Alcohol, Drugs & IL Penalties and GDL
Impaired driving is a serious crime, and Illinois adds strict rules for drivers under 21 and for new teen drivers under Graduated Driver Licensing. Refusing a test carries its own penalty.
Blood alcohol limits
A driver 21 or older is guilty of DUI at a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Illinois enforces zero tolerance for drivers under 21, so any trace of alcohol above 0.00% can suspend their license.
Implied consent
By driving in Illinois you give implied consent to chemical testing for alcohol or drugs when lawfully requested. Refusing a test results in a statutory summary suspension of your driving privileges.
Graduated Driver Licensing
New teen drivers face a nighttime curfew, generally 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and may carry only one passenger under 20 who is not family for the first 12 months.