Lake County ranks the highest among all Illinois counties with drivers convicted of four DUI’s. 356 Lake County drivers of approximately 5000 state-wide offenders, have had their driver privileges revoked ‘for life’ due to multiple drunk driving incidents.
Effective January 1, 2016, a new law will allow many convicted of repeated drunk driving to legally operate a vehicle again if they can prove they are drug and alcohol free. The law allows those qualified to apply for a restricted driving permit five years after revocation or release from imprisonment.
The restricted permits will be given to eligible drivers who will then be monitored by one of nine companies the state hires to supervise breath ignition interlock devices. If the person is subsequently convicted of DUI, the permit is revoked and the person is permanently barred from driving.
The thinking behind the bill suggests that people can indeed turn their lives around and should be allowed an opportunity to drive again. The restricted license will likely improve employment opportunities and enable an overall return to normalcy for those who qualify. Lawmakers concede that many people with revoked licenses drive anyway out of necessity – the measure will reward those who have cleaned-up their acts to do so legally.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Illinois, contact the Law Offices of Ronald L. Bell for help. Ron has been recognized among the 10 Best DUI/DWI Attorneys 2014 & 2015 in Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys. Contact Ron today!
Source: Chicago Sun Times, “THE WATCHDOGS: Despite 4 DUI convictions, 5,085 Illinois Drivers Could be Back on Road — Legally.”, by Tim Novak, September 20, 2015.