Those who have been involved in an accident or charged with a driving-related crime may find that their driver’s license gets suspended. In some cases, they may even have their driver’s license revoked.
Not everyone understands the difference, though, and it’s important to know the consequences of each in order to determine your next course of action.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about handling a suspended or revoked license.
Suspended License
Although the two are similar, they carry different consequences.
If your license is suspended, it’s temporarily ‘inactive.’ This means that your right to operate a motor vehicle is also suspended for the duration of the punishment.
A definite suspension is for a given period of time that’s decided by a judge. After the allotted time has passed (and any necessary fees have been paid), your suspension will be lifted and your license will be reinstated.
An indefinite suspension, however, mandates that your license cannot be reinstated until a specific action has been taken. A common scenario involves completing a court-ordered driving course after being found at-fault in a traffic incident that resulted in the loss of your license.
Revoked License
Those who have their license revoked will be legally barred from driving. Unlike a suspension, a license revocation is often permanent and cannot be reinstated.
In order to have your license returned to you, you must file a request with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You’ll also likely need to pay civil penalties as penance for having your license revoked.
In the event that you’re able to make it this far in the process, you’ll then need to apply for a driver’s license as you would if it were your first time. This means paying the appropriate fees, taking the driver’s exam, etc. If you pass, you’ll be granted an entirely new license to replace your old one.
What Are The Causes?
Having your license suspended or revoked is a consequence of driving infractions. As you may expect, though, they’re a bit more severe than a simple speeding ticket.
Let’s explore a few of the most common reasons behind each.
Suspension
Although a suspended license isn’t as severe as having your license revoked, it still carries penalties that can cause hardship. Typical scenarios that involve license suspension include:
- Accumulating too many points from driving infractions
- Failing to pay a fine for committing a previous traffic violation
- Failing to appear in court for a summons
- Failure to pay child support
If you’re caught driving with a suspended license, you’ll suffer further penalties. These can even include jail time.
Those who have a suspended license are able to apply for a ‘hardship license’ however. This will allow them to drive only to essential locations that are related to either work or school.
This will allow you to keep your life on the right track for the duration of the suspension.
Revocation
Having your license revoked mean that you’ve been found guilty of a far more serious indiscretion. As such, your legal ability to drive is taken away, and you may not ever get it back in most circumstances.
You run the risk of having your license revoked if you:
- Are convicted of multiple driving offenses (especially DUIs)
- Falsify information on your application for a driver’s license or car registration
- Drive without auto insurance (especially if you’re at-fault in an incident that resulted in bodily harm)
As you can tell, having your license revoked can significantly impact your quality of life. Most notably, it will make it far more difficult to maintain a full-time job, resulting in further complications.
What Can I Do If My License Has Been Suspended Or Revoked?
In the case of a suspension, you’ll need to follow the judge’s orders. The criteria you need to complete in order to have your license reinstated will vary from case to case, but it often simply involves waiting until a specific date.
Regardless of whether to not it’s part of your suspension terms, it’s a good idea to take a defensive driving course while your suspension is active. This has the added benefit of allowing you to get better deals on your insurance policy, which likely will have been raised after the incident that resulted in your license suspension.
Afterward, you’ll need to pay any related fees.
If your license has been revoked, though, you’ll need to get in contact with a reputable legal professional. They’ll be able to help you navigate the legal process involved with requesting that your revocation be lifted.
They’ll also advise you on the steps you can take on your own (such as taking specific driving-related courses) to maximize the chances of the situation turning out in your favor.
Even if your license has only been temporarily suspended, an experienced attorney can help you get your life back on track as soon as possible. You can visit this resource for more reinstate drivers license tips.
Dealing With These Consequences Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about a suspended and revoked license in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward handling the issue as appropriately as possible.
Want to learn more lifestyle tips that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog.
