Illinois license rule under scrutiny

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Critics said Illinois' unique policy of physically taking driver's licenses from traffic offenders leaves many people stranded without photo IDs.

Illinois is the only state to take away the physical licenses for speeding and other traffic offenses and some in the state say the rule is outdated and needs changing, the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald reported Wednesday.

"I think many years ago, it was like, well, if we take your driver's license you're more likely to come to court," Illinois state Rep. Dennis Reboletti, R-Elmhurst, told the Daily Herald. "I think we're a little bit behind the times. People are very reliant on driver's licenses."

A committee of the Illinois Council of Chief Judges is considering changes to the rule.

Some experts said taking away photo IDs isn't just inconvenient for motorists, it's a national security issue.

"I think because of the heightened security in this nation, photo IDs are necessary," Vernon Kays, clerk of the circuit court of McHenry County, said to the newspaper.