for an RDP after one year.
More on DUI Law in Illinois
See the full overview of DUI laws in Illinois and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Illinois law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Illinois can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Illinois?
90 days. How it is counted: the date the officer serves the notice of statutory summary suspension or revocation.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
6 months (first offender); 1 year (not a first offender)
Can You Get a Hardship License in Illinois?
First offenders under statutory summary suspension are issued an MDDP that lets them drive any vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock, installed within 14 days; not available if death or great bodily harm resulted, the license is otherwise invalid, or the driver is under 18. After revocation, the Secretary of State may issue a restricted driving permit for work, medical care, treatment, school or child care when you show undue hardship and no other transportation; drivers with 2 or more DUI convictions may drive only interlock-equipped vehicles. A first offender whose privileges were summarily revoked for refusal cannot get an MDDP and may apply for an RDP after one year.