Your driver's license gives you driving privileges. When you get a suspended license, your driving privileges are revoked. Having a suspended or revoked license can be frustrating. The number of fees, such as the reinstatement fees, as well as the process of getting your license reinstated, may feel overwhelming. Plus, you losing your driving privilege and putting a dent in your driver's record.
What can you do if you have your license suspended? In this article, you will learn how to reinstate your suspended license, how much the reinstatement fee is, what to do if you have an unpaid ticket, and more.
What Are The Instances That You Can Lose Your Driving Privileges?
Many instances can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. For one, you may have received too many points on your license due to multiple offenses. The Driver Point System varies per state. For instance, in some states, an accumulation of 3 or more points over a certain period of time will lead to a driver’s license suspension. Make sure to check your state laws to find out the threshold and time horizon. This is commonly called the Driver Point System.
Suppose a habitual violator or driver has had their license suspended three times within five years. In that case, it is probably time to think about improving your driving seriously.
Another reason why one may lose driving privileges is through DUI convictions. DUI means driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which it is a serious offense. A DUI conviction will automatically result in a license suspension. Depending on the blood alcohol content (BAC) level and other factors, the length of the suspension may vary from one month to several years.
Consequently, you may also have your license suspended if you are caught driving without insurance. Proof of insurance will be required when you register your vehicle, and if you are caught driving without it, your license will be suspended, and you will have to pay a fine.
On the other hand, if you miss a court date or forget to pay a fine, you may also have your license suspended. This is called a failure to appear (FTA) suspension.
Some other reasons for getting your license suspended include:
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Driving with a suspended or revoked license
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Failing to appear in court for a traffic violation
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Committing vehicular manslaughter
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Committing a hit and run
Once your license is suspended, you must pay a reinstatement fee before getting your driving privileges back. The amount of the fee will depend on the reason for the suspension.
What Should You Do After Getting a Suspended License?
First of all, remember that there is still a way to retrieve a suspended license. All you need to do is to follow the instructions and submit all necessary documents to process your license reinstatement.
Start with gathering all the documents related to your license suspension. This includes your driver's license, the notice of suspension, and the order of suspension. You will need these documents when you go to reinstate your license.
Once you have organized all the necessary documents, you should pay the required fees next. The reinstatement fee will depend on the reason for your suspension, such as if your license was suspended for accumulating too many points or if your license was suspended for DUI. Keep in mind that these fees are subject to change, so check the latest fees on your state’s website before paying.
Once you have paid the reinstatement fee, you must take a driving test. The road skills test is administered by the Department of Driver Services. Remember that this could vary depending on which state you live in.
After you have passed the road skills test, you will be required to take a vision test. This is to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear corrective lenses, make sure to bring them with you. If you have met all the requirements, the Department of Driver Services will issue you a valid temporary license for 30 days. This license will allow you to drive until your regular driver's license arrives in the mail. Congratulations! You are now back on the road.
Remember that you’ll need to have auto insurance before you start driving again. Although it is required by law, it is also the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The reinstatement of your suspended license usually ranges from three business days to one week. However, if you are a habitual violator, your license may be suspended for up to one year or more, and you will not be eligible for reinstatement until that period has passed.
Do You Really Need to Pay the Reinstatement Fee?
Yes, the reinstatement fee is necessary for getting your driver's license reinstated. This fee also helps to cover the costs associated with reinstating your driving privileges.
It is important to note that the reinstatement fees differ from the fines and penalties associated with your suspension. You will still need to pay any fines or penalties associated with your suspension or the traffic violations you have committed. For example, if you are caught driving without insurance, you could be fined $200 on top of the $200 reinstatement fee. Again, this varies per state so check with your local state laws. So, in this case, you would need to pay fines amounting to $400. These consequences depend on the state, so make sure to check yours!
What if you can't afford to pay the reinstatement fee?
If you can't afford to pay the reinstatement fee, you can request a payment plan from the Department of Driver Services if available in your state. This payment plan will allow you to make monthly payments until the fee is paid in full.
What if you don't pay the reinstatement fee at all?
If you refuse to pay for your reinstatement fee, either because you can’t afford to pay it or you refuse to do so, your license will not be reinstated and will continue to be suspended. You will not be able to drive until you have paid the reinstatement fee in full.
Can Your Insurance Company Help You Pay the Reinstatement Fee?
If your license has been suspended, your insurance company can help you a few ways. First, they can help you find a new insurance policy if you need one. They can also help you with the paperwork and assist you in the process of getting your license reinstated. Lastly, they can offer you discounts on your car insurance if you complete a driver's education course.
While your insurance company can help you reduce your costs, it is still ultimately your responsibility to get your license reinstated.
Are There Any Classes You Need to Take to Provide Proof of Your Driving Skills?
Yes, there are a few classes that you may need to take to get your license reinstated. Depending on your suspension, you may need to take a driver's education course, a defensive driving course, or both. A complete driver exam may also be required.
Additionally, you might also be asked to study financial responsibility and take a written exam on the subject,and alcohol or drug education class, or substance abuse treatment if your license is suspended for DUI.
Nonetheless, the best way to find out which classes you need to take is to contact the Department of Driver Services. They will be able to tell you which classes you are required to take and provide you with adequate information on how to sign up for those classes.
In most cases, you can find a list of approved driver education courses and defensive driving courses on your state’s Department of Driver Services or Motor Vehicle Bureau website.
What If You Got Your Driver's License Revoked?
If your license has been revoked, you will need to go through the process of applying for a new one. This includes taking a written exam, a road test, and paying all the necessary fees.
A revocation is a more serious offense than a suspension and is generally given for more serious offenses, such as DUI. Consequently, getting a revoked license reinstated can be more difficult than getting a suspended one reinstated. The revocation period is also generally longer, so it might take some time before you can get your driving privileges back. Typically, the revocation period can take anywhere from one to five years, depending on the offense. The length of this waiting period will also depend on the state in which you live and the reason for your revocation.
Conclusion
Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right. And with that privilege comes a responsibility to yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. If you break the law or drive recklessly, you risk having your driver's license suspended or revoked. But, if you find yourself in this situation, all is not lost. You can get your license reinstated, but it will take time, money, and effort to get your suspension or revocation lifted.
To avoid driver's license suspensions, follow all traffic laws, drive safely, and do not drink and drive. If you have a traffic citation, take care of it on time. Pay your ticket promptly or contest it in court. And finally, make sure to keep your insurance coverage up-to-date at all times.
If you face a license suspension or revocation, take the necessary steps to reinstate your license as soon as possible. The sooner you take care of the problem, the sooner you can get back on the road legally.
