What is the difference between Revocation and Suspension what causes each to occur?

Driver’s License Revocation

Revocation is the indefinite withdrawal of driving privileges by the Secretary of State’s office. To regain your driving privileges, you may be eligible to reapply for a license after a minimum of one year, unless otherwise noted.

Offenses for which your driver’s license may be revoked include, but are not limited to:

Reckless Homicide –Driving recklessly, resulting in the death of another person (minimum two-year revocation). A vehicle used in a reckless homicide violation is subject to seizure and forfeiture.
Aggravated DUI – Causing personal injury or death as a result of a DUI; having a prior conviction of reckless homicide or aggravated DUI involving a death and committing a DUI; receiving a third or subsequent DUI conviction; committing a DUI without a valid license, permit or vehicle insurance; or committing a DUI violation while transporting children in a school bus. Minimum revocation lengths vary according to the type of offense and previous history.
DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol, other drugs and/or intoxicating compounds. Under age 21, minimum two years revocation for first offense. All other minimum revocation lengths vary according to previous history.
Felony Offense – A vehicle was used while committing a serious crime.
Leaving the Scene – Leaving the scene of a crash that killed or injured someone (minimum three-year revocation).
Perjury – Giving false information to the Secretary of State.
Reckless Driving – Conviction of three reckless driving offenses in 12 months or driving that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement to another person.
Aggravated Reckless Driving — Driving resulting in great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement to another person.
Drag Racing or Street Racing – Illegally racing with another vehicle.
Reckless Conduct – Reckless behavior involving a vehicle and resulting in injury or danger to another person.
Auto Theft – Stealing a motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts.
Aggravated Fleeing the Police – Driving away from the police when directed to stop.
Fraudulent ID – Making or possessing the equipment to make, sell, use, attempt to use or assist another in using an unauthorized, non-governmental issued ID or driver’s license.
Gang-related Activity — A gang-related offense involving the use of a vehicle or an Illinois driver’s license.
The Secretary of State’s office has the authority to revoke the driver’s license of a repeat traffic offender. During the course of any revocation, your vehicle registration may be suspended. Notice is given accordingly.

Driver’s License Suspension

Suspension is a temporary loss of driving privileges. When the suspension is for a specific length of time, you may regain your driving privileges after your suspension has ended and you have paid a reinstatement fee. In other cases, your driver’s license will not be returned until you meet a requirement of Illinois law.

Your driver’s license will be suspended if you are convicted of three traffic violations committed within any 12-month period. If you are under age 21 at the time of arrest, two traffic violations within any 24-month period will result in a suspension. If you are under age 21, you will be required to successfully complete a driver remedial education course to make your driving privileges valid again. In addition, you may be required to submit to a complete driver’s license examination to be re-issued a driver’s license. The length of suspension varies according to the seriousness of the traffic offenses.

If your driver's license is suspended for conviction of three traffic violations within a 12-month period, you may be eligible for a probationary license. If you receive a suspension for conviction of two traffic violations in a 24-month period while under age 21, you may be eligible for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). The Secretary of State's office will notify you if you are eligible. This does not apply to commercial drivers.

Offenses for which your driver’s license may be suspended include, but are not limited to:

Traffic Crashes – Refusal or neglect to report a traffic crash.
Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle Using Audible and Visual Signals
Speeding in a Construction Zone – Two violations of speeding in a construction zone in a two-year period.
Failure to Yield and Proceed with Due Caution Upon Entering a Construction Zone When Workers are Present
Causing a Crash in a Construction Zone – Failure to reduce speed or change lanes in a construction zone, which results in a crash.
Uninsured Crashes – Being uninsured at the time of a crash in which you were determined to be at fault and for which you owe damages.
Drug/Alcohol Test Failure – Failure to pass a test following a DUI arrest, revealing a BAC of .08 percent or more or any trace of cannabis, controlled drug substances or intoxicating compounds.
Drug/Alcohol Test Refusal – Refusal to test for drugs or alcohol after being arrested for DUI in Illinois or another state.
Illegal Transportation of Alcohol – Illegal transportation of alcohol twice in 12 months if age 21 or older.
Drug or Sex Offense – Committing a drug or sex crime while operating or in direct physical control of an automobile.
School Bus Violations – Failure to stop for a school bus that was picking up or dropping off children.
Parking Violations – Failure to satisfy a warrant for 10 or more unpaid parking violations in any municipality.
Illegal Transportation Under 21 – Illegal transportation of alcohol while under age 21.
Fraudulent License/ID Application – Possessing, displaying or attempting to use an altered driver’s license or ID card; using another person’s license or ID card or allowing another person to use yours; or submitting a fraudulent application or allowing another person to submit your documents for a fraudulent application.
Illegal Possession, Consumption, Attempting to Purchase Alcohol, or Accepting Alcohol as a Gift — Violating the Liquor Control Act of 1934 while under age 21.
Failure to Appear Violations – Failure to appear for any traffic citation.
Failure to Pay Child Support – Suspension for non-payment of child support resulting from a court order or by direction of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
Failure to Obey a Railroad-Crossing Signal – Conviction of a second violation for failure to obey a railroad-crossing signal.
Tollway Violation – Failure to satisfy five or more toll violations and/or toll evasions.
Unauthorized Parking in a Space Designated for Persons with Disabilities
Mandatory Insurance Violations – Failure to file Financial Responsibility Insurance (SR-22) after receiving court supervision for driving without insurance, or having three or more tickets for driving without insurance. In addition, individuals convicted of mandatory insurance violations will lose their driving privileges for a minimum of three months and be required to pay a $100 reinstatement fee, with no driving permit available.
Theft of Motor Fuel – Dispensing motor fuel into a container or fuel tank and leaving the premises without making payment.

Taken from Illinois Rules of The Road, Chapter 8

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