The Difference Between Suspended License And Revoked License
The difference between license suspension and revocation is that license suspension involves the seizure of driving privileges for a specific duration. In contrast, license revocation is the permanent termination of driving privileges.
What Is A Suspended License?
Having a suspended driver’s license means you no longer have the right to drive. Getting caught driving with a suspended license can attract severe consequences like indefinite suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time. Depending on the state, violators may have to face the aforementioned penalties, not just one in particular.
License suspension can be a significant inconvenience because whoever it is imposed on can no longer drive themselves throughout the stipulated period and must therefore look for alternative means of transportation. Here’s some additional information concerning license suspension.
Why a License May Be Suspended
There are specific traffic offenses that warrant driver’s license suspensions. Some of them include driving recklessly to endanger or harm other road users or driving under the influence, which is also known as a DUI offense. While these are the most common grounds for definite suspensions, there are several other reasons why you might get your driver’s license suspended, some of which are listed below:
1. Medical Issues
Being diagnosed with severe health conditions like schizophrenia, epilepsy or any eye-related ailment can lead to a definite suspension.
2. Failure To Appear In Court After Being Summoned For Committing A Serious Traffic Offense
Intentionally avoiding a court summons after committing a road offense is a serious crime and can lead to license suspension.
3. Getting Arrested For A Drug Related Offense
Driving under the influence of alcohol or any cannabis products is illegal and strongly discouraged in the United States. There’s a very high possibility that you’ll lose your driving privileges if you get caught by law enforcement officials.
4. Failure to maintain proper insurance
Drivers unable to meet up with their insurance premiums stand the risk of getting their license suspended.
5. Failure To Pay Child Support
As unrelated as it might seem, failure to comply with a court order to pay child support can cost you your license.
How To Tell If Your Driver’s License Has Been Suspended
Below are the various methods you can use to confirm whether your driver’s license has been temporarily suspended.
1. You Should Be Alerted Through Your Mail
If your license has been suspended by the DMV, a notice would be sent to you by mail or through some other means.
2. Check With The DMV In your State
Each state has some form of online driver’s license suspension database accessible to residents where they can easily check their license status. To find out if your license has been suspended, you’ll be prompted to enter some personal information, like your Social Security Number, license number, and other relevant details.
3. Inquire From Your Insurance Company
You can always inquire about your license status from your insurance company. Insurance companies are usually notified about the license status of their policyholders if it’s something as concerning as suspension or revocation.
What Is a Revoked Driver’s License?
Once your driver’s license has been revoked by the DMV, it means all your privileges as a driver have been withdrawn permanently. In other words, the chances of getting your license reinstated are next to none. The difference between a suspended and revoked license is that the former is temporary, while the latter is permanent.
Here are some reasons that could warrant revoked licenses.
1. Fraud
Your state’s DMV agency might revoke your driver’s license permanently if you’re convicted of fraud relating to the use of your license.
2. Multiple Driving Offenses
Getting too many traffic tickets can cause the DMV to register you as a habitual traffic offender. One other possible repercussion is getting your license revoked.
3. Causing A Fatal Road Accident
License revocation is a huge possibility if you’re arrested for causing a serious road accident that led to severe injury or death of other road users. Fleeing the scene of the accident will most assuredly get your driving privileges withheld permanently if you’re caught.
Final Words
Being apprehended by traffic officials for driving with a revoked or suspended license can have severe consequences. First-time offenders risk paying fines between $300 to $1,000 in addition to a jail sentence that can be as long as six months. Your best chance to keep from getting a suspended or revoked license is with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
