Millions of Americans currently have suspension placed on their driver’s licenses. There are many ways your license can be suspended or revoked, and there are methods to prevent or properly handle a suspension charge.
In this article, we’re diving deep into suspended licenses and what actions can lead to having yours suspended.
Major Vehicle Offenses
There is a wide range of driving offenses that can lead to the suspension of your license, including:
- Vehicular homicide (unintentional or intentional)
- Hit and run
- Racing
- “Super Speeder” violations
- Driving a vehicle with invalid registration
- Fleeing a police officer
The period of suspension may vary depending on the nature of the offense.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If you are charged with a DUI, your license will be suspended, and the suspension can last anywhere from 30 days to over a year. You are also likely to face criminal charges, including jail time. Your charges and length of suspension depend on whether you are above the legal age of 21 and on the percentage of your Blood Alcohol Content.
Your license can also be suspended if you seem to be under the influence but refuse to take a chemical test when asked by law enforcement.
Fraud
Your license can be suspended if you are convicted of fraud, including:
- Fraudulently applying for or using a fraudulent driver’s license
- Committing felony forgery of a license
These crimes can also come with charges of forgery, identity fraud, and making false statements in a matter within a police subdivision.
Failure to Appear in Court or Pay Court Debt
Not all suspensions of a driver’s license occur after driving violations. Failure to Appear (FTA) can result in suspension as well as additional civil fines and penalties. You can also have your license suspended for failure to pay child support.
Accumulating Driving Record Points
The DMV has a point system for driving penalties. For every violation committed, more points are added to your driver’s license.
Some of these offenses and their corresponding points are:
- Operating a vehicle while text messaging- 1 point
- Speeding 15-18 mph over the speed limit- 2 points
- Speeding 19-23 mph over the speed limit- 2 points
- Speeding 24-33 mph over the speed limit- 3 points
- Failure to obey police officer- 3 points
- Reckless driving- 4 points
- Aggressive driving- 6 points
- Speeding 34 mph or more- 6 points
Your license will be automatically suspended if you accumulate 15 points or more over the course of 24 months.
If you are charged with driving with a suspended license or any other driving-related charges, contact Gregory Bushway at Bushway Law Firm.
Gregory Bushway is a former prosecutor who has successfully served as a criminal defense attorney in Macon, Georgia, since 2013. He knows the law and will fight for your rights. Tell us about your case today: 478-621-4995
Stay tuned for part 2 in our 2-part series about suspended licenses:
- What Can Lead to a Suspended License?
- What to Do if You Have a Suspended License
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FAQs: Driving on a Suspended License