The officer is authorized to rule on all motions, administer oaths, subpoena witnesses or documents at the request of any party, examine witnesses and rule upon the admissibility of evidence. Offenses such as reckless homicide and multiple DUI offenses are handled through formal hearings. An order reflecting the recommendation of the hearing officer and the decision of the Secretary of State is issued. Decisions from a formal hearing are subject to the Administrative Review Law. A formal hearing must be requested in writing.
Petitioners are eligible for a subsequent hearing four months following their most recent hearing.
Hearings are conducted to determine probable fault for motorists involved in crashes. An individual found at fault and not insured faces a license suspension of up to two years. Safety Responsibility hearings must be requested in writing. Anyone requesting a hearing within 15 days of the mailing date of a suspension notice will be given a full hearing to contest the preliminary finding of the Secretary of State. The suspension is not imposed pending the results of the hearing.