Illinois State Police Plan DUI Patrols for Nov.

COOK, KANE,DUPAGE COUNTIES, IL — The Illinois State Police is planning to keep a close eye out for drunken drivers on area interstates in November. Illinois State Police officers will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) in Cook and Kane counties and on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) in DuPage and Kane counties.

The ACE program focuses enforcement efforts on drivers who are impaired and underage minors who are illegally consuming or possessing alcohol. These patrols will be conducted during nighttime hours when impaired driving occur at the highest rate, according to a news release.

In 2017, more than 27,000 people were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and nearly one-third of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involved alcohol.

Illinois State Police Troopers will have a zero-tolerance approach to drivers who are driving impaired and underage drivers who have consumed alcohol. Drivers who are arrested for DUI may have their vehicle impounded and face suspension of their driving privileges for up to one year for a first offense, according to the news release.

Drivers who are convicted of DUI may face fines of up to $2,500 and possible imprisonment for up to one year for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions of DUI include possible imprisonment for up to 12 years and fines of up to $25,000 if crashes cause great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement to other persons.

Underage drivers who are found to be driving with a blood-alcohol concentration over .00 can have their license suspended for three months for a first offense, authorities said.