No one wants to go through the experience of having their driver’s license suspended, but the truth is that it happens for a wide range of reasons. Maybe you made a mistake and committed an auto-related crime, or maybe you forgot to pay a few too many parking tickets and the state suspended your license in order to get your attention.
Whatever the cause, there’s probably one question on your mind— how do I get my suspended license back in my state?
We’re here to answer that question, as well as other common queries relating to a suspended driver’s license.
Definition of a Suspended License
When your license is suspended, it means that your driver’s license is no longer active and you cannot legally drive your vehicle or anyone else’s. However, you do not lose your license and you may continue to use the same license once the terms of your suspension have been met and the license is reinstated.
There are two types of suspensions—definite and indefinite.
A definite suspension means that a set date has been determined as the earliest that your state license can be reinstated. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean your license will be automatically reactivated at this date— you’ll still need to have completed other stipulations of the suspension such as paying fines and applying for reinstatement.
Indefinite suspensions don’t have a set end date, which means that as soon as you’ve completed the requirements for ending your suspension you can apply to have your license reinstated. In this way, indefinite suspensions tend to be less severe than definite suspensions.
What Causes a Suspended License
While the decision to suspend a license is often left up to a judge’s discretion, as are the length and conditions of a suspension, these are some of the most common events that can lead to one or the other (or both).
Driving Without Insurance
If you’re found to be driving without insurance, you could have your license suspended.
Drug/Alcohol Related Driving Offenses
If you’re involved in a serious traffic offense involving drugs or alcohol, you can expect to have your license suspended at the least and, more than likely, revoked entirely. These offenses include DUIs, DWI, and other infractions such as having open containers in the vehicle while driving.
Failure to Pay Traffic Fines
Paying one speeding ticket a day or so late may not result in your license being suspended or revoked, but you can bet that unpaid tickets will quickly land you in serious trouble— and that can include having your license suspended
Unpaid Child Support
One of the most common causes of license suspensions that you may not think about? Failure to pay child support. Getting behind on child support payments can result in your license being suspended or even revoked.
What Happens When Your License is Suspended
First and foremost, the moment your license is suspended you can no longer legally drive. This ban will remain in effect until the set date at the end of your suspension (if there is one) and/or after you’ve met all the stipulations of having your suspension lifted, including paying any fines and fees, taking a driver education course if necessary, and others.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license? The consequences can be dire. You could be facing felony charges, massive fines, and even potential jail time. Don’t risk it— no matter how bad losing your license can be, the consequences of driving with a suspended license will be even worse and more irreversible.
Wondering what you should do if your license is suspended? Here are some tips.
What to Do If Your License is Suspended
Try to Obtain a Restricted License
In some states, you may have the option of applying for what’s known as a restricted license. In California, for example, people who lose their licenses due to a DUI or for failing to have proper car insurance can apply for a restricted driver’s license during that suspension.
The catch— the state will determine when and where you’re allowed to use your license. Usually, this means only driving to work or school and nowhere else. Restricted licenses are designed to ensure that a suspended license doesn’t completely destroy someone’s livelihood or education, though you’ll have to apply for one first. Usually, you’ll only have the chance to qualify for a restricted license if you’re a first offender.
Complete Your Suspension Requirements
Beyond trying to obtain a restricted license, your only other task is to meet the terms of the suspension. Depending on the specific case, this could mean waiting out the suspension period, paying any required fines, getting insured, and/or completing a safe driver education program. In some cases, you may even have to complete a set amount of community service in order to lift the suspension on your license.
Get Insurance Coverage
Before you can drive again, you’ll need to prove that you have proper insurance. If you’ve had your license suspended, this usually means you’ll need an SR-22. The SR-22 is a form filed with your local DMV essentially serving as special proof of insurance for drivers who are considered-high risk due to a DUI or other serious driving infraction. You’ll need to acquire your SR-22 from an insurance company that provides qualifying insurance coverage, such as Freedom National.
Fees Associated with License Suspensions
The severity of fees you’ll have to pay in order to reinstate your license after a suspension can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of your infraction. If your license was suspended for failure to pay a couple of minor parking tickets, you’ll probably just need to pay the fines, late fees, and a small reinstatement charge.
If your infraction was more serious, like a DUI, the fees may be significantly higher.
Conclusions
Freedom National is a leading provider of cheap car insurance online, connecting you with the perfect coverage options based on your unique needs. Whether you’ve experienced a suspended license or other driving infraction or are just looking for a simple, inexpensive car insurance option, Freedom has you covered.
Get started on your free quote today!
