Illinois is one of the majority of states that already has comprehensive drunk driving regulations. Just one Illinois DUI will mean installing an ignition interlock device on top of paying fines, having an alcohol evaluation for potential court-ordered treatment, and more. On top of all of that, and other consequences for an Illinois DUI, did you know your car could also be impounded?
Losing your car after an Illinois DUI is worse than losing your license or having an interlock requirement.
Illinois DUI laws say the state can impound your vehicle if:
- Your recent DUI incident occurred while you were serving out a license suspension for a previous DUI or reckless homicide conviction.
- You already had a DUI with reckless homicide conviction or an aggravated DUI with death or bodily harm conviction.
- This DUI is your third or subsequent conviction.
- This DUI occurred and your driver’s license was not valid.
- You were uninsured at the time of the Illinois DUI incident.
In other words, as soon as you have a DUI that steps outside of the “simple” definition (just at the legal per se blood alcohol limit, no injury or harm occurs), you could be looking at losing your vehicle on top of much higher criminal charges and consequences.
You cannot predict what will happen if you drive while under the influence of alcohol, so it seems to make the most sense to just have a safe plan to get home before you even leave for the bar or party. Not only will you be able to ensure you are safe at the end of the night, but you are sparing other drivers on the road of a potential tragedy at your hands. Any Illinois DUI is a serious matter, with very real and life-changing consequences that can go well beyond your vehicle being impounded.
Just Don’t: Bicycling Under the Influence