A judge can suspend a driver’s license for a number of reasons, including driving without insurance, not paying child support or criminal conviction, and a license suspension can create significant challenges in drivers’ daily lives.
However, driving on a suspended license is against the law, and if caught, these individuals could experience unexpected consequences.
Common causes of suspension
A judge may suspend individuals’ licenses for a number of reasons, and not all of them have to do with driving. For example, if they do not pay speeding tickets and other vehicle fines, received DUI convictions or do not have car insurance, a judge may suspend their licenses. In addition, individuals can lose their licenses if a jury convicted them of drug crimes, have medical conditions that impede their ability to drive or do not pay their child support.
Suspension terms
Some license suspensions have specific terms. If drivers meet conditions outlined by a judge, they can seek license reinstatement after their suspension term has ended. In other cases, a judge will reinstate these licenses license as soon as they make amends.
Consequences of driving despite a suspension
If police catch individuals driving on a suspended license, the courts can sentence them to jail time and fines as well as extend their suspension periods. A judge may order vehicle modifications, such as an ignition lock or deny vehicle registration, impacting their ability to drive.
Getting your license back
The first step to reinstating a license is completing the suspension period without additional infractions. The judge may also require that these individuals complete other tasks, such as passing traffic school or proving that they have insurance.
It can take time to have a license reinstated, so drivers need patience. They should avoid driving on a suspended license and extending their suspension term.