Springfield lawmakers looking into confiscating licenses
SPRINGFIELD - Key state lawmakers say they'll look into whether it's time for Illinois to change the decades-old practice of police confiscating driver's licenses when ticketing people for speeding and other offenses.
"I think we should definitely look into this," said state Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi, a Joliet Democrat and chairman of the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee. "Not having a driver's license makes it hard to fly, to go to the bank and take care of business."
The Daily Herald published in Wednesday's editions a Beep report that Illinois is the only state in the country that does this. Beep, a guide to life and entertainment in the Chicago suburbs, is a product of Paddock Publications Inc., publisher of the Daily Herald.
The practice began as a way to ensure people would pay their tickets. But with a driver's license now needed to do everything from boarding an airplane to buying cough medicine, questions are being asked as to whether the policy has become antiquated.
Wilhelmi, a lawyer, recalled the story of a family member being ticketed on the way to O'Hare International Airport. He had to secure bond to get the license back so travel would not be interrupted.
Many lawmakers were unaware of the state's uniqueness until seeing the Beep report. Several joined Wilhelmi in saying it's time to revisit the system.
State Rep. John Millner, a Carol Stream Republican and former Elmhurst police chief, said critics say driving is a privilege not a right. But he said police aren't taking away motorists' ability to drive, just the plastic license.
"The problem is you lose your identification, and I don't see a compelling need for us to do that," Millner said.
Lawmakers aren't alone in contemplating action. The Illinois Council of Chief Judges is considering changing the rule, having assigned a committee to look into it. The practice in Illinois is not spelled out in law but rather contained in Illinois Supreme Court rules.
Immediate action by lawmakers is not likely because they are into a third month of overtime trying to agree on a state spending plan.
State Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he would need to hear first from the state's law enforcement community before deciding on a change.