Holiday travel periods in Illinois are often accompanied by heightened law enforcement activity, particularly as authorities seek to reduce impaired driving and traffic fatalities. Recent traffic alerts issued throughout this state demonstrate this annual trend, announcing intensified DUI enforcement throughout the holiday season. For motorists, these campaigns serve as a reminder that even routine travel can carry serious legal consequences if traffic laws are not followed. If you are accused of a DUI offense in Illinois, it is smart to talk to an Illinois DUI defense attorney about your options as soon as possible.
Reported Increase in Holiday DUI Enforcement
It is reported that law enforcement agencies in Cook County, working in coordination with police departments across Illinois, have significantly increased patrols and enforcement activities during the holiday season. Reportedly, officers are participating in statewide initiatives commonly known as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI,” which are aimed at deterring impaired driving.
Allegedly, motorists traveling through Cook County and other parts of Illinois during the enforcement period should expect an increased law enforcement presence, including additional patrol units and DUI checkpoints where permitted by law. It is reported that officers will be monitoring drivers closely for signs of impairment, seat belt violations, speeding, and distracted driving. According to statements attributed to police officials, no tolerance policies will be enforced, and drivers found in violation may face citations, arrests, or other legal consequences.
Illinois Law on DUI and Impaired Driving
Illinois law strictly prohibits operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination thereof. Under Illinois statutes, a driver may be charged with driving under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or higher, or if they are impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, or illegal substances to a degree that renders them incapable of driving safely. Importantly, impairment does not require a specific chemical test result if officers can present sufficient observational evidence, such as erratic driving, slurred speech, or failed field sobriety tests.
Illinois is an implied consent state, meaning that any driver operating a vehicle on public roads is deemed to have consented to chemical testing if law enforcement has reasonable grounds to believe the driver is impaired. Refusal to submit to breath, blood, or urine testing can result in an automatic statutory summary suspension of driving privileges, separate from any criminal DUI case. While drivers retain the right to challenge both the suspension and the underlying DUI charge, these proceedings involve strict deadlines and procedural requirements that can significantly impact the outcome.
Consult an Experienced Illinois DUI Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or cited during a holiday DUI enforcement campaign in Illinois, it is critical to take the situation seriously and talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Theodore J. Harvatin of the Harvatin Law Offices, PC, is an experienced Illinois DUI defense lawyer who can advise you of your rights and help you seek the best outcome available under the facts of your case. To schedule a confidential consultation, contact us at (217) 525-0520 or use the firm’s online contact form. An experienced attorney can evaluate the facts of your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the best legal outcome available under Illinois law.