Drivers License Suspension

Certain types of criminal convictions can result in the driver's license suspension or revocation of a license. Driver's license suspensions suspend all driving privileges for a temporary time period but allow drivers to reapply for their license after all requirements for reinstatement have been met.

Many states allow a drivers license to be immediately suspended through an Administrative License Suspension (through the Department of Motor Vehicles and separate from criminal proceedings which can include jail, fines, community service, and other punishments ) if a driver either fails a blood alcohol concentration test or refuses to take a blood alcohol concentration test after they are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Drivers who have had their driver's license suspended through an administration license suspension may challenge the suspension through a hearing, which is scheduled a certain number of days after the DUI arrest. If the hearing is not requested by the appropriate time the driver's license will automatically be suspended for a set period of time. The amount of time for the suspension varies by state and may be increased if the driver has committed prior DUI offenses.

Drivers may also have their license suspended for a variety of other driving infractions. Laws for suspension will vary by state but may include the following:

• Vehicular homicide
• Using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony
• Hit and run accident
• Racing another driver
• Conviction of a DUI
• Attempting to flee or evade an officer with a motor vehicle
• Conviction of driving without insurance
• Driving a motorized vehicle with registration that has previously been suspended, revoked or cancelled.
• Driving a motorized vehicle without insurance
• Refusing to appear in court to respond to a driving citation
• Accumulating a certain number of "points" within a specified time period (in certain states only)
• Possessing, manufacturing, cultivating or distributing a controlled substance