What offenses can result in a driver’s license suspension?
You may think that only certain driving-related crimes—such as drunk driving—could result in a suspended license. However, there are actually numerous offenses that can get your license taken from you.
In this article, we outline some common offenses that could get your license suspended. Some of them may surprise you:
Driving violations
- No insurance: If you are caught driving without auto insurance, you could lose your license for up to three years for a first-time offense.
- Points on your license: Certain traffic violations equate correspond with points values, which go on your driving record. If you accumulate too many points within a fixed span of time, you could lose your license.
Crimes
- DUI: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could result in your license being suspended for six months to a year for a first-time offense.
- Drug crimes: If you’re convicted of a drug crime (e.g., possession, sale or trafficking of illicit drugs), you could lose your driver’s license for a year or until you complete court-ordered treatment programs.
Other offenses
In addition, failing to comply with other regulations or court orders can result in a license suspension. For instance, if you’re delinquent in paying child support, you could lose your license until you pay the amount you owe. If you have a traffic violation and fail to take court-ordered actions—such as showing up for a hearing or attending driver improvement school—you could lose your license.
The length of suspension can vary based on the case. It’s worth consulting with your lawyer to ensure you’re in compliance with any court directives.