Driver guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
Illinois DUI Laws and Penalties
The Illinois State Police says hundreds of people die each year in Illinois as the result of drinking or drugged driving. Here is what counts as DUI in Illinois, the penalties for a first, second and third conviction, license suspensions for failing or refusing a test, the rules for drivers under 21 and the open container law, for drivers around Peoria.
The short answer
In Illinois, you are legally under the influence at a BAC of .08 or more, after using any illegal substance, or when impaired by medication, the Illinois State Police says. For an adult, a first DUI conviction means at least a one-year loss of full driving privileges (2 years for a driver under 21), up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Penalties rise sharply for repeat offenses.
What counts as DUI in Illinois
Driving under the influence means operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs or intoxicating compounds, including methamphetamine and marijuana, the Illinois State Police DUI brochure says. A driver is legally considered under the influence with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more, after using any illegal substance, or when impaired by medication. A driver with a BAC between .05 and .08 may also be convicted of DUI if other evidence shows impairment.
For cannabis, the brochure says a driver is considered impaired with 5 or more nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood, or 10 or more nanograms per milliliter of urine.
The ISP adds that, from the first drink, alcohol affects coordination and judgment, and the only way to rid the body of alcohol is time: fresh air, coffee, a shower and food cannot sober a person up.
From the Illinois State Police DUI brochure (ISP 5-308, 4/24), read October 28, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
Illinois DUI penalties by conviction
The Illinois State Police lists these penalties for adult drivers:
| Conviction | Driving privileges | Jail and fines | BAC of .160 or above |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Minimum one-year loss of full driving privileges | Possible imprisonment up to one year; maximum fine $2,500 | Mandatory minimum fine of $500 and 100 hours of community service |
| Second (within 20 years) | Minimum five-year loss of full driving privileges | Mandatory five days in jail or 240 hours of community service; possible imprisonment up to one year; maximum fine $2,500 | Mandatory minimum fine of $1,250 and 2 days in jail |
| Third (Class 2 felony) | Minimum ten-year loss of full driving privileges | Possible imprisonment up to seven years; maximum fine $25,000 | Mandatory minimum fine of $2,500 and 90 days in jail |
| Aggravated DUI (crash causing great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement) | Minimum two-year loss of full driving privileges | Mandatory ten days in jail or 480 hours of community service (with probation or conditional discharge); possible imprisonment up to twelve years; maximum fine $25,000 | Not listed separately |
From the Illinois State Police, "Impaired Driving" (DUI Conviction Penalties for Adults), read October 28, 2026. The ISP labels aggravated DUI a Class 4 felony on that page.
License suspension for failing or refusing a test
Under summary suspension, a first-offense chemical test showing a BAC of .08 or more brings a mandatory six-month driver's license suspension, and refusing a chemical test brings a twelve-month suspension, the Illinois State Police says. For a subsequent offense within five years, the suspensions are one year for a test of .08 or more and three years for a refusal.
The ISP DUI brochure also lists consequences for a DUI offender: the offender must complete an alcohol/drug evaluation and an alcohol/drug remedial education course or substance abuse treatment program before driving privileges are reinstated, may have the vehicle impounded or seized, may need a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) as a condition of driving relief, and must carry high-risk auto insurance for 3 years. A first-time offender who wants driving relief during the summary suspension, and is eligible for it, must have a BAIID installed.
From the Illinois State Police, "Other Alcohol Offenses" (Summary Suspension), and the ISP DUI brochure (ISP 5-308, 4/24), read October 28, 2026.
Drivers under 21
Illinois' Zero Tolerance law, in effect since January 1, 1995, provides for suspension of the driving privileges of any person under 21 who drives after consuming alcohol, the ISP says. A BAC of .01 or more can trigger it. Exceptions are minors who consume alcohol as part of a religious service or who take a prescribed or recommended dose of medicine containing alcohol.
Under Zero Tolerance, the suspension is 3 months for a first violation and 1 year for a second when the test is taken, and 6 months and 2 years when the test is refused. A Zero Tolerance suspension is not on the public driving record, except during the suspension period, as long as there is no subsequent suspension. For a first underage DUI conviction, the ISP lists a minimum 2-year loss of full driving privileges, possible imprisonment for up to 1 year and a maximum $2,500 fine.
From the Illinois State Police, "Penalties for Drinking & Driving" and "Teenage Drinking and Driving," read October 28, 2026.
Open containers and other alcohol offenses
Other offenses the Illinois State Police lists:
Open container
It is illegal to transport, carry, possess or have any alcoholic beverage in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, except in the original container with the seal unbroken. Limousines, motor homes, mini motor homes and chartered buses not hired for school purposes are exceptions (ISP DUI brochure).
Illegal transportation of alcohol
Maximum fine of $1,000, a point-assigned violation on the driving record, and a license suspension for a second conviction within 12 months (ISP).
Letting an impaired driver drive
Knowingly permitting a driver under the influence to operate a vehicle carries possible imprisonment for up to one year and a maximum fine of $2,500 (ISP).
Providing alcohol to someone under 21
Possible imprisonment for up to one year and a maximum fine of $2,500 (ISP).
From the Illinois State Police, "Other Alcohol Offenses," and the ISP DUI brochure (ISP 5-308, 4/24), read October 28, 2026.
Routine checks at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Book it whenever your vehicle is due for maintenance.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 28, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Illinois DUI law FAQ
What is the legal limit for DUI in Illinois?
The Illinois State Police says a driver is legally considered under the influence with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more, after using any illegal substance, or when impaired by medication. A driver with a BAC between .05 and .08 may still be convicted of DUI if other evidence shows impairment.
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Illinois?
For adults, the ISP lists a minimum one-year loss of full driving privileges (2 years for a driver under 21), possible imprisonment for up to one year and a maximum fine of $2,500. With a BAC of .160 or above, there is a mandatory minimum fine of $500 and 100 hours of community service. The ISP DUI brochure adds that a first conviction is a Class A misdemeanor and includes suspension of vehicle registration.
What happens if I refuse a chemical test in Illinois?
Under the ISP summary suspension rules, refusing a chemical test brings a 12-month license suspension for a first offense and a three-year suspension for a subsequent offense within five years. A test showing .08 or more brings a six-month suspension the first time and one year for a subsequent offense.
What is the Zero Tolerance law?
Illinois' Zero Tolerance law, in effect since January 1, 1995, provides for suspension of the driving privileges of any person under 21 who drives after consuming alcohol, the ISP says. Any trace of alcohol (a BAC of .01 or more) can lead to a suspension: 3 months for a first violation if the test is taken, 6 months if refused.
Can I have an open container in my car in Illinois?
The ISP DUI brochure says it is illegal to transport, carry, possess or have any alcoholic beverage in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle except in the original container with the seal unbroken. Limousines, motor homes, mini motor homes and chartered buses not hired for school purposes are exceptions.
Does a DUI stay on my Illinois driving record?
Yes. The ISP says a DUI conviction (BAC of .08 or greater) is permanently on your public driving record.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
DUI law details are from the Illinois State Police Traffic & Safety pages and DUI brochure, read October 28, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Impaired Driving (DUI Conviction Penalties for Adults), Illinois State Police, read October 28, 2026
- Penalties for Drinking & Driving (Zero Tolerance and DUI suspensions), Illinois State Police, read October 28, 2026
- Teenage Drinking and Driving, Illinois State Police, read October 28, 2026
- Other Alcohol Offenses (summary suspension), Illinois State Police, read October 28, 2026
- Driving Under the Influence brochure (ISP 5-308, 4/24), Illinois State Police, read October 28, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 28, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 28, 2026