What is a MDDP? About Vehicle Monitoring Devices and Permits in Illinois

Illinois no longer allows Judicial Driving Permits (JDP). It used to be that a Judge would enter an order allowing a person charged with a DUI to drive to work or another location during specified hours.

JDPs have been replaced with a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). An MDDP allows a First-Time offender to travel within the state, provided that the following conditions must first be met:

The Judge must approve and sign the MDDP.

The Secretary of State (SOS) must approve the MDDP.

A Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) must be installed in any and all vehicles to be driven. A person only has 14 days to get the BAIID installed or the MDDP will be forfeited.

Am I Eligible for a MDDP?

In order to be eligible for the MDDP, you must meet the following criteria:

Your license must be valid.

Your DUI arrest must not have caused death or great bodily harm to another person.

You may not have a previous conviction for aggravated DUI that caused death or reckless homicide.

You must be considered a first offender as defined in the statute.

You must be at least 18 years old.

You cannot hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

What if I Need to Drive for My Job?

The Judge can grant you an exemption to drive work vehicles. However, this does not apply if you need a CDL for work. Like the MDDP itself, the Judge must grant this exemption and the SOS must approve it. If you are approved, you will have to carry certain paperwork with you and only drive the vehicle for work purposes.

When Will My Suspension Start?

The suspension of your license will start on the 46th day from the date of the arrest. The arresting officer files a sworn report that is submitted to the SOS, triggering the automatic suspension.

How do I get an MDDP?

There are required procedures that must be carefully followed in order to obtain a MDDP. It’s important to understand that a request for a MDDP is not always automatic. As a result, your best opportunity for obtaining a MDDP is to seek the representation of an experienced Illinois criminal defense lawyer.

In representing clients charged with a DUI, my first objective typically will be to seek to rescind the statutory summary suspension. If this is not successful, the next step will be to seek a MDDP.

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If you have been charged with a DUI, please contact me today to find out how I can help you. The sooner that I am retained, the quicker I can begin representing you, protecting your rights, and fighting to preserve your ability to drive.