Illinois · Handbook chapter 7 · 4 min read

What to do after an Illinois crash, when to file a crash report, hitting an unattended car, mandatory liability insurance minimums, financial responsibility and SR-22, and the difference between revocation, suspension, cancellation and denial.

Why this chapter matters

A crash, an unpaid ticket or driving without insurance can cost you your license. The Rules of the Road sets out exact dollar amounts and time limits, and the exam often asks about them.

At a crash

• Stop in a safe, well-lit place out of traffic if you can.
• Help the injured and call 911. Warn others with flashers and flares.
• Swap names, addresses, phone numbers, license numbers and plate numbers.

Crash reports

• A report is required, whoever is at fault, if the crash causes death, injury or more than $1,500 of property damage, or $500 or more if any vehicle is uninsured.
• Report the crash within 30 minutes. If no officer comes, report at the nearest police station; in a rural area call the county sheriff or Illinois State Police. If the driver cannot, a passenger must.
• Not reporting can bring a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.

Leaving the scene and unattended vehicles

• Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash means revocation. Leaving after more than $1,000 of damage means suspension.
• If you hit a parked car or other property and cannot find the owner, leave your name, address, phone and plate number on it and tell the police.

Insurance

Every vehicle in Illinois must carry liability insurance of at least:

• Keep proof in the car or on your phone and show it when asked.
• A conviction for driving uninsured costs your license for at least three months plus a $100 reinstatement fee, with no driving permit.
• An uninsured at-fault driver may have to post security under the Safety Responsibility Law and then keep insurance for three years.
• Proof of financial responsibility (an SR-22 certificate, a bond or securities) is required after an unpaid crash judgment, an uninsured-crash suspension, court supervision for no insurance, or three or more insurance convictions.

Losing your driving privileges

• Revocation follows DUI, leaving the scene of an injury crash, drag racing, giving the Secretary of State false information, three reckless driving offenses in 12 months, and a moving violation that caused a death.
• Suspension follows three traffic convictions in 12 months (for under-21 drivers, two within 24 months), failing to report a crash, failing to stop for a school bus, a second railroad-signal violation, a second work zone speeding ticket within two years, and parking in a disability space without a permit.
• Driving while suspended or revoked extends the penalty and can mean jail.
• A Restricted Driving Permit may allow limited driving for work, school, child care or medical care, but never for anyone under 16.

Ticket in court

A ticket shows your court date. Miss it and a second date is set at least 30 days later; miss that and you are convicted. Drivers under 18 must bring a parent or guardian to court.