Getting My Drivers License Back After Suspension

There are several reasons why you might have your drivers license suspended or revoked, and the process for getting your license back depends in part on which way you had your license suspended in the first place. (See also license revoked for reckless driving).

Reasons for a Drivers License Suspension

Here are a few ways to lose your license:

• Failing to Appear: If you have received a traffic ticket and failed to pay the fine or did not appear in court on your appointed date.

• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (DUI): If you have been convicted of a DUI, or have been found to driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.

• Racing: If you have raced, or organized an illegal race on a public roadway

• Failure to Secure a Child: If you have been convicted for numerous violations of child safety restraint usage

• Too Many Points: If you accumulate 12 or more points on your license in more than one year.

• Failure to Pay Child Support: If you are behind on court-ordered child support payments.

• Damage Caused: If you cause an accident with more severe property damage or bodily injury and you do not have liability insurance, your license may be suspended.

• Juvenile Offenses: If as a juvenile you have been found guilty of weapons, drugs, alcohol or truancy charges.

To Get Your License Back

To have your license reinstated you need to comply with all your state's requirements based upon the offense. Otherwise, your driving privilege will remain suspended indefinitely until you do comply.

If your license has been revoked for child support, or failure to appear in court, for example, you will need to make sure all fines and support has been paid, and pursuant court cases cleared for your license to be reinstated. You will also have to adhere to all of the requirements of the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Remember, that the DMV does not inform you when your period of suspension has ended, because the original notice you received indicates the start and end dates of your suspension. If you have multiple instances of license suspension and revocation, you must wait for each suspension period to end before applying to have your license reinstated. Remember also that if you have offenses in multiple states, you must comply with each state's standards to have your license reinstated.

Getting Help

An attorney can help you address each of these areas of concern, particularly if court appearances are necessary for reinstatement. Your lawyer can let you know exactly what you need to do to get your license back and can ensure you comply with all requirements in a timely manner so you can make the time without your license as short as possible.