What Are the Consequences for Driving Without a Permit in Illinois?

Driving without a permit can result in serious consequences

In order to legally drive in the state of Illinois, you must have a license or a form of a permit. These permits are attained though the Secretary of State's office or through attending a driver's learning course. These permits show law enforcement officers that you have enough of an understanding of the rules of the road to properly drive. Driving without one is illegal and carries criminal penalties.

Vehicle Code

The Illinois Vehicle Code 625 Illinois Compiled Status (ILCS) 5/6-101 regulates the penalties of driving without a permit. According to the code, driving without a legal permit will subject you to at least a Class B misdemeanor. If your permit was revoked and you failed to reinstate it before driving again, you are subject to a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties can become even worse if you do not have insurance or if you cause personal injury while driving without the permit.

Class B Misdemeanor

If caught driving without a permit and you have never had one, or are too young to receive one, it is considered a Class B misdemeanor. You can receive jail time of up to six months, or a $1,000 fine for this penalty. The actual penalty you receive is completely up to your judge.

Class A Misdemeanor

If you have previously had a license and it has been revoked or suspended, you can receive a Class A misdemeanor for driving. The same penalty applies to you if your permit was suspended and you never reinstated it. A Class A misdemeanor can result in up to a year in jail or a $2,500 fine. Just as with a Class B misdemeanor, the sentence you receive is completely up to the judge you see.

Further Consequences

In addition to the punishment for driving without a permit, if you do not have insurance in Illinois, your car can be towed and impounded, and you can be arrested. If your driving results in the injury or death of someone, not only can you be arrested and your car impounded, but the state can then repossess your vehicle and sell it at auction.

References

• Illinois Vehicle Code