Ok, here goes:
In IL, if you were stopped and it was discovered that your DL was suspended or revoked, in this or any other state, you are subject to arrest. Not all agencies arrest for this (jails overcrowding), but most do. I do, every time. If you can post the $1000 bail (we have a 10% rule, meaning the bail is $1000, but you only have to put up $100 to get out), then you can leave, from jail. You still get handcuffed and a ride in the cruiser.
Further, yes, we can check from our MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) whether your registration is expired/suspended/revoked. The same goes for your license. Remember, IL started LEADS. All I nead is your first name, middle initial, and last name, along with DOB and state, and I can run it for all 50.
If your registration is expired/suspended/revoked, we have the option to impound your car. I usually don't do that, just write the ticket. If the offender goes to court and shows the judge that he has since registered the car, the prosecutor will usually drop the ticket.
Further, there is a little something called the "Non-Residnet Violator Compact". I believe there are only 5 states that do not belong to it, Wisconsin is the only one that comes to mind right now, I'd have to check my book out in the car for the others. Basically, this is an agreement between all the member states to share violation information. Suppose you get a ticket in IL, and fail to pay it thinking that NY will never be the wiser. Wrong, NY, under the compact, must suspend your DL because of the IL ticket. IL could also issue a warrant for your arrest and force extradition, though that is extremely rare. In IL, we treat a traffic ticket the same as an arrest. You have to post bond on the spot. Bond can be the fine amount in cash (lowest is $75), a bond card if you have one, or your valid IL DL. If you have none of those, you could be arrested for a simple speeding offense, though again, that is rare.
Bottom line, if you are not valid to drive, don't do it. It can and will start a roller coster of bad news for you.
