Driving With a Suspended License
What causes your driver’s license to be suspended or revoked, and what can happen if you drive during this period of time? Driving with a suspended license is extremely risky. Not only are you subject to harsh legal penalties, but it can also impact your insurance rate.
Keep reading to learn why you really don't want to drive with a suspended license, how it can affect your insurance rates, and what you can do to get your license back on track.
What is a suspended license?
A suspended license is a driver’s license that is temporarily out of service. You cannot drive with a suspended license unless you are eligible for a restricted license that allows you to drive to and from work or school and nowhere else.
Your license can be suspended for a number of reasons depending on your state. Driver’s license suspensions are usually temporary, and there are two types:
- Definite suspension: This type of suspension ends once the suspension period ends and you've paid the necessary fees determined by your state. Situations that often lead to a definite suspension include drug or alcohol-related moving violations, driving without car insurance, or racking up too many traffic tickets.
- Indefinite suspension: This type of suspension requires you to take some sort of action for your suspension to be lifted, regardless of how long it takes you to complete that action. Depending on your state, your license may be indefinitely suspended for failure to pay traffic tickets, child support, or taxes, or if you have a medical condition that could make it unsafe for you to be on the road, such as uncorrected vision.
What is the difference between a revoked license and a suspended license?
After a serious conviction, a driver’s license can be either revoked or suspended depending on the circumstances and charges. Often, first-time convictions result in a license suspension and subsequent convictions lead to a revocation.
A major difference between the two is that a suspended license can be reinstated, whereas a revoked license cannot. After the revocation period ends, you must submit an application for a completely new license.
If you're caught driving on a suspended license, the penalties ca result in an extended suspension period or even a revocation of your driving privileges.
What can lead to a license suspension?
Every state is different, so you'll want to check with your state's DMV about the license suspension laws in your area. Your license can be suspended for a number of reasons, including:
- A DUI/DWI conviction
- Too many speeding tickets or traffic violations
- Too many points on your driving record
- Reckless driving charges
- A lapse in car insurance coverage
- Failure to appear in court or pay fees
- Failure to pay child support
The Consequences of Driving with a Suspended License
You may think hopping in the car for a quick trip to the store while your license is suspended is no biggie, but it’s riskier than you might realize. If you get pulled over by a law enforcement officer who discovers you’re driving with a suspended license, you’ll likely face more fines, and if you're in a car accident, the charge could escalate from a misdemeanor to felony. Driving with a suspended license is not worth the risk! There is also a chance that your license could be revoked, which essentially voids your driver’s license. You won’t be able to reinstate it, no matter how long you wait. That means if you want to drive legally, you’ll have to start from square one and go through your state’s licensing process all over again – on top of paying any fines or penalties you owe. It can be an expensive, inconvenient, and time-consuming process.
How to Reinstate Your Suspended Driver's License
The driver’s license reinstatement process varies by state, the reason for suspension, and the type of suspension in place. You’ll need to check with your state's DMV for more specific information. Generally, however, you may need to:
- Wait the duration of the suspension.
- Pay reinstatement fees.
- Show proof of adequate auto insurance (and sometimes an SR22/FR44).
- Prove that you've completed required educational or substance abuse classes.
- Pass a state driver's test.
- Take care of any criminal charges that resulted in your driver’s license suspension.
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