No one wants to go through the experience of having their driver\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever the cause, there\u2019s probably one question on your mind\u2014 how do I get my suspended license back in my state<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re here to answer that question, as well as other common queries relating to a suspended driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When your license is suspended, it means that your driver\u2019s license is no longer active and you cannot legally drive your vehicle or anyone else\u2019s. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two types of suspensions\u2014definite and indefinite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A definite suspension means that a set date has been determined as the earliest that your state license<\/a> can be reinstated. Keep in mind that this doesn\u2019t mean your license will be automatically reactivated at this date\u2014 you\u2019ll still need to have completed other stipulations of the suspension such as paying fines and applying for reinstatement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indefinite suspensions don\u2019t have a set end date, which means that as soon as you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the decision to suspend a license is often left up to a judge\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re found to be driving without insurance, you could have your license suspended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014 and that can include having your license suspended<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ve met all the stipulations of having your suspension lifted, including paying any fines and fees, taking a driver education course if necessary, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t risk it\u2014 no matter how bad losing your license can be, the consequences of driving with a suspended license will be even worse and more irreversible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wondering what you should<\/em> do if your license is suspended? Here are some tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some states, you may have the option of applying for what\u2019s 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\u2019s license during that suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The catch\u2014 the state will determine when and where you\u2019re 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\u2019t completely destroy someone\u2019s livelihood or education, though you\u2019ll have to apply for one first. Usually, you\u2019ll only have the chance to qualify for a restricted license if you\u2019re a first offender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you can drive again, you\u2019ll need to prove that you have proper insurance. If you\u2019ve had your license suspended, this usually means you\u2019ll need an SR-22<\/a>. 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\u2019ll need to acquire your SR-22 from an insurance company that provides qualifying insurance coverage, such as Freedom National.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The severity of fees you\u2019ll 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\u2019ll probably just need to pay the fines, late fees, and a small reinstatement charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your infraction was more serious, like a DUI, the fees may be significantly higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDefinition of a Suspended License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Causes a Suspended License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Driving Without Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Drug\/Alcohol Related Driving Offenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Failure to Pay Traffic Fines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Unpaid Child Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Happens When Your License is Suspended<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to Do If Your License is Suspended<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Try to Obtain a Restricted License<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Complete Your Suspension Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get Insurance Coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fees Associated with License Suspensions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n