Most drivers have at least 1 traffic violation. However, a suspended or revoked license may not have been a result of the violation. Let’s discuss suspended and revoked licenses, their key differences, and other interesting facts.
What Is the Difference Between a Suspended and Revoked Driver’s License?
The main difference between a suspended and revoked driver’s license is the status of these driver’s licenses. If your license is revoked, this is permanent. If your driver’s license is suspended, this is temporary. When you have a suspended license, the license remains valid, but you won’t be able to use it until the suspension period is over. If your driver’s license is revoked, you won’t legally be able to operate a motor vehicle again. However, whether your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you can’t operate a motor vehicle, and it is a criminal offense to do so.
Reasons a License Can Be Suspended
Reasons your driver’s license can be suspended include the following:
- Operating a motor vehicle without an active auto insurance policy
- Alcohol or drug-related infractions
- Accumulating too many traffic violations
- Traffic citations
- Taxes
- Child support
Reasons a License Can Be Revoked
Reasons your driver’s license can be revoked include the following:
- Driving without an active auto insurance policy
- Being convicted of a serious traffic offense
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Leaving the scene of an injury accident
- Drag racing or speed contests
In a lot of states, if your license is revoked, you are required to complete a defensive driving program before you can apply for a new driver’s license once you meet the specified requirements.
What Are the Different Types of License Suspensions?
There are two types of driver’s license suspensions. Let’s talk about it!
Definite Suspension: With a definite license suspension, your driver’s license is invalid for a specific time.
Indefinite Suspension: Your driver’s license remains valid until you take corrective action.
In a lot of states, if your license is revoked, you are required to complete a defensive driving program before you can apply for a new driver’s license once you meet the specified requirements.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended
If your driver’s license is suspended, your state’s transportation authority (DMV, MVD, DOT, etc.) determines your license reinstatement plan based on your license suspension. For instance, if your driver’s license was suspended for accumulating excessive points, you may have a different reinstatement plan than someone whose driver’s license was suspended for driving under the influence (DUI) or neglecting to maintain an active auto insurance policy.
Your transportation department will mail you a suspended license notice to the address that’s on file, which is why it’s essential to update your change of address with the DMV. If you need to check the status of your driver’s license, you can do so by obtaining a copy of your driving record.
You will find the following information on your driving record:
- The reason for your driver’s license suspension
- The length of the suspension (determined by the severity of the violation and whether you’re a repeat offender)
- Special requirements (if your driver’s license was suspended because of a DUI, you may be required to complete a class on substance abuse. If your driver’s license was suspended because of reckless driving, you may be required to enroll in a defensive driving course.)
Unless you are eligible for a restricted driver’s license that allows you to operate a motor vehicle to and from work or school, you won’t be able to drive with a suspended license. It’s in your best interest not to challenge this decision by continuing to operate a motor vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended. If you are caught, you will likely face severe penalties, such as a longer license suspension period, and possibly having your driver’s license revoked.
What Happens If Your License Is Revoked?
If your driver’s license is revoked, this means that the government has declared your license to be permanently banned, which means you can no longer use it because it is not valid. When your driver’s license is revoked, the license is canceled, and you won’t be allowed to reinstate it in most scenarios.
Your state has the right to revoke your driver’s license for moving violations and non-driving-related reasons. Some of these offenses will automatically revoke your driver’s license. If your driver’s license is revoked, you’ll need to wait to apply for a new one. However, you’ll need to wait a specific length of time, depending on your state’s traffic laws, before you can apply for a new driver’s license.
Can My License Be Reinstated?
You can begin the license reinstatement process once your suspension period ends. Remember that each state transportation authority branch governs suspended license reinstatements differently. In general, you must fulfill all or some of the following requirements:
- Pay the driver’s license reinstatement fee
- Show proof of a valid auto insurance policy (if applicable. In some situations, such as a DUI or operating a motor vehicle without auto insurance, you may be required to submit an SR-22 Proof of Financial Responsibility Form, which is available from your auto insurance carrier.)
- Provide proof that you have an ignition lock device (if applicable)
- Provide evidence that you completed a required course, such as an alcohol and substance abuse course, or traffic school
- Passing your state’s driver’s license tests (if applicable)
- Resolve all criminal charges if your driver’s license suspension resulted from an active court case, such as failure to appear or child support.
Be advised that most states do NOT mail license reinstatement notices. It’s important to know when your license suspension period ends because this is your responsibility. If you’re not sure, check with your local DMV or similar authority or check your driving record. If you move to a different state during your driver’s license suspension, you may be required to obtain a clearance letter from your state’s DMV for reinstatement.
Does Having a Suspended or Revoked License Add Points to Your Driving Record?
Some states do not assign points to a license due to driving infractions, such as Oregon, Minnesota, Hawaii, and others. However, some states do, such as California. In the states that assign driving points, committing a traffic violation will result in the DMV or similar transportation authority adding points to your driving record.
Many states use a point system. This system correlates points to different traffic violation codes. Other states may take action against your driver’s license based on the severity of the violation. Accumulating points on your driving record is expensive, to say the least. Even getting one point assigned to your driving record can skyrocket your auto insurance premiums, and depending on the severity of the traffic infraction, your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked. Needless to say, reinstating your driver’s license can cost hundreds of dollars!
As far as adding points to your license, the traffic violations you’re convicted of will add points to your driving record, and surely having a revoked or suspended license doesn’t help. The more severe the violation is, the more points you will accumulate on your driving record.
Can the Points On a License Be Reduced or Removed?
In some states, you may be able to have the number of points on your driving record reduced. However, not all states offer this option, and the points you accumulate won’t be erased. Instead, the number of points you accumulate may be reduced.
In general, having the points reduced on your driving record involves completing a safe driving course. For instance, in New York, you can have a maximum of 4 points reduced from your driving record by completing a defensive driving and accident prevention course. In Georgia, 7 points can be removed every 5 years for completing a certified driver improvement course. Be advised that reducing points on your driving record may not decrease your auto insurance premiums.
What Is an SR-22 and Who Needs One?
An SR-22 form is a certification of auto insurance. An SR-22 form is often confused with actual auto insurance, and this is not the case. When you have an SR-22, you must find an auto insurance carrier must file the certificate on your behalf.
You will likely need an SR-22 if you were convicted of a serious traffic violation. In general, you may be required to file an SR-22 in the following situations:
- You are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- You are caught driving without auto insurance
- You are involved in a serious car accident
- Your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended
- You have an excessive amount of violation points on your driving record
You did it! You now know the differences between a suspended and a revoked driver’s license, and we can bet that you don’t want to be involved in any of these scenarios, so follow all traffic laws and road signs. Happy and safe driving!